Flying your dog out of Dubai? Here's what you need to know before you go

We asked Pet Air Valet for their advice on flying dogs out of Dubai

For many pet owners, moving countries isn’t just about booking flights and packing boxes – it’s about making sure a beloved family member gets there safely too.

Anyone who has looked into flying a dog out of Dubai will know the process can feel overwhelming. Between airline rules, health certificates, destination requirements and travel logistics, there’s plenty to organise before take-off. That’s exactly why Pet Air Valet was created.

Pet Air Valet is Malta-based and coordinates scheduled shared in-cabin dog flights to and from Dubai. Founded from lived experience, the company coordinates scheduled shared in-cabin flights for dogs and their humans, helping families travel together without their dog being placed in the aircraft hold. The idea came from understanding that travelling with a dog isn’t simply another travel booking – it’s an emotional move where families want their pet beside them wherever possible.

Why do some families choose shared in-cabin flights?

For many dog owners, flying privately isn’t about luxury, it’s about reducing stress and keeping their dog close throughout the flight.

On most commercial airlines, dogs over 8kg are generally required to travel in the aircraft hold, while some breeds, including French Bulldogs, Pugs and English Bulldogs, can face additional restrictions. During Dubai’s hotter months, some airlines won’t transport certain breeds in the hold at all.

Private aviation allows dogs to remain in the cabin with their families, something many families value when relocating overseas. There’s also a very different airport experience. Instead of busy terminals, queues and crowded departure lounges, travellers pass through private aviation facilities, creating a calmer, more predictable environment for both dogs and their humans.

While chartering a private aircraft is out of reach for most people, Pet Air Valet offers a more accessible alternative by coordinating scheduled shared flights. Multiple dog-owning families travelling on the same route share the flight, giving families the opportunity to travel alongside their dog without the cost of hiring an entire aircraft.

The paperwork you shouldn’t leave until the last minute

Getting your dog on the flight is only half the job.

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is leaving the paperwork until the final few days. Every destination has different import requirements, and many documents are time-sensitive, so starting early is essential.

Before flying your dog out of Dubai, make sure you’ve organised:

• Your dog’s microchip details
• A valid rabies vaccination record
• Any required veterinary health certificates
• Your destination’s specific import requirements
• Any timing-sensitive treatments, such as tapeworm treatment for dogs entering the UK

Leaving these until the last minute can delay your departure and add unnecessary stress to an already emotional move.

Pet Air Valet helps owners navigate the entire process, from providing documentation checklists and timing reminders to guiding clients through what needs to be prepared before departure. The company also works closely with licensed third-party flight operators and destination specialists, helping families understand exactly what’s required before travel.

Support doesn’t stop once the paperwork is complete either. Pet Air Valet also works with a network of dog trainers, relocation experts and pet-care partners because travelling a dog overseas is about much more than getting from A to B. It’s about making the whole experience as calm and well organised as possible for both pets and their families.

Top tips before your dog flies

Getting the paperwork sorted is essential, but there are a few simple things you can do to help make travel day as comfortable as possible for your dog.

• Stick to their usual food. Avoid changing your dog’s diet in the days leading up to travel. A sudden switch in food can upset their stomach, which is the last thing you want before a long flight.
• Don’t overfeed before the flight. It’s best to feed your dog a lighter meal several hours before departure rather than immediately before travelling. This can help reduce the chance of nausea or an upset stomach.
• Keep them hydrated. Travel can be dehydrating, so make sure your dog has access to fresh water before the flight. Offer small amounts regularly rather than letting them drink a large quantity all at once.
• Pack something familiar. A favourite blanket, toy or bed can provide comfort in a new environment and help your dog feel more settled during the flight.
• Keep your lead within easy reach. You’ll likely need it several times throughout the flight, so don’t pack it away in your luggage. Having a lead and harness easily accessible makes moving through airports and terminals much easier.
• Exercise before you leave. A decent walk before heading to the airport can help your dog burn off some energy and settle more easily during the flight.
• Visit your vet if you have concerns. If your dog is anxious, has an underlying health condition or is travelling for the first time, speak to your vet well in advance. They can advise whether your dog is fit to fly and recommend the best way to prepare.
• Double-check every document. Before leaving home, make sure you’ve packed all original paperwork, vaccination records and any import documents required for your destination. It’s worth checking everything twice—you don’t want to discover something is missing at the airport.

“Dogs are family, and international travel should not force owners into choosing between moving their life and keeping their dog beside them. Pet Air Valet was built to coordinate that flight with care, clarity and serious practical support.”

When is the next flight?

The next scheduled Pet Air Valet shared flight from Dubai to London departs on 28 July 2026, connecting Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport with London via private aviation facilities.

For more information, flight details or to speak with the concierge team, email client@petairvalet.com, follow @petairvalet or visit petairvalet.com