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pet transport through the uae
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Let's imagine your pet is travelling NOT from the UAE... and NOT to the UAE... but through the UAE. Just as with us humans when we travel, your pet too can transit through an airport without ever actually entering the country, en route from his or her country of origin to the final destination. And the UAE is one of the world's major transit hubs not only for people but also for worldwide pet travellers because of its central global geographic location, and great airlines, airports and services.

Now, a journey which includes more than one leg and a transit stop along the way can be done entirely with the same airline (e.g. Emirates Airline from Sydney, through Dubai, on to Manchester). On the other hand, such a journey might otherwise involve an "interline" connection at one of the transit stop airports, and this is a transit using two or more airlines for each leg of the journey because no one airline serves all the required routes; an example of this is Emirates from Sydney to Dubai, but then Royal Brunei from Dubai directly into Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.

Pet Relocations is not just about In or Out

If your pet is transiting and flying onward all on the same airline, then nothing special needs to be done by you to arrange all this because the airline will take care of it for you, including, if booked as manifest cargo, care for your pet while he or she is resting in the transit stop airport (see more about this here).

However, if you are indeed choosing to route your pet's journey through the UAE, and if your pet will need to change airlines upon arrival in the UAE in order to ultimately reach his or her final destination, then your pet will need to be booked to travel as manifest cargo and your interline transiting pet will indeed need permission ~ called an "OK-to-Transit" ~from the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE), and this will need to be gained following your pet's arrival in the UAE and prior to the Customs clearance.

Pet transport, including transits ~ it probably goes without saying but we can help with all this. Take a look at our documents Transiting Pets through the UAE and DKC Transit Form for more information and then... what the heck!... get in touch!

DKC is:

Find animal shippers worldwide here and here.

 
What do you mean by "Airport Oversight"?
Answer

First of all, we do not mean that we are in some way in charge of the airport! Goodness! No, tha

<h5>What do you mean by "Airport Oversight"?</h5><p>First of all, we do <em>not</em> mean that we are in some way in charge of the airport! Goodness! No, that's not at all what we mean. Sounds great, but no. <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png"></p> <p>This is what we mean: In addition to providing "Transit Care" for animals in transit through Dubai International Airport (DXB) and, when required, Dubai World Central (DWC) for Emirates SkyCargo, we are also responsible for the overall well-being and safety of <em>any</em> animal (except horses!) at DXB and DWC during the period of time when all these animals are actually in our care and control in the AVI area (i.e. the animal care area) of the airport, even if those animals are not transiting but instead are importing or exporting. In other words, although we have our own import and export shipments of animals, there are obviously many other imports and exports of animals into/out of DXB which are <em>not</em> DKC's own customers/shipments ~ instead they are shipments being handled by pet owners themselves or other shipping agents. Once these animals come into the airport, either after arrival in the country or while awaiting departure to... someplace somewhere, most of them are cleared or depart without requiring any care or attention of any kind because everything is in order with them and no special circumstances arise. However, while they are in Emirates' CMT AVI area, we provide the necessary oversight to ensure that they are indeed ok, and when there is a need for any additional attention, we are the ones who handle all that for Emirates Airline as their sub-contracted partner. In other words, our general "oversight" means that whether or not we are specifically needed by Emirates or dnata for a specific situation, we simply keep an eye on all animals in the AVI area of the airports to ensure things are alright; if any action is required, be it simple things such as a few minutes of attention for a pet or something more serious requiring veterinary care, DKC are responsible for managing all this.</p> <p>In truth, the vast majority of shipments require no additional attention by us because these animals are being properly handled by the shippers, pet owners and airlines. For what it's worth, nevertheless, we are always around anyway.  <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png"></p>
Can DKC help if my pet is transiting through the UAE?

You bet!

