Wagport
Route guide

Moving a dog from the UAE to France

EU rules apply: UAE is listed (Annex II, Implementing Reg. (EU) 2026/636), so no rabies blood test. Plan on about 25 days if you're starting from scratch, or 10 if your dog is already microchipped and rabies-vaccinated.

  1. Do first

    Microchip

    Vaccine date must not precede the microchip date.

  2. At least 21 days before

    Rabies vaccination

    Dog at least 12 weeks old at vaccination; validity starts 21 days after primary vaccination.

  3. 1–10 days before

    EU animal health certificate

    Issued by an official (or authorised + endorsed) vet; valid 10 days from issue until checks at the EU point of entry; then 6 months for onward EU travel (or until rabies vaccine expires).

  4. Before travel

    Owner declaration (non-commercial)

    Owner must travel with the pet or within 5 days of it; max 5 pets.

  5. Before travel

    Travellers' point of entry

    Enter through a designated travellers' point of entry for document and ID checks.

  6. Before travel

    France dangerous-dog rules

    France restricts 'category 1' attack-type dogs (import of these is understood to be banned) and requires a detention permit for category 2. Check your dog's breed or type before booking.

  7. 1–5 days before

    MOCCAE export permit + health certificate UAE side · to confirm

    Apply through the MOCCAE portal/app once destination documents are ready. Secondary sources report the permit is issued in 24–48h and the health certificate 24–72h before departure.

Official sources: European Commission: Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country · European Commission: Listing of non-EU countries · Ministère de l'Agriculture: chiens de catégorie 1 et 2. Last checked 2026-10-23.

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