Take My Cat
02
Jul
Pets and Animals

Can I Take My Cat When I Travel or Move from Dubai?

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Can I Take My Cat When I Travel from Dubai

✈️ Introduction

Moving abroad or traveling internationally from Dubai is a big deal — especially when your furry companion is involved. For cat lovers, leaving their pet behind isn’t an option, but bringing a cat along from the UAE involves more than just booking a flight and showing up at the airport. Take My Cat

So, you’re probably wondering:

“Can I take my cat with me when I travel or relocate from Dubai?”

The short answer is yes, but the long answer involves vaccination records, airline rules, international import regulations, microchips, crate sizes, and plenty of emotional preparation — both for you and your feline friend.

Whether you’re relocating permanently, going on an extended vacation, or moving for work or studies, this guide will walk you through every step of taking your cat with you when departing from Dubai. And if you’re still preparing to adopt a kitten in Dubai, check out Paradize Kitties Home for well-socialized, travel-ready kittens with proper veterinary records. Take My Cat

🐾 Section 1: Is It Possible to Travel or Move Abroad with a Cat from Dubai?

Yes — it is absolutely possible to take your cat with you when traveling or moving abroad from Dubai. In fact, thousands of residents do it every year. Dubai has well-established systems in place for exporting pets safely and legally, and most airlines operating from DXB and DWC offer pet transport services.

However, this isn’t a last-minute task. Moving a cat across borders requires:

  • Careful planning

  • The right documentation

  • Coordination with airlines and local vets

  • Compliance with destination country laws

Depending on your cat’s age, breed, health, and temperament, some destinations may require months of preparation, such as rabies titers, quarantines, or microchipping. Take My Cat

📝 Section 2: Documents & Requirements for Taking Your Cat Out of the UAE

Here are the main documents you’ll need to legally and safely export your cat from Dubai:

✅ 1. Pet Passport or Vaccination Booklet

Issued by your vet, it must include:

  • Microchip number

  • Full vaccination history

  • Rabies vaccine certificate (must be more than 21 days old and less than 12 months old). Take My Cat

✅ 2. Export Permit from UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE)

To legally export a pet, apply online via:
https://www.moccae.gov.ae

You’ll need:

  • Emirates ID copy

  • Pet’s microchip number

  • Valid vaccination records

  • Vet-issued health certificate

✅ 3. Health Certificate (Vet-Issued)

Issued within 7 days before departure, this states your cat is healthy and fit to fly.

✅ 4. Rabies Titer Test (for certain countries)

For destinations like the UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand, your cat must undergo a rabies antibody blood testat least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, followed by a 3-month waiting period before entry. Take My Cat

🛫 Section 3: Airline Regulations for Cats Departing from Dubai

Not all airlines have the same rules for flying with cats, so it’s essential to check with your airline early. Here’s a breakdown of how major UAE carriers handle cats:

✈️ Emirates Airlines

  • Cats can travel in cargo only, not in the cabin.

  • Book through Emirates SkyCargo or a registered pet relocation agent.

  • Crate must meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards.

  • Requires a health certificate + export permit.

✈️ Etihad Airways

  • Cats can travel as checked baggage (if under 32 kg with carrier).

  • Cabin travel is not permitted.

  • Booking must be made at least 7 days in advance.

  • Check for specific routes where pets are allowed.

✈️ Other Airlines That Allow Cabin Travel:

Some international carriers allow cats in the cabin if flying out of Dubai, including:

  • Lufthansa

  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

  • Air France

  • Turkish Airlines

  • Qatar Airways

Tip: If you want your cat to stay with you in the cabin, you may need to fly out with an international carrier rather than a UAE-based one.

🧺 Section 4: Cabin vs. Cargo — Which Option Is Best for Your Cat?

Choosing between cabin and cargo travel depends on a mix of your airline, your cat’s temperament, size, and the destination’s pet import rules. Take My Cat

🐱 Cabin Travel (In-Cabin)

This is the least stressful option for cats, as they stay close to you during the flight.

Pros:

  • Cat stays under your seat in a soft-sided IATA-approved carrier.

  • Less chance of temperature shock or isolation stress.

  • Easier to monitor during flight.

Cons:

  • Not allowed by Emirates or Etihad.

  • Weight restrictions apply (usually under 8 kg including carrier).

  • Limited space to stretch or use a litter box.

Best for: Calm, small cats traveling on Lufthansa, KLM, or Turkish Airlines. Take My Cat

📦 Cargo Travel (As Manifest Cargo or Checked Baggage)

If your airline doesn’t allow in-cabin pets or your cat is too large, cargo is the only option.

Pros:

  • Available on all international routes.

  • Well-regulated with temperature and pressure-controlled holds.

  • Mandatory for some countries like the UK and Australia.