Take a look at Pets Transiting through the UAE.
Is DKC actually doing the shipment of my pet, even if I am doing everything myself, in it's airport oversight role? And what about shipments by other animal shippers?
Answer
<h5>Is DKC actually doing the shipment of my pet, even if I am doing everything myself, in it's airport oversight role? And what about shipments by other animal shippers?</h5> <p>Definitely not. No, DKC is only responsible for the care and oversight of animals once/while they are under the purview of the airport.</p> <p>This means that the owner of a pet or other animal, or any other shipper/forwarding agent for any animal shipment is entirely responsible for the relocation of that animal with regard to the preparation work that goes into shipping animals, either on the import or export side of things, until those animals are handed over to the airline at DXB or DWC. We do not interfere with any of that and we certainly would not try to take credit for anyone else's good work.</p> <p>Our role is only with respect to the care and management of these animals while at the airport, after hand-over from the owner/shipper to airport officials, in the secure animal area of the airport ~ and that's all.</p> <p>Unless, of course, the shipment also happens to be one of our own many shipments we do each year. <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_wink.png"></p>
What do you mean by "Transit Care"?
Answer

Transit Care is the care provided to your pet or other animals when "in transit" from one locatio

<h5>What do you mean by "Transit Care"?</h5><p>Transit Care is the care provided to your pet or other animals when "in transit" from one location to another, but stopping in an intermediary airport along the way before catching a connecting, onward flight. For example, if you're pet is travelling between Montreal and Dubai, a common route would include two flights - one from Dubai to Amsterdam, then another from Amsterdam to Montreal (or vice versa, of course), with a rest period in between those two flights. While in Amsterdam, your pet is given care, including walks and a bit of exercise, food, water, and generally being checked for well-being. And if there are any problems or concerns, they are addressed.</p> <p>As you probably know, the UAE, and in particular Dubai, is now an important global cargo, animal and passenger transit hub, with a resulting increase in the number of animals each year which find themselves stopping over in Dubai for several hours or longer as they await their onward flights to their final destinations. And with the growing prominence of Emirates airline and the development of Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central, this trend is very likely to continue to grow into the future.</p> <p>In short, "transit care" is the care your pet and other animals get by specialist handlers while in transit.</p>
Can I bring my pet into the UAE as accompanied (excess) baggage?

Definitely not. (Uh... sort of!)

Sorry.

In fact, it is very important that you trust this information and do not doubt it as a result of hearing otherwise from some other source. All knowledgeable pet relocators will tell you the same, correct, thing: Animals of all kinds must arrive in the UAE by cargo only.

EXCEPT... for one little potential thing.  :-)  See our document Relocating Pets into the UAE. (Phew!)
What's better... wood or plastic travel boxes?
Answer

Excellent question.
Take a look at A lot about Travel Boxes.

