How to Import a Dog to the UAE from Hungary

We understand just how vital the safe shipping of your dog is. Importing dogs to the UAE is a serious business, and it is important to get everything right. It may seem overwhelming and complex, with many import rules to follow. But the expert EuroPuppy team has all the facts for transporting a dog to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

While we know you would like your dog with you quickly, we have to comply with the regulations in the UAE, which are in place for the safety of your dog.

We have more than two decades of experience shipping to over 110 countries, worldwide. We regularly ship dogs to Dubai, and we are proud to have many wonderful Euro Puppy dogs in the Emirates.

Before you check out our Dogs for Sale in the United Arab Emirates, here is a summary of the requirements…

Key Import Requirements

Minimum Age

• Puppies must be at least 4 months old at the time of import. This is due to vaccination and rabies antibody testing timelines.
• Note: The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel, and puppies must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.

Essential Documentation Requirements

Health Certificate and Veterinary Endorsement – provided by EuroPuppy

• Your dog must have an UAE animal health certificate issued by an official state veterinarian in Hungary no more than 24 hours before departure.
• This certificate must be completed by a licensed veterinarian and include confirmation that your pet is healthy and free from infectious diseases. The health certificate requires endorsement by the relevant Hungarian authorities before departure.

Microchip Identification – already included with your puppy

• All dogs entering Dubai must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant (ISO 11784/11785) chip that complies with UAE regulations.
• The microchip must be implanted before any required vaccinations and properly recorded on all documentation. The microchip number must match exactly across all travel documents.

Vaccination and Health Testing Requirements

Carefully managed by EuroPuppy to ensure everything is in order for import

Core Vaccinations  – EuroPuppy ensures full compliance, so you can enjoy peace of mind

• Dogs from Hungary must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, but not more than 12 months prior to departure. Additional required vaccinations include distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. All vaccinations must be properly documented in a health certificate.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test – included as part of your puppy’s package and fully handled by Euro Puppy

• Since Hungary is not on the UAE’s exempt country list, dogs require a rabies antibody titer test from an accredited laboratory. The blood sample must be taken at least 21 days after rabies vaccination, with a minimum antibody level of 0.5 IU/mL required.

Import Permit

• An import permit from the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE) is required. The permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
• Our local agent can arrange this on your behalf for a fee.

Entry Process and Inspection

Airport Procedures

• Dogs must arrive in Dubai via cargo only and undergo inspection at the Dubai Animal Reception Center upon arrival. The inspection process includes document verification, microchip scanning, and health assessment by MOCCAE veterinarians.
• Dogs must arrive as manifest cargo unless flying into Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, where small pets may be allowed in-cabin.
• All documents must match your puppy’s microchip information.
• Pets must enter via one of the main international airports (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah).
• Advance notice to airline veterinary officials is required for inspection upon arrival.
• There is no quarantine if all requirements are met.

Restricted and Banned Breeds

The UAE prohibits the import of certain dog breeds or their mixes. The following breeds (and mixed breeds containing these breeds) are not allowed:

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Bully
• Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero)
• Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
• Any Mastiff or hybrid
• Japanese Tosa
• Rottweiler
• Doberman
• Canario Presa
• Boxer

If you are unsure about your puppy’s breed, please consult with us or the local agent before booking.

Fees Payable Locally Upon Arrival

Service	Fee (AED)
MOCCAE Import Permit	200–733 per pet
Veterinary Inspection Fee (MOCCAE, Dubai)	503 per dog
Customs Clearance & Airport Handling (Emirates)	2,275 per shipment
Customs Clearance & Airport Handling (Other Airlines, Dubai)	2,375 per shipment
Abu Dhabi Arrival (Cargo)	2,430 per shipment
Home Delivery (same city as airport)	275 per shipment
Home Delivery (other city)	415–600 per shipment
Weekend Clearance (Fri 10pm–Mon 5:30am)	550 per shipment

Note: Fees may vary by agent and arrival airport. The above are typical fees for standard services. Additional pets in the same shipment may incur extra charges. Agent fees are not included in the above local charges and are payable upon arrival.

Our Local Agent Service

To simplify the process, our local agent in the UAE can:

• Obtain the required import permit.
• Arrange customs clearance and handling.
• Provide home delivery within the UAE.
• Offer relocation advice and support.

Summary Checklist

• Puppy is at least 15 weeks old.
• Microchipped (ISO standard).
• Up-to-date on required vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, Leptospirosis).
• Parasite treatments completed within 14 days before travel.
• Health certificate issued within 24 hours before travel.
• Import permit arranged (our agent can assist).
• All documents prepared and match microchip details.
• Fees ready for payment upon arrival.

For a hassle-free experience, we strongly recommend using our local agent’s services to ensure all requirements are met and your puppy’s entry into the UAE is smooth and stress-free.

Last updated: Wednesday, July 2, 2025