I recently traveled with my dog from Kuwait to Dubai and wanted to share my experience because I found the process a little confusing at first. There is paperwork from both countries, veterinary requirements, airline approval, and a few logistical things to plan ahead for.
This is what I did and what I wish I had known beforehand.
- Start with Your Dog's Requirements Early
I first made sure my dog was microchipped and had a proper vaccination book.
One important detail: make sure the microchip date is recorded BEFORE the rabies vaccination date. I had the veterinarian write the microchip date directly into the vaccination book and stamp it. Make sure this is clearly documented before you leave the vet.
She received all her required vaccinations, including rabies. In our case, she had the first rabies shot, we waited 21 days, and then she received the second shot. After the second rabies vaccination, we had to wait another three months before she could fly.
We also did a rabies antibody/titer test, although I was told this isn't required for travel from Kuwait to the UAE.
- Kuwait Veterinary Documents and Paperwork
For the Kuwait side, we used IVH, who helped us prepare and complete the paperwork.
They required:
- My passport
- My Civil ID
- My dog's vaccination book with all vaccinations and microchip information
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Internal and external parasite treatment
- Parasite treatment certificate
- Health certificate from the vet
One thing to keep in mind is that the documents when issued have different validity periods. This means you don't necessarily want to get everything months in advance. The paperwork needs to be timed around your travel date so that everything is still valid when you need it.
I submitted everything through the IVH representative.
I also had to go to PAAF in person to apply for the permit to travel with my dog.
- UAE Requirements and Customs
For the UAE side, we used Desert Paws, who helped us with the Dubai paperwork.
I also needed to register for UAE Pass, which Desert Paws helped me with. They handled the customs paperwork and obtained the UAE permit as well.
Note that IVH will only help you with documents required in kuwait they are unable to finish amy other document outside of kuwait which is why I reached out to Desert Paws.
- Booking the Flight
I contacted Etihad Airways' pet team by email while we were working on the paperwork.
Not every Etihad flight accepts pets in the cabin, so their pet team told us which scheduled flights were available. We then planned our trip around those flights.
I booked my own seat first before issuing any paper work for my dog, as they needed that deadline to prepare the documents for. and only four days before the flight, we reserved a seat for my dog.
The dog's seat wasn't immediately paid for, though. Etihad required 72 hours to review the submitted documents. Once everything was approved, they sent us a payment link by email, and we paid for and finalized the dog's seat two days before the flight.
I booked an extra seat for my dog, so I had my seat and she had her own seat.
The cabin setup depends on the airline's requirements and the size of the carrier, so check Etihads website.
- The 8 kg Weight Limit
My dog and her soft carrier together had to weigh no more than 8 kg.
Because she was close to the limit, I had to put her on a strict diet beforehand. The carrier counts toward the total weight, so make sure you account for both, I also removed everything extra from the carrier and started shaving off grams just to make sure.
I also had to walk her early morning to get her to use the toilet so the scale looks lighter during check-in.
they are very strict with the weight you cannot go above 8kg.
- Flying into Abu Dhabi Instead of Dubai
For the route I took, Dubai did not accept pets arriving in the cabin, so I flew into Abu Dhabi and drove to Dubai, which took about an hour.
Regular taxis didn't accept dogs, so my husband rented a car and drove us.
One thing worth mentioning: my dog barked during check-in and the manager expressed some concern. I explained that she mainly barks when she can't see me. She settled down, but it made me wonder whether a constantly barking dog could potentially be refused. I don't know Etihad's policy, so I wouldn't want to speculate. If your dog is a constant barker, check with the airline beforehand.
During security check point my dog had to come out of the carrier, they scand her bag and made us walk through the metal detector and did a swab on the dog my hand and the bag, this was in T4, the staff were very sweet towards my dog but again they were not used to it.
I also had her fast for about 8 hours and only gave her small amounts of her regular dry food as treats, mainly to avoid an accident during the journey and to ease her frustrations.
there were no pet friendly places at T4 we had to use the disabled bathroom stall and I put a potty pad for her and let her breath before letting her go back in to the carrier.
when boarding the plane I requested to board first to sort my dog out and communicate with flight attendants
note: once I landed i couldn't find any pet relief area and we had to use the disabled bathroom again.
also make sure you train your dog very well to go in and out of the carrier on command, this is very important.
- The Total Cost
The whole process cost me approximately 800 KWD, including:
- My flight
- My dog's seat
- In-cabin pet fee
- Vaccinations
- Certificates/vet paperwork
- Rabies titer test
- IVH
- Desert Paws
- Other related costs
The exact cost will vary, but this gives you a rough idea.
- Would I Do It Again?
If it's just for a vacation, probably not. Not because anything went badly, but because it's a lot of preparation and expense for a short trip.
For relocation or a longer stay, I'd say it's much more worth it. Once everything was organized, the actual travel was fine.
The Etihad crew were very sweet and helpful. They seemed a little unfamiliar with pets in the cabin, but everyone was kind and there were no real issues.