Cons:

  • Cats are separated from you during the entire flight.

  • More stressful for anxious or senior cats.

  • Slightly more expensive due to additional documentation and crate requirements.

Important: Choose direct flights when possible to avoid long layovers in unfamiliar airports. Take My Cat

📏 Section 5: Approved Cat Carriers and Crate Sizing

A travel crate isn’t just a box — it’s your cat’s safe space for the journey. Choosing the wrong one can lead to delays, discomfort, or rejection at check-in.

✅ Cabin Carrier Requirements (Soft-Sided)

  • Dimensions: Must fit under the seat (typically max. 45 x 30 x 25 cm)

  • Well-ventilated mesh sides

  • Leak-proof bottom with absorbent bedding

  • Zippered openings for access

Popular Brands: Sherpa, Sleepypod, Sturdibag

✅ Cargo Crate Requirements (Hard-Sided, IATA-Compliant)

  • Sturdy plastic with ventilation on 3 sides

  • Metal bolts — not plastic clips

  • Absorbent bedding (puppy pads, towel)

  • Food/water bowls attached to the inside of the door

  • “Live Animal” stickers and name tags

Sizing Rule:
Your cat should be able to:

  • Stand without crouching

  • Turn around comfortably

  • Lie down with legs extended

Use this IATA formula:
Length = nose to base of tail + ½ leg length
Height = top of head or ears when sitting upright

🩺 Section 6: Pre-Flight Vet Check and Health Certificate

Your final veterinary checkup is not optional — it’s a mandatory step in the export and airline process.

What Happens at the Vet Visit (7–10 Days Before Travel):

  • Physical exam to confirm your cat is healthy for travel

  • Confirmation of vaccinations, especially rabies and FVRCP

  • Microchip scan to ensure registration

  • Issue of official health certificate (signed and stamped)

  • Advice on anti-nausea or anti-anxiety options for the flight, if needed

Tip:

Ask your vet to print a duplicate of the health certificate and laminate it for quick access at borders. Take My Cat

🚨 UAE Departure Health Tip:

If you’re flying in peak summer (May–September), verify that your airline and destination accept live animals during hot-weather embargo periods. Some carriers suspend pet travel during extreme heat. Take My Cat

💉 Section 7: Vaccination & Microchip Requirements

To export your cat from Dubai, you must follow strict veterinary protocols. Most countries — especially in Europe, North America, and Asia — require up-to-date vaccinations and ISO-compliant microchipping. Take My Cat

✅ Required Vaccinations:

  1. Rabies

    • Must be administered at least 21 days before travel and no older than 12 months.

    • Proof must be in English or bilingual and signed/stamped by your Dubai vet.

  2. FVRCP Combo Vaccine

    • Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.

    • Usually administered in a 2- or 3-shot series during kittenhood, with annual boosters.

✅ Microchipping:

  • Your cat must be microchipped before the rabies vaccine is given.

  • The chip should be ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit, non-encrypted).

  • Make sure your vet scans and confirms it before issuing your health certificate.

💡 Pro Tip:

Always carry original vaccination documents + certified English translations if your records are bilingual or in Arabic. Take My Cat

🌍 Section 8: Traveling Within the GCC vs. International Destinations

🇸🇦 Traveling to Other GCC Countries (Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)

Pet relocation within the Gulf Cooperation Council is simpler than overseas, but still regulated.

Requirements:

  • Valid rabies and FVRCP vaccination

  • Export permit from MOCCAE (UAE)

  • Import permit from the destination country’s agriculture ministry

  • Microchip

Note: Land travel is permitted but can be stressful in the heat — air-conditioned transport and scheduled breaks are essential. Take My Cat

🌎 Traveling Internationally (Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania)

Each country has its own rules, so always consult with your destination’s embassy or agricultural department. Here’s a summary of common requirements:

🌐 Section 9: Country-Specific Import Rules

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

  • Rabies titer test required (blood test must show adequate antibodies).

  • 3-month waiting period after titer test before entry.

  • Only cargo pet travel allowed; no pets in cabin.

🇨🇦 Canada

🇺🇸 United States

  • Rabies vaccine is required for cats entering from high-risk countries (UAE may be considered low-risk depending on updates).

  • No quarantine unless documents are incomplete.

  • Some states may have separate rules.

🇪🇺 European Union (France, Germany, Netherlands, etc.)

  • Rabies titer test mandatory for non-EU countries.

  • Must be microchipped and have rabies vaccination before the blood test.

  • Entry allowed 90 days after successful titer test.

🇦🇺 Australia

  • One of the strictest.

  • Rabies titer test + long waiting periods.

  • Minimum 10 days quarantine on arrival.

