Moving With Pets in Dubai: A Stress-Free Guide for Pet Owners

Why Moving With Pets Requires Extra Planning

Pets are sensitive to change. A move disrupts their routine, introduces unfamiliar sounds and smells, and can trigger anxiety-related behaviour. In Dubai, the heat adds another layer of complexity — pavement temperatures can exceed 70 degrees Celsius during summer afternoons, making even a short outdoor wait dangerous for paws and pads.

At SAMA Movers, we work with dozens of pet-owning families every month. While we focus on moving your furniture and belongings, we have developed practical advice for keeping your pets safe, calm, and comfortable on moving day.

Dubai Municipality Pet Regulations You Should Know

Before your move, make sure your pet documentation is current. Dubai Municipality requires the following for all cats and dogs:

• Pet registration: All dogs and cats must be registered with Dubai Municipality. Registration can be done at any approved veterinary clinic and costs approximately AED 50 to 100.
• Microchipping: Pets must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant 15-digit chip. This is usually done at the time of vaccination.
• Vaccination records: Dogs need up-to-date rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccinations. Cats need rabies and FVRCP. Keep your vaccination booklet accessible on moving day — some buildings and communities may ask to see it.
• Breed restrictions: Dubai Municipality maintains a list of restricted dog breeds that require special permits, including Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosa, and Dogo Argentino. If you own a restricted breed, confirm your new community accepts them before signing a lease.

Choosing a Pet-Friendly Community

Not all Dubai communities are equally welcoming to pets. Here is what we know from relocating families with animals across the city:

• Best for dogs: Villa communities like Arabian Ranches, The Springs, The Meadows, Jumeirah Islands, and Dubai Hills Estate offer private gardens, walking paths, and dedicated dog parks. Arabian Ranches has a popular off-lead dog park near the community centre.
• Apartment-friendly: Some apartment buildings in JVC, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai allow pets, but policies vary by building. Always confirm with the landlord and building management before signing a tenancy contract.
• Communities with restrictions: Some developments in International City, Discovery Gardens, and older Deira buildings have strict no-pet policies. Check before you commit.

When searching for a new home, ask these specific questions: Does the building allow pets? Is there a pet deposit? Are there weight or breed limits? Is there a designated pet relief area?

Preparing Your Pet for Moving Day

Two Weeks Before the Move

• Visit the vet: Schedule a check-up and stock up on any medications. Ask your vet about mild calming supplements if your pet is anxious by nature.
• Update microchip details: If you are changing your phone number or address, update the microchip registry so your pet can be traced back to you.
• Prepare a pet travel kit: Food, water, bowls, medications, leash, waste bags, a favourite toy, and a familiar blanket. Keep this separate from your moving boxes.
• Start crate training (if needed): If your pet is not accustomed to a crate, introduce it gradually over the two weeks before the move.

Moving Day Strategy

The safest approach is to keep your pet away from the moving action entirely. Here are three options we recommend:

1. Pet daycare or boarding: Drop your pet at a trusted facility the morning of the move and collect them once the new home is set up. Facilities like My Second Home and Urban Tails offer day boarding from AED 80 to 150 per day.
2. Stay with a friend: If a trusted friend or family member can host your pet for the day, this is the lowest-stress option.
3. Designate a quiet room: If neither option is possible, place your pet in a closed room that will be packed last. Tape a "Do Not Enter — Pet Inside" sign on the door, and ask our team to pack that room last. Leave food, water, and their bed in the room.

Temperature Safety During Transport

Dubai's climate is the single biggest risk factor when moving with pets. Follow these rules:

• Never leave pets in a parked car. Interior temperatures can reach 60 to 70 degrees Celsius within 15 minutes, even with windows cracked.
• Transport pets in an air-conditioned vehicle. The moving truck is not climate-controlled and is unsuitable for animals. Always use your personal car or a dedicated pet transport service.
• Move during cooler hours. Between October and March, midday transport is fine. During summer (June to September), move pets before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM when temperatures drop below 38 degrees Celsius.
• Hydration: Bring a portable water bowl and offer fresh water every 30 minutes during the transition.

Setting Up Your Pet at the New Home

The first 48 hours in a new environment are critical for pets. Our advice:

• Cats: Confine your cat to a single room with their litter box, food, water, and bed. Let them explore the rest of the home gradually over 3 to 5 days. Cats are territorial and sudden exposure to a large new space can cause hiding and refusal to eat.
• Dogs: Walk them around the garden and neighbourhood on a leash before letting them off-lead indoors. This helps them establish the perimeter. Dogs in villa communities in JVC and Dubai Hills Estate often settle faster due to private garden access.
• Small animals: Rabbits, hamsters, and birds should be placed in their cages in a quiet room away from unpacking activity. Cover the cage partially to reduce visual stimulation.

Professional Pet Transport Services in Dubai

For families who prefer professional pet transport, several licensed services operate in Dubai:

• British Pet Relocation: Specialises in domestic and international pet moves.
• PetZone Transport: Offers door-to-door pet shuttles across Dubai.
• Your vet clinic: Some clinics offer temporary boarding during your move — ask about availability.

Costs for domestic pet transport within Dubai range from AED 200 to 500 depending on distance and animal size.

Moving With Pets: Our Practical Tips

• Keep your pet's routine as normal as possible on moving day — same feeding times, same walk schedule.
• Place familiar items (bed, toys, blanket) at the new home first, before bringing the pet in.
• Avoid bathing your pet right before the move. Their own scent on familiar items helps reduce anxiety.
• If your pet is on medication, keep a 2-week supply accessible, not packed in boxes.
• Register with a new vet near your new home within the first week.

Our apartment moving and villa moving teams are experienced in coordinating moves with pet owners. We schedule room packing order around your pet's designated safe room and work with you to minimise disruption. Contact us to plan your pet-friendly move.

Can movers transport pets in Dubai?

No, professional movers in Dubai transport furniture and belongings, not animals. Moving trucks are not climate-controlled and are unsuitable for pets. You should transport your pet in your own air-conditioned vehicle or use a licensed pet transport service. Domestic pet transport within Dubai costs AED 200 to 500 depending on the service and distance.

Which Dubai communities are best for dogs?

The best communities for dogs in Dubai are villa developments with private gardens and walking paths, including Arabian Ranches, The Springs, The Meadows, Dubai Hills Estate, and Jumeirah Islands. Arabian Ranches has a dedicated off-lead dog park. Some apartment buildings in JVC, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai also allow dogs, but policies vary by building.

Do I need to register my pet when moving to a new area in Dubai?

All cats and dogs in Dubai must be registered with Dubai Municipality, microchipped, and vaccinated. If you are moving within Dubai and your pet is already registered, you do not need to re-register, but you should update your microchip contact details with your new address and phone number at any approved veterinary clinic.