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Dubai is a car city, and with a dog that matters: public transport is essentially closed to pets. The Metro, Tram and public buses allow only registered service and guide animals, so pet dogs and cats cannot ride, even inside a carrier. Ordinary taxis may take a pet but only at the driver`s discretion, usually with a carrier. The reliable way to move a dog across the city is a dedicated pet taxi. Plan ahead, especially for airport transfers, and remember that bringing a pet into the UAE requires an import permit.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Metro, Tram & public buses | The RTA strictly prohibits animals on all public transport, including the Metro, Tram and public buses. The only exception is registered service and guide animals for passengers with disabilities, which must be certified, leashed and well-behaved. Pet dogs and cats are not allowed, even inside a carrier; a fine of around AED 100 applies. | 💡 Do not attempt the Metro with a pet in a carrier; the ban explicitly covers carriers. Use a taxi or pet taxi instead. |
| RTA taxis (driver`s discretion) | There is no blanket ban on pets in ordinary Dubai taxis, but acceptance is entirely at the driver`s discretion, and many drivers refuse. A small pet in a secure carrier has the best chance. Experiences are inconsistent from day to day, so never count on the first taxi accepting you. | 💡 Always carry a secure carrier, mention the pet when booking if possible, and build in buffer time. For airport runs, use a dedicated pet taxi. |
| Dedicated pet taxi services | Several licensed pet-transport businesses run across Dubai with purpose-fitted vehicles for carriers and crates, including Chauf-fur (24/7, chauf-fur.com), Fetch Pet Taxi (gofetch.ae), Modern Vet Pet Taxi (modernvet.com) and others. One-way fares typically run from around AED 80 to AED 250 depending on distance. They are the reliable way to move a pet across the city or to the airport. | 💡 Book in advance, especially for airport transfers, and re-confirm the phone number at booking as small operators` numbers change. |
Pets entering the UAE need an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE), applied for online (around AED 200 per pet, valid 30 days). The pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination, and the rabies shot must be given after microchipping and at least 21 days before entry. Pets from recognised rabies-controlled countries are exempt from the titer blood test; others may need it. Personal import is limited to two cats or two dogs per year, and certain breeds (Pit Bull types, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, wolf hybrids and more) are banned. Pets arrive as manifest cargo at DXB, not in the cabin; a relocation agent or handler such as DKC clears them on the cargo side.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection
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