  • Use of an approved pet relocation service is almost always required. Take My Cat

🧠 Section 10: How to Help Your Cat Handle Travel Stress

Cats are creatures of habit. So when they’re removed from familiar environments, placed in carriers, and surrounded by strange smells, sounds, and temperatures — stress is inevitable.

But there’s good news: With the right preparation, you can help your cat travel comfortably.

🐾 Tips for Stress-Free Travel:

1. Crate Training

  • Let your cat spend 15–30 minutes per day in the travel crate leading up to your trip.

  • Use treats, toys, and soft bedding to create a positive association.

2. Pheromone Sprays

  • Products like Feliway mimic calming cat hormones.

  • Spray inside the crate 15 minutes before placing your cat inside.

3. Familiar Scents

  • Line the crate with a blanket or shirt that smells like home (or you).

  • Avoid washing bedding just before the trip.

4. Light Feeding

  • Feed a small meal 4–6 hours before travel.

  • Avoid full meals right before the flight to reduce nausea or vomiting.

5. Speak Softly, Act Calmly

  • Your tone and energy affect your cat.

  • Remain calm and confident — cats are very good at reading your emotions.

6. Talk to Your Vet About Calming Aids

  • Some cats benefit from mild sedatives or anti-anxiety supplements.

  • Only use under professional veterinary guidance — never medicate without approval.

🎒 Section 11: What to Pack in Your Cat’s Travel Kit

When traveling or relocating from Dubai with your cat, being organized is key. You’ll want to pack a travel kit with essentials for both the journey and the first 48 hours in your new destination. Take My Cat

✅ Must-Haves for Travel Day:

  • Pet passport / vaccination booklet

  • Health certificate (signed within 7 days of travel)

  • Airline-approved carrier or crate

  • Absorbent bedding or puppy training pads

  • A small ziplock of dry food and soft treats

  • Collapsible food and water bowls

  • Bottled water (avoid relying on tap water in transit)

  • Favorite toy or blanket (familiar scents reduce stress)

  • Feliway travel spray or similar pheromone product

  • Towel or disposable gloves (in case of accidents)

🧳 Bonus Prep Tips:

  • Attach a label on the carrier with your name, phone number, destination address, and “LIVE ANIMAL” sticker.

  • Keep digital copies of all documents on your phone and print 2–3 hard copies. Take My Cat

🚚 Section 12: Should You Use a Pet Relocation Service in Dubai?

While it’s possible to manage cat relocation on your own, using a professional pet relocation service in Dubai can save you from mistakes, rejections, or delays at customs. Take My Cat

🎯 When It’s a Good Idea:

  • Traveling to countries with strict regulations (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore)

  • You’re short on time

  • You’re traveling with multiple pets

  • Your cat has medical issues or is very anxious

📋 Services Typically Include:

  • Export permit and health certificate handling

  • Flight booking and cargo coordination

  • Vet checks, microchipping, and vaccinations

  • Destination country import documentation

  • Door-to-door pickup and delivery

🏆 Trusted Pet Relocation Companies in UAE:

  • JetSet Pets

  • Move One Pet Transportation

  • Pawsome Pets Relocation

  • EuroPets

  • Pets Go Global

At Paradize Kitties Home, we help adoptive families connect with trusted relocation experts, especially when planning international moves.

💰 Section 13: Cost of Moving Your Cat from Dubai

The cost of relocating your cat from Dubai varies greatly depending on:

  • Destination country

  • Airline & class (cabin vs. cargo)

  • Pet relocation company (if used)

  • Size and weight of your cat and crate

  • Quarantine or testing requirements

📊 Approximate Cost Breakdown:

Expense Estimated Range (AED)
Airline Pet Travel (Cargo) 1,500 – 4,000
Cabin Travel (International Airline) 600 – 1,200
Vet Checks + Vaccinations 300 – 800
Microchipping 100 – 250
Export Permit 50 – 200
Crate/Carrier 150 – 500
Pet Relocation Services 3,000 – 9,000
Rabies Titer Test 300 – 600
Quarantine (if required) 500 – 2,000+

Important: These are averages. Always get quotes based on your cat’s weight, destination, and preferred service. Take My Cat

🏡 Section 14: Settling in a New Country – What to Expect

Arriving in a new country is exciting — but also overwhelming for both humans and animals. Here’s how to make your cat’s transition as smooth as possible.

🐾 First 72 Hours Tips:

  • Set up a quiet, enclosed space (bedroom, laundry room) for your cat to acclimate.

  • Use familiar bedding and toys. Take My Cat

  • Don’t force interaction — let your cat explore at its own pace.

  • Keep food and water bowls nearby, and offer small portions at first. Take My Cat

🌎 Regional Adjustments:

  • Climate differences: Cats from UAE may take time adjusting to colder countries — consider heating pads or warm bedding.

