John Mason International are trusted experts in pet relocation to Abu Dhabi, offering stress-free, personalised care for your furry family members from collection in the UK to safe arrival.
Our team manages all vet checks, paperwork, import permits, and comfortable transit, ensuring pets fly relaxed and ready to settle in their new home.
Relocating a pet to Abu Dhabi is a significant step that requires careful planning, knowledge of regulations, and expert support. At John Mason International, with over a century of experience in international removals, we understand the importance of ensuring your beloved pet’s safe, comfortable, and smooth journey to their new home. It is important to note that you’re only allowed to import a maximum of two pets into the UAE.
Abu Dhabi is a vibrant and modern city appealing to expats, with excellent amenities and a pet-friendly culture, making it an ideal destination for animal lovers. Moving a pet overseas involves navigating strict import rules, vaccinations, travel logistics, and documentation that can be daunting without guidance.
Our dedicated pet relocation service to Abu Dhabi is tailored to manage every detail for you, from veterinary checks and microchipping to customs clearance and flight arrangements, so you can focus on settling in and enjoying your new life.
Using our expertise, your pet’s wellbeing and compliance with Abu Dhabi’s requirements are guaranteed, allowing a stress-free transition to this exciting new chapter in the UAE.
Our pet relocation service to Abu Dhabi offers a complete, personalised solution tailored to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of your pet throughout the entire journey.
From the initial consultation, we handle all necessary veterinary appointments, including microchipping and vaccinations, and secure all required documentation, such as health certificates and the official import permit.
We arrange travel with approved airlines using IATA-compliant travel crates designed to provide maximum comfort and security.
Our service includes managing customs clearance on arrival, coordinating door-to-door transport if needed, and providing regular updates to keep you informed every step of the way.
With our expert care and thorough logistical support, your pet’s relocation to Abu Dhabi will be as smooth and worry-free as possible.
The process begins with a consultation to understand your pet’s health, travel requirements, and schedules. We then assist with microchipping and vaccinations, followed by obtaining the necessary import permit.
All transport and crate arrangements are handled professionally, using airlines that meet Abu Dhabi’s standards. Your pet is accompanied or closely monitored through every stage, arriving ready to settle in Abu Dhabi’s welcoming environment.
To ensure a comfortable journey, familiarise your pet with its travel crate early on. Our team advises on stress reduction techniques and works with your veterinarian to confirm all vaccinations and health checks are timely and complete.
Sedatives are not recommended, as they can affect your pet’s respiratory system during flight. Proper preparation helps your pet adapt more easily to the travel experience.
The costs of pet relocation to Abu Dhabi depend on several key factors. Here is an overview of what can influence the price:
At John Mason International, transparent and personalised quotations are provided upfront so pet owners can plan their budget with confidence and avoid hidden fees.
All pets must be microchipped with an ISO compliant 15-digit microchip registered in the pet’s name as a mandatory requirement for entry into Abu Dhabi.
Your pet must have up-to-date vaccinations administered at least 21 days and no more than 12 months before arrival. Additional vaccinations may be required based on the species and country of origin.
Vaccinations required must include:
Travel crates must comply with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, providing enough space, ventilation, secure locks, and absorbent bedding.
Required documents include a recent veterinary health certificate, vaccination records, parasite treatment proof, an import permit, and an attestation that the pet has not been exposed to contagious diseases.
An import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is required prior to travel, valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
In the 24 hours before departure, your pet must have a final health check administered by a Vet, or a Local Vet Inspector of DEFRA.
Abu Dhabi prohibits the import of certain dog breeds, including American Pit Bull Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, and several mastiff breeds. Service animals may have exemptions with proper certification.
The UAE does not prevent the import of any domesticated cat breeds, but does limit the import of exotic cats.
You can find a full list of banned dog breeds below:
At John Mason International, we can help you with more than just pet relocation. We offer a range of relocation services to the Middle East, including:
Abu Dhabi is increasingly pet-friendly, offering many outdoor spaces, parks, beaches, and cafés where pets are welcome.
As regular walks for dogs are essential for their well-being, it is worth considering the heat in Abu Dhabi and how to combat that, such as walking them late in the evening or early in the morning.
Yes! You can use a website like FlightRadar or FlightAware to track your pet’s journey. We also make sure to provide you with regular updates throughout the process for extra peace of mind.
