In what order do I do the paperwork to fly my dog or cat from the UK to the UAE?

Order is: identify and vaccinate correctly, secure the UAE import permit, then complete the UK export health certificate with an official vet — timed so the permit and certificate are both valid on flight day. Quarantine and breed rules are destination-defined; confirm them on MOCCAE, not on a relocator brochure.

Sequence that usually works

1. Microchip, then rabies (interval rules) — Per UK Government — taking your pet abroad (as of August 2026): microchip before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination; the pet must be at least 12 weeks old before vaccination; wait at least 21 full days after the first vaccination (or the last of the first course) before travel. Boosters and destination extras still need a fresh check on that page and on MOCCAE.
2. MOCCAE import permit (UAE) — Obtain a prior import permit through the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment pet-import service: MOCCAE — import permit for pets. Owners or licensed agents may file depending on the service rules — confirm who can apply on the live form. We will not quote permit fees or invent a validity day-count; those belong on MOCCAE.
3. UK export health certificate — For non-EU destinations, gov.uk directs you to an export health certificate (EHC) path with a nominated official vet. Use the UAE-specific certificate guidance APHA / gov.uk publishes for pets — not an EU pet passport assumption.
4. Arrival inspection / release — MOCCAE describes examination and release steps at the entry port. Confirm documents, crate rules, and any quarantine triggers on the official service page before you book the flight.

Relative to your residence path

Import filings commonly ask for owner identity and UAE residency details — which means pet timing often tracks your visa / Emirates ID progress, not the other way around. Sequence housing and identity first enough that you can complete the permit honestly; see Emirates ID after landing and short-term housing before Ejari.

What we will not invent

No relocator shortlist, no price table, no “Dubai never quarantines” guarantee, no breed allow-list. If a vendor quotes a package, ask which official MOCCAE and APHA steps they cover — then verify those steps yourself. This is paperwork sequencing for self-directed movers — not veterinary advice.