  • Local vet registration: Find a vet in your area within the first week.

  • New ID tag or microchip registration: Update your contact info with the new country’s registry.

🧠 Behavioral Watch:

  • It’s normal for cats to hide, eat less, or vocalize more the first few days.

  • Consult a vet if your cat shows signs of extreme stress (not eating for 48+ hours, vomiting, or aggression). Take My Cat

🐾 Section 15: Should You Rehome Instead of Relocate Your Cat?

Sometimes, the decision to relocate with your cat isn’t straightforward. Pet owners in Dubai often face the dilemma of whether to bring their cat along or rehome them locally. Take My Cat

Here’s a breakdown to help you assess what’s best — for both you and your feline companion.

✅ When You Should Consider Taking Your Cat With You:

  • Your destination is pet-friendly with easy housing rules.

  • Your cat is closely bonded with you or a specific family member.

  • You’re moving long-term or permanently.

  • Your cat is young, healthy, and can handle change.

  • You’ve moved with your cat before successfully.

⚠️ When Rehoming May Be a Kinder Option:

  • You’re moving to a country with a lengthy or stressful quarantine, like Australia or Singapore.

  • Your cat is very old, frail, or suffers from anxiety and doesn’t adapt well to change.

  • You’re moving into shared housing or accommodation that bans pets.

  • Your work will require constant travel, and your cat would be left alone or boarded often.

💡 If You Must Rehome:

  • Work with reputable rescue organizations or UAE-based platforms like Paradize Kitties Home, which helps match cats with compassionate adopters in Dubai. Take My Cat

  • Never give your cat away for free on classifieds — screen the new home.

  • Ask the new family to send updates or allow occasional check-ins for peace of mind. Take My Cat

✈️ Section 16: Stories from UAE Expats Who Moved with Cats

Let’s hear from real cat owners in Dubai who made the big leap with their feline companions. Take My Cat

🐱 Mira & Kiki – Dubai to Berlin

“Kiki had never even been outside before, so I was terrified she’d panic. I spent two months training her with the travel carrier and feeding her in it every day. She traveled in the cabin on Lufthansa and did incredibly well. Honestly, I think I was more anxious than she was. Berlin has been good to her — she loves the cool weather.” Take My Cat

🐱 Ahmed & Simba – Dubai to Toronto

“I used a pet relocation service — best money I’ve ever spent. They handled Simba’s export permit, crate setup, and all airline bookings. The only downside was the cargo travel, but the staff at the airport even took photos of Simba during layovers. Now he’s with me, sleeping next to the fireplace every night.”

🐱 Leila & Coco – Dubai to London

“UK rules are intense. I had to wait three months after Coco’s rabies titer test before she could even fly. I’m glad I started early. She had to go as manifest cargo, but she adjusted quickly when she arrived. We did a lot of crate training to prepare her for solo travel.”

These stories highlight that with preparation and patience, moving your cat from Dubai to anywhere in the world is achievable — and often very rewarding. Take My Cat

📋 Section 17: Final Checklist for Taking Your Cat When Moving from Dubai

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure nothing is missed during your relocation:

🗂 Documentation

  • Updated vaccination booklet

  • Rabies certificate

  • Microchip certificate (ISO-compliant)

  • Health certificate (issued 7 days before departure)

  • Export permit from MOCCAE

  • Rabies titer test (if required by destination)

  • Import permit (for destination country)

  • Print AND digital copies of all documents

✈️ Travel Prep

  • Airline approved carrier/crate

  • Carrier labeled with your contact info

  • Feliway or calming spray

  • Travel food and water supplies

  • Booking confirmation from airline

  • Vet visit 1 week before flight

🏠 Home Transition

  • Safe quiet room set up at new home

  • Familiar bedding and toys

  • Registered with a local vet

  • New pet ID tag / updated microchip registration. Take My Cat

❤️ Section 18: Conclusion – Yes, You Can Take Your Cat When You Move from Dubai

Whether you’re heading to Europe, North America, or staying within the Gulf, it’s absolutely possible to travel or relocate from Dubai with your beloved cat. It requires advance planning, paperwork, airline coordination, and emotional readiness — but the reward is worth it: having your feline best friend by your side in your new home. Take My Cat

Thousands of expat cat lovers in Dubai have done it successfully — and you can too. Take My Cat

If you’re still preparing for a future move and want to adopt a healthy, socialized, and travel-ready kitten, visit Paradize Kitties Home. We provide:

  • Vet-checked kittens with vaccination passports

  • Travel-friendly breeds like British Shorthairs and Persians

  • Supportive advice for relocating with your cat, from day one

Your cat is not just a pet — they’re family. And with the right guidance, your journey together doesn’t have to end when you leave Dubai — it can just be the beginning of a beautiful new chapter. Take My Cat

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