What to consider when buying a puppy in Dubai

Are you looking for a canine companion in Dubai? Good for you! But first, read our tips on what to consider when buying a puppy in Dubai.

Important Import Regulations

You might find that it is easier to import a dog or puppy than to buy one in Dubai. Before you import a puppy or dog to Dubai, you should check the local regulations with your embassy and the local government. The import regulations are quite strict in Dubai, so it’s best to familiarise yourself with the rules.

There is a lot of red tape to get around, but luckily NewDoggy.com can help you to import your pet to Dubai. We are well versed in the bureaucracy of the area and can give you valuable advice on importing and keeping a dog in Dubai.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) all domestic dogs (including service dogs and emotional support animals) must be micro-chipped. The microchip should be an ISO 11784 pet microchip, 15 digit and non-encrypted; however, if your dog has a microchip that is not ISO 11784 compliant, then you can bring your own microchip scanner.

You will also need an import permit in the form of an Import Paper from the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment. You can apply for this Import Paper either in person or online. You’ll need to get the Paper in advance of your dog’s arrival. The permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, and is applicable for two pets (if you have more than two pets then you will need multiple permits). If you are just returning to the UAE with your dog, then you will just need a Re-Entry card.

Vital Vaccinations

Your dog will also need up to date vaccines and a vaccine card or certificate. The card or certificate should show clear information about the vaccines, such as the manufacturer, batch number, and date of expiration. A rabies vaccine is absolutely essential. Your dog will need to be vaccinated again rabies at least 21 days and not more than 12 months before arrival.

If your puppy is travelling from a rabies-controlled country, they must be at least 15 weeks old to enter the UAE. If your puppy comes from a high-rabies country, then they will not be allowed to enter until they are 27 weeks old.

Other essential vaccines are distemper, canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus.

If your dog is not from a country that the UAE considers rabies free or rabies controlled, then you’ll also need a rabies titre test. The test should be performed more than 21 days after your dog’s rabies vaccination if your dog has never been vaccinated against the disease, or if the vaccine has expired. The test will need to be performed between 12 and 21 weeks from the time your pet enters the UAE.

Health Certificate

Your dog will also need a Health Certificate issued by the exporting country. If you are not travelling from the USA, then your dog will also need to be examined 24 hours before export, and declared clinically healthy with no external parasites. You should ensure that your dog is parasites free (both internal and external) within 14 days of transport.

Arriving by Air

Your dog will need to travel by air to the UAE, ideally by the most direct route possible. If there are layovers, you will need to provide a form to show that your dog was not exposed to other animals during this time. Your dog will also need a transit permit to travel by land once it arrives. There is an inspection process that can take several hours, but you can facilitate the process by hiring a transport agent in the UAE.

Banned breeds

Certain dog breeds, such as the Dogo Argentino and the Pitbull Terrier (to name a few) are banned in the UAE (including certain crossbred dogs). Other breeds, such as the Husky, are allowed providing that you have a permit and register the dog. Be aware that you will have to keep such a dog muzzled and leashed in public, and you may not be allowed to keep the dog in an apartment.

Local Regulations

You should definitely familiarise yourself with any local regulations concerns dogs and dog keeping. The local laws are quite strict, and failure to comply can lead to harsh fines or even jail time. You will need to keep your dog leashed at all times in public. You will not be allowed to take your dog to public areas such as restaurants, beaches, and parks. Fortunately there are designated areas where you may walk your dog.

Housing can also be a bit challenging, as many rental properties do not allow pets. Apartments and houses in Dubai may be smaller than what your dog is used to, and the scorching summer heat means your dog will have to spend a lot of time inside. You’ll need to keep your dog entertained and well exercised, as staying inside so often can be frustrating for dogs.

Pet care

Once you’ve finally got your pup to Dubai and have settled in to your new home, you’ll need to find various doggy services such as trainers, groomers, vets, and dog-sitters. You can ask people in the expat community for their opinions and experiences, but we will mention a few of the most popular places for these services.

There are a host of dog training services available in Dubai, such as Urban Tails Pet Resort, Doggies Palace, and Homely Petz.

Some of the most popular dog groomers in Dubai are Shampooch and Happy Puppy. If you’d rather have your dog groomed at home, both of these groomers offer a mobile grooming service.

If your dog has a medical emergency, there is the Al Barsha Veeterinary Clinic, which offers services 24/7, home visits, and boarding kennels. The British Veterinary Hospital offers veterinary services from a British-qualified staff. These are just two of the many veterinary clinics in Dubai, so you’ll be able to provide the best veterinary care for your dog.