Pet Relocation to United Arab Emirates

Who can bring a pet?

The published MOCCAE service is for importing pet cats and dogs. Check the current prohibited-breed list for dogs before proceeding. Confirm that the intended entry airport, number of pets, ownership purpose and flight arrangement fit the permit conditions.

Microchip

A permanent microchip is required. Its number in the health certificate must match the pet and vaccination records. Scan the chip before applying and have the number copied accurately into the permit and travel documents.

Rabies vaccination

The animal must have rabies vaccination in line with the vaccine manufacturer’s instructions and MOCCAE age rules. The service guidance specifies starting rabies vaccination no earlier than 12 weeks of age. Keep other required vaccine records current as well.

Rabies titre test

MOCCAE requires a rabies antibody titration report when a pet is imported from a country it classifies as high risk. The test must be issued by an approved lab and satisfy the current sampling and result conditions. Indonesia’s classification must be confirmed against MOCCAE’s live list or permit decision; do not infer it from another country’s rabies list.

Import permit

Apply for the MOCCAE import permit before the pet travels. The current service PDF states the permit is valid for 90 days from issue and gives a one-working-day service time for a complete application, but document checks and export preparation add time. Do not treat the service time as an end-to-end timeline.

Government documents

The arrival file includes the MOCCAE import permit, microchip and vaccination record or pet passport, an attested official veterinary health certificate from Indonesia, and a rabies titre report if MOCCAE classifies the source as high risk. The release request also uses the customs declaration or airway bill. Separately, when a pet actually leaves Indonesia, Barantin asks the sender to report the export through PTK Online and provide destination-required veterinary documents, vaccination records and, for dogs and cats, a protective rabies titre result. The pet is then presented at a designated exit point for quarantine inspection; an Animal Health Certificate is issued if requirements are met. If the final export is from a third country, use that country’s export certificate instead.

Quarantine and arrival inspection

The service describes inspection and release at the entry port when the pet matches the permit and technical conditions. If records do not match or the animal fails inspection, release can be delayed and additional official measures may apply. Confirm whether the current permit assigns any separate isolation requirement.

Airline requirements

MOCCAE’s regulation says cats and dogs must be shipped under IATA live-animal transport terms. Confirm carrier acceptance, destination airport, cargo booking and arrival inspection timing before purchasing a ticket.

Travel crate

Use an IATA-compliant crate accepted by the airline and sized for the individual animal. It must allow natural standing, turning and lying, with secure fasteners, ventilation and water access. Confirm whether the carrier has breed-specific or seasonal restrictions.

Timeline

Allow time to confirm Indonesia’s rabies-risk category, complete vaccination and any titre window, receive the import permit, obtain an attested export health certificate and book the airline. The permit is valid for 90 days; align the planned arrival inside that window.

Cost factors

Costs include vet visits, vaccination and possible serology, MOCCAE permit and release fees, Indonesian official certificate and attestation, airline freight, compliant crate, handling and local delivery. Use MOCCAE’s current fee table; old fee pages can conflict with the current service.

Frequently asked questions

Does an Indonesia-to-UAE move always need a rabies titre test?

Only if MOCCAE classifies the exporting country as high risk. Confirm Indonesia’s current classification with MOCCAE or in the permit decision before sampling.

How long is the UAE import permit valid?

The current MOCCAE service description says 90 days from the date it is issued. Plan the flight and export certificate within that validity period.

Can the pet travel in the cabin?

That depends on the airline, aircraft, pet size and route. MOCCAE also requires transport under IATA live-animal terms, so confirm the exact service with the operating carrier.

Official sources

Checked against the linked official sources on 24 October 2026. Rules can change; verify again before preparing your pet.

Pet relocation from Indonesia to United Arab Emirates