<h5>What's better... wood or plastic travel boxes?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_28.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Excellent question.<br>Take a look at <a href="/what-we-do/global-relocations/a-lot-about-travel-boxes" target="_blank">A lot about Travel Boxes</a>.</p></div>
Food and water for my pet's journey?
Answer
<h5>Food and water for my pet's journey?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_11.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>First of all, to be clear, and VERY importantly, there must <em>always</em> be water available before, during and after the journey. This said, don't overly concern yourself if your pet is not drinking huge amounts before you take her to the airport just because you've given it to her. Let your pet behave normally, drink as she wants, and relax. The key here is that water <em>must always be <strong>available</strong></em> (which is why all travel boxes have a water bowl in them).</p> <p>As to food, however, while there certainly are exceptions, it's actually best that most animals (including dogs and cats) travel on an empty (or close-to-empty) stomach. We understand that you worry your pet will be hungry, especially if it's a long-haul journey, but we ask that you trust this bit of very important advice:</p> <ul> <li>Do not feed your dog or cat for at the very least 4 hours before you drop them off at the airport for departure, and preferably longer. At DKC, we generally aim for about 8-10 hours.<br><br></li> </ul> <p>Unlike human beings who need (or <em>feel</em> they need) to eat regularly, many types of animal, including dogs and cats and others (though, again, there are exceptions to this), are very capable of and even comfortable with going without food for a good 24 hours. Of course we agree that this is not what you want to do every day but in an air-travel situation, we promise you that all your pets and animals will be just fine. In fact, they will be better than if you do feed them because of the:</p> <ul> <li>Reduced likelihood of nausea/vomiting in case they have any kind of reaction to the movement of their crate or as a result of anxiety (though it should be said that vomiting under any circumstances is quite rare).</li> <li>Dramatically reduced risk of toileting (urine and faeces) in their travel box, which means they stay cleaner and more comfortable overall.<br><br></li> </ul> <p>Sound scary? Try not to worry too much. This approach really does work very well indeed.</p></div>
Food and water for my pet's journey?
First of all, to be clear, and VERY...
What does Transit Care have to do with DKC?
Answer
<h5>What does Transit Care have to do with DKC?</h5> <p>Glad you asked!</p> <p>DKC (i.e. Dubai Kennels & Cattery and DKC Veterinary Clinic) is the Animal Handler for Emirates Airline and dnata (and all airlines served by dnata) at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). This means that we provide all care to all animals (pets, exotics, large and small mammals, fish, reptiles, birds, etc... but not horses at this time) which pass through DXB or DWC at any time of day or night, every day of the year.</p> <p>Now, not all types of animal always require "care" per se, but as and when needed, it is we who provide it. This will include the basics, such as water and food, but also inspection of travel crates and their repair or replacement as required; medical attention if needed; procurement and processing of special transit documents, etc. More than this, we are responsible for the general and overall monitoring and assessment of these animals, making decisions on a case-by-case basis as to their needs and providing those needs.</p> <p>The transit care period for all animals consists of basically three phases: taking animals off arriving aircraft and transporting them by air-conditioned vehicle from the aircraft to the AVI area (i.e. animal care area) of the airport for the duration of their transit stop in Dubai; the hours these animals spend in the AVI area being provided care of any kind, including feeding, watering, travel box repair or replacement, medical attention if needed (which thankfully is usually not needed), and anything else they might require or benefit from; and the transport of these animals from the AVI area to the next aircraft for their onward flight. DKC is not involved in the first and third phases because the airlines and airports have their own specialised crew for this, but we are indeed responsible for the care and attention provided to animals while they are in the AVI area.</p> <p>Airports are immensely complex places from the point of view of procedures and processes and the sheer number of people involved in... everything, including animal care. And DKC play this small but important part in the whole picture in Dubai.</p>
What are the airline requirements for a travel box?
Answer
<h5>What are the airline requirements for a travel box?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_29.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Important question.</p> <p>Take a look at <a href="/what-we-do/global-relocations/a-lot-about-travel-boxes" target="_blank">A lot about Travel Boxes</a> and <a href="/what-we-do/global-relocations/measuring-your-dog" target="_blank">Measuring Your Dog</a>, and download the helpful documents on these pages.</p> <p>Additionally, because of the complexity of this subject, please do contact us for a conversation. There's more to this subject than you might think, and the decision you make about which travel box to use for your pet will affect whether or not an airline will accept your pet for shipments and, yes, whether or not your pet stays safe. And yes, it will also affect the cost of the relocation.</p></div>
What are the airline requirements for a travel box?
Important question. Take a look at A lot about...
"Accompanied Baggage"? "In-Cabin"? "Manifest Cargo"? What does it all mean!!?

Good question.

Read our document Pet Flight Options. If you have more questions after that, just get in touch.
Can my pet transit through the UAE as accompanied baggage?

It depends!

Accompanied baggage via the UAE is possible if you're travelling on Emirates from origin through to your final destination, but not possible via Abu Dhabi with Etihad due to carrier regulations.
Can DKC manage both the import and export sides of my pet's or other animal's relocation?
Answer

Definitely yes! For sure! Yup!

Well... maybe. Read on.

