CarryRules

How much Cats and dogs can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Restricted

You can bring Cats and dogs into United Arab Emirates only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage
Checked baggage
Declaration Above allowance
Limit 2 piece

What you need to know

  • 2 piece
  • Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Questions about Cats and dogs in United Arab Emirates

How many cats and dogs can I bring into United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates allows 2 cats and dogs per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Source: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) — Import of pets (cats / dogs) - Conditions & Requirements · verified 2026-09-19

Do I have to declare cats and dogs at United Arab Emirates customs?
Only above the allowance. Up to 2 cats and dogs there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

Source: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) — Import of pets (cats / dogs) - Conditions & Requirements · verified 2026-09-19

What happens if I do not declare cats and dogs in United Arab Emirates?
Under Dubai Customs Policy, 'Declaration and Inspection of Items or, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are held until you leave the country. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are confiscated.

Source: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) — Customs Policies 2005-2020 · verified 2026-09-20

Can I take cats and dogs out of United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking cats and dogs out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for cats and dogs apply per person or per family?
Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Source: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) — Import of pets (cats / dogs) - Conditions & Requirements · verified 2026-09-19

Where does this rule come from?
Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) states it in Import of pets (cats / dogs) - Conditions & Requirements. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

Source: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) — Import of pets (cats / dogs) - Conditions & Requirements · verified 2026-09-19

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on cats and dogs?
Of the 21 countries covered here, 0 prohibit cats and dogs, 21 limit it and 0 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.