A Comprehensive Guide to Stress-Free Pet Travel to and from Dubai

Planning to travel with your darling pet?  Pet travel is a wonderful experience, but one that requires you to plan and prepare a little. To ease the process, we have made this handy guide that will cover all aspects of your journey. From the documentation and medical records required by the airline you select and the cost of it all, this guide will ease your travel and act as a checklist of sorts that you can use while planning your journey. 

Here Is a Guide for Stress-Free Pet Travel to And from Dubai

Paperwork for Pets 

• Vaccination Record/Passport: Your pet has a passport just like you do. A pet passport is required when travelling to or from Dubai; also known as their vaccination record, a pet passport contains your pet’s identification, vaccination history, and treatment history. You should ensure this document is complete and updated before your travels.
  
  
• Pet Microchip: A pet microchip is a tiny electronic chip, which is implanted on a pet underneath its skin using the same process as a normal vaccination. These chips are tiny and are differentiated by a Unique Identification Number. These chips require no power, and the unique identification number means no two microchips are the same. Choose an ISO 11784/11785 microchips, as these are standardized and accepted worldwide for pet travel. 

Vaccinations 

Travelling pets to or from Dubai will require vaccinations to comply with the import guidelines of MOCCAE and the local municipality. Here are the basic vaccinations you will require to travel with your pet to or from Dubai.

• For Dogs: Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza vaccinations (+leptospirosis and Bordetella, if required by destination). 
• For Cats: Rabies, feline distemper (panleukopenia), feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus vaccinations.

Certifications & Permits 

There are a few certifications and permits you will need to travel with your pet to or from Dubai. 

• International Health Certificate: This certificate is issued by an authorized veterinarian. It confirms that your pet has been examined by a veterinarian and is fit-to-fly, which is also why this certificate is sometimes called a fit-to-fly certificate. This health certificate is required within 10 days of your planned date of travel.
• Import/Export Permit: Each country has its own set of import rules and regulations. Before travelling, make sure you research the import/export guidelines and acquire any necessary permits.  Along with the permits, some countries may have additional mandatory import requirements such as quarantine or internal/external parasite treatment, so do your research and adhere to the import/export requirements. 

Cost of Travel  

Travelling with your pet, like everything else in the world, has certain costs that come with it. Aside from obvious costs like airline tickets and transportation, there are other costs throughout the process. 

• IATA Approved Pet Crate: Every airline lists an IATA-approved crate as a mandatory travel requirement, for both domestic and international pet travel. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has certain guidelines when it comes to your pet’s crate to ensure they have a safe and comfortable journey, which is why pets can only travel in a fibre crate. 
• Pet Relocation Services: If you are overwhelmed by the planning process, you can opt for a professional pet relocation service. While they will charge you, they will also take care of every aspect of the journey on your behalf, which means no worrying about paperwork, bookings, transportation, or testing. 
• Pet House-sitters: If you are worried about your pet and their presence is not mandatory, you can hire a pet babysitter to take care of them while you are away. The familiar surroundings will ensure your pet stays free of stress.  
• Pet Boarding: If you must travel and your pet cannot, you can always choose a reputable pet boarding facility. These facilities can offer a welcoming environment for your pet, and you can leave detailed instructions, so your pet is cared for while you are away. 

Pet-Friendly Airlines 

• Lufthansa: Lufthansa is famed for its comprehensive pet travel services. Aside from their selection of pet-friendly routes and services, they have rigorous safety checks and requirements, meaning your pets will be safe and comfortable no matter the destination. To top it off, they have a pet-specific lounge in Frankfurt, which has been referred to as the most advanced animal station in the world. 
• Etihad Airways: Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways is a flag-bearing airline of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways is a pet-friendly airline, with pet parents welcome to travel with their pets on board. They are also familiar with the customs regulations of the UAE, making them an excellent choice for stress-free pet travel in and out of the country. 
• Qatar Airways: With pet-friendly travel provisions and trained staff who are experts in facilitating pet transport, Qatar Airways is a good choice for a smooth journey. They are also among the few airlines that permit falcons to travel in-cabin which may be an important aspect depending on your pet. 
• Air France : Air France provides detailed instructions and guidelines for pet travel, which ensures you have a hassle-free trip with nothing to worry about while travelling. Be sure to adhere to the excellent crate measurement guidelines and tips. 
• KLM Airlines : KLM Airlines is reputed for its excellent pet travel options, with passengers having a choice of in-cabin or cargo travel for their pets. Be sure to measure and weigh your pet before travelling, as these will help you decide your mode of transportation and allow you to prepare accordingly. 

To conclude, pet travel can be a wonderful experience provided you plan and prepare properly. Be sure to plan, keep your pet's paperwork up to date, get them the necessary vaccinations, and select a pet-friendly airline when you are travelling. Pet travel to or from Dubai has never been easier, with a wide range of options available to pet parents, and provided you plan and prepare with your pet's well-being in mind, you should have a wonderful journey together.