International Pet Travel: The 2026 Guide to Relocating with Your Best Friend

The Global Citizen’s Companion

Dubai is a city of transit. In 2026, thousands of residents move in and out of the UAE every year, and for many, “home” isn’t home unless their pet is there too. However, international pet relocation is a complex puzzle of blood tests, export permits, and airline regulations. At CoverB, we don’t just protect your pet while they are on the ground in Jumeirah; we help you navigate the journey across borders.

If you are planning to move or travel with your pet, understanding how pet insurance in uae interacts with travel is the first step to a stress-free flight.

The 2026 MOCCAE Requirements

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has streamlined the export process for 2026, but the rules are still strict. To take your pet out of the UAE, you generally need:

1. An Export Health Certificate: Issued by the Ministry after a vet inspection.
2. Up-to-Date Vaccinations: Especially Rabies, which must be administered at least 21 days before travel.
3. Titer Tests: Many countries (like the UK or EU members) require a blood test to prove Rabies immunity. This test can take 3 months to process, so plan ahead!

Does My Local Insurance Cover the Move?

This is a vital question when you apply for pet insurance. Most standard pet insurance in dubai policies only cover your pet while they are within the UAE. However, in 2026, CoverB offers “Travel Riders.”

• Emergency Abroad: If your pet gets sick during a 30-day holiday in Europe, our travel add-on can reimburse those international vet fees.
• Loss of Documents: If your pet’s passport or health certificates are lost during travel, we help cover the cost of replacements.
• Flight Delays: If a flight is canceled and your pet needs extra boarding near the airport, our 2026 plans provide a daily allowance.

The Cost of Moving a Pet in 2026

Relocation isn’t cheap. Between the IATA-approved crates, agent fees, and cargo costs, moving a medium-sized dog from Dubai to London can cost between AED 12,000 and AED 20,000. By having a pet insurance in uae policy that includes “Transit Cover,” you protect yourself against the worst-case scenario: a pet getting injured or falling ill during the flight itself.

Quarantine: The Scary Word

In 2026, most “low-risk” countries don’t require quarantine if your paperwork is perfect. But if a document is rejected, your pet might be held. Some CoverB Premium plans include a “Quarantine Allowance” to help pay for the daily costs of specialized boarding if the authorities hold your pet.

Your Moving Checklist

Before you book your ticket:

• Visit the Vet: Get a “Fit to Fly” certificate.
• Check the Breed: Remember, many airlines in 2026 still have restrictions on “snub-nosed” breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs due to breathing risks in the heat.
• Update CoverB: Log into https://coverb.ae/ and let us know your travel dates to ensure your “Holiday Cover” is active.

Traveling with a pet is a big responsibility, but with the right pet insurance in dubai, you can focus on the destination while we handle the “what-ifs.”