How do I take my pet back to the UK?
Dogs and cats can come to Great Britain from the UAE without quarantine, if the paperwork is right and they fly on an approved route. Start at least two months ahead.
In 30 seconds
- The UAE is a “listed” country, so no rabies blood test is needed
- Your pet needs a microchip, an up-to-date rabies vaccine and a Great Britain pet health certificate, and must arrive within 10 days of it being issued
- Pets fly into Great Britain as cargo on an approved route, not in the cabin
Your countdown
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 2–3 months before | Check the microchip works and the rabies vaccine is in date. The chip must go in before, or at the same time as, the vaccine. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel, when your pet is at least 12 weeks old |
| 6–8 weeks before | Book an approved route, directly or through a pet relocation company, and buy an airline-approved crate. Ask about any summer limits on flying pets |
| Before you fly | Get the UAE export health certificate from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Call 800 3050 for current fees and timings |
| Within 10 days of arrival | An official vet issues the Great Britain pet health certificate |
| 1–5 days before arrival | Dogs only: a vet gives tapeworm treatment between 24 hours and 5 days before you arrive, and records it on the certificate |
| Arrival | Checks at the animal reception centre, then collect your pet |
How pets fly
Pets must travel into Great Britain as cargo on an approved route, unless they’re assistance dogs or on a chartered private plane. In October 2026 the approved routes from the UAE included Emirates SkyCargo to Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle, and Etihad to Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh. The list changes, so confirm with the airline.
Snub-nosed breeds and the heat
Emirates SkyCargo only carries snub-nosed breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Persian and British Shorthair cats, from November to April and under conditions. If you’re leaving in summer, talk to the airline or a relocation company early.
Banned breeds in Great Britain
Pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros and XL Bullies are banned. You can’t bring one in unless it already has a valid certificate of exemption, and new XL Bully exemptions in England and Wales are now only granted by a court.
What it costs
Air freight from Dubai to the UK costs from about USD 900–1,500 for a cat or small dog, and USD 2,500–4,500 or more for a large breed, before vet fees and any relocation company. Estimates from June 2026: get quotes Pets can come in free of import duty and VAT under transfer of residence relief. See How do we settle back into the UK?
What to do next
- Check your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccine dates
- Ask two pet relocation companies for quotes
- Call MOCCAE on 800 3050 about the export certificate
Keep going
- GOV.UK: which pet travel document you need
- GOV.UK: rabies vaccination for pets
- GOV.UK: Great Britain pet health certificate
- GOV.UK: tapeworm treatment for dogs
- GOV.UK: pet travel routes
- GOV.UK: approved air routes for pets
- Emirates: travelling with animals
- Emirates SkyCargo: pets leaflet
- MOCCAE: export health certificate for animals
- GOV.UK: banned dogs
- GOV.UK: XL Bully ban
- Pet Holiday Club: pet relocation costs from Dubai (Jun 2026)
- GOV.UK: transfer of residence relief