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Moving a dog or cat from the UAE to United States

UAE is on CDC's high-risk dog rabies list (updated 15 Apr 2026). Plan on about 58 days if you're starting from scratch, or 28 if your pet is already microchipped and rabies-vaccinated (dogs). For cats: about 21 days from scratch, or 7 if already vaccinated.

Cats: CDC has no federal rabies requirement for cats.

  1. Do first

    MicrochipDogs only

    Implanted before the rabies vaccine or the vaccine is invalid.

  2. At least 28 days before

    Rabies vaccinationDogs only

    First vaccine at 12 weeks or older and at least 28 days before entry. Dog must be at least 6 months old on arrival.

  3. At least 28 days before

    Rabies serology titer (CDC-approved lab)Dogs only

    Blood drawn at least 30 days after first valid vaccine and at least 28 days before entry. Without a valid titer the dog must do a 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered facility.

  4. At least 30 days before

    Reserve CDC-registered animal care facilityDogs only

    Mandatory for foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries: exam + revaccination (+28-day quarantine if no valid titer). Fly directly into that airport.

  5. 1–30 days before

    Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and MicrochipDogs only

    Completed by your vet and endorsed by an official government vet no more than 30 days before travel; single use.

  6. 1–7 days before

    CDC Dog Import FormDogs only

    Online, free; recommended a few days before travel. Receipt valid only for the stated arrival date and airport.

  7. Before travel

    Healthy on arrivalCats only

    CDC does not require a rabies vaccine or import form for cats. Cats can be examined at the port of entry if they look sick.

  8. At least 21 days before

    Rabies vaccination (state and airline rules)Cats only

    Many US states, and most airlines, expect a current rabies vaccine. Get it done and carry the certificate. Check your destination state.

  9. 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: CDC: High-risk countries for dog rabies · CDC: Foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries · CDC: Bringing a cat into the United States. Last checked 2026-10-23.

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