There are two parts to any

<h5>Can DKC manage both the import and export sides of my pet's or other animal's relocation?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_3.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Definitely yes! For sure! Yup!</p> <p>Well... maybe. Read on.</p> <p>There are two parts to any relocations process: 1) the export; 2) the import; and they need to be seen as distinct processes because, in fact, they are (although both sides coordinate with each other). We can definitely assist you with the import side if you're coming <em>into</em> the UAE, and we can definitely assist you with the export side if you're <em>leaving</em> the UAE. And that's because we, obviously, are <em>in</em> the UAE.</p> <p>Right, now that's clear.</p> <p>However, there (almost!) always needs to be someone (you, a friend or another relocations agent) handling things on the "other" side of a relocation. If you're importing into the UAE, someone will definitely have to handle things in your country of origin. If you're exporting from the UAE, someone in your destination country will have to handle things upon the arrival of your pet if your pet is being exported as "manifest cargo". (What is "manifest cargo" and "accompanied/excess baggage? Read our <a href="/docs/Pet_Flight_Options.pdf" target="_blank">Pet Flight Options</a>). There must always be a physical presence on both sides for the handing of it all when travelling as manifest cargo and when additional import requirements demand this.</p> <p>And so, you can of course engage us to handle the UAE-based stuff (please do!), but in the other country, you will have to have yourself, a friend or another agent handle that side of things. If you're going to use another agent, that's when we can step in to help with <em>both</em> sides of the shipment - although the other agent will be doing the physical work required at the other end, you may wish to deal with only one company for the management and payment of the whole process. In which case, we can manage that for you. There will of course be an additional management fee, but you might be happier having to deal with only one company.</p> <p>And by the way, if you do want to find another agent on your own, in your non-UAE location, check out <a href="https://www.ipata.org/ipata-pet-shippers-air-and-ground" target="_blank">IPATA.org</a>, where you'll be able to search for pet/animal shippers all over the world.</p> <p>But why did we exclaim "almost!" a couple of paragraphs up? Well, in departing the UAE, there are many countries around the world that permit the entry/arrival of pets travelling with you as "accompanied/excess baggage" rather than as "manifest cargo" for Customs clearance following arrival. This is not to say that additional assistance in the destination country is <em>never</em> required simply because your pet has travelled accompanied/excess baggage, but there are indeed many countries for which the entry requirements do <em>not</em> require this type of additional assistance (e.g. import permit, on-arrival quarantine, etc.). In other words, more research!!</p> <p>Complicated, this import/export thing, eh?  </p></div>
Sedation: Should I or shouldn't I?
Answer
<h5>Sedation: Should I or shouldn't I?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_12.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>In almost all cases, absolutely <strong><span class="underline">not</span></strong>.<br><br>We very strongly recommend against tranquilizing or sedating animals for flight, as does just about every professional shipper worldwide ~ in fact, the vast majority of airlines will not even accept an animal if it has been so treated.<br><br>The main problem is that tranquilizers and sedatives affect the respiratory and circulatory systems by slowing them down quite a bit. While this is almost never a problem in normal circumstances, at altitude and in aircraft air-pressure, it can lead to physiological distress.<br><br>We are not saying that it is never done, and of course we are not saying it always leads to problems, but because there is a widely recognised increase in health risk, even if minimal, the usual approach is to avoid it unless absolutely necessary.<br><br>When is it absolutely necessary? Well, basically you need to ask: Will the stress which my pet will feel be so extremely serious that he will probably experience health problems or even physical injury while in transit, such that the risk of medication is actually less than the risk of anxiety?<br><br>Some people are so worried about their pets and other animals that this question becomes difficult for them to answer, but our experience is that in 99.9% of the cases, it is the human being who is suffering the most anxiety, albeit from understandable worry. You'd be amazed to see just how casual so many travelling animals are once they've arrived at the other end of the journey.</p> <p>And if you <em>are</em> seriously considering medication, look to <em>anxiolytics </em> instead of sedatives ~ these act differently on the pet's system and are probably safer, though we are still strongly recommending against the use of any medication at all, if at all possible. This said, there are herbal and homeopathic remedies that some feel are helpful alternatives and are usually readily available at pet shops and other locations in the form of sprays, tablets and even food.<br><br>Give it all some thought, speak to your vet, and please be cautious.</p></div>
Sedation: Should I or shouldn't I?
In almost all cases, absolutely...
I know you relocate dogs and cats, but what about birds • rabbits • ferrets • guinea pigs • lizards • snake • cheetahs• penguins • monkeys • fish...
Answer
<h5>I know you relocate dogs and cats, but what about birds &#8226; rabbits &#8226; ferrets &#8226; guinea pigs &#8226; lizards &#8226; snake &#8226; cheetahs&#8226; penguins &#8226; monkeys &#8226; fish...</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_2.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Well, DUH! Of course we can! Just about any animal at all.  <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png" height="15" width="15"></p> <p>As with our boarding and daycare services, we relocate all types of animal, all over the world, into and out of the UAE, including domestic pets of any kind and exotics, large and small.</p></div>
I know you relocate dogs and cats, but what about birds • rabbits • ferrets • guinea pigs • lizards • snake • cheetahs• penguins • monkeys • fish...
Well, DUH! Of course we can! Just about any animal at all.  As with our boarding and daycare services, we relocate all types of animal, all over the world, into and out of the...

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