Filipinos who intend to fly home for good in the Philippines but wish to take their pets home with them from the UAE should prepare at least Dh3,600.
Pinay expat Rhoze Ampuan shared that she recalls rescuing ‘Lexie’ and ‘Maxie’ in 2017 and 2019 respectively. She had become so endeared to both of the cats that she couldn’t imagine leaving them behind when she decided to head back home.
“They were both Domestic Short Hair but they gave another meaning to my life in Dubai as I treated them like my own kids. Whenever I feel lonely or worried, they knew and they always try to comfort me – I’m sure all the pet lovers will understand. They are like my family,” said Ampuan.
However, when she learned that having a pet agency handle all off the documents would cost her more dirhams, she decided to handle all paperworks and processes by herself. Here’s what she did.
Requirements:
Before you apply for Pet Relocation, make sure you have the following:
* Updated Vaccination Record in pet passport (vaccinations 1 month before scheduled flight)
* Deworming (can be done 7 days before traveling)
* Vaccination for external parasite (can be done 7 days before traveling)
* Owner’s/ traveller’s Passport Copy
* Microchip Number/s
* Info on Pet’s weight, breed, and address of exporter (UAE & Philippines)
* Debit/Credit card to use for payment/s
* A valid email account
* Flight Schedule as Import Permit has a validity of 60 days and Export Permit has a validity of 30 days.
“I personally recommend to have your fur babies microchipped and vaccinated ahead of time to keep them safe from any other illnesses and viruses and not just when you travel,” shared Ampuan.
Import Permit Process:
Once all requirements are prepared, the pet owner can now begin the application process for the import permit. Steps are as follows:
STEP 1: Go to https://www.intercommerce.com.ph/login.asp?home=HOME �
STEP 2: Create your account
STEP 3: Email [email protected] and request for your account to be activated.
STEP 4: Once activated, go to Intercommerce website again and click:
– Department of Agriculture
– Create/Open SPS Import Clearance for One Time Importer
– Create a New Application
– Enter All details required �***Make sure all the details entered are correct, as it is very important that all your documents are matching with each other.
– Pay PHP500 online
After 24 hours, you will receive an email or notification from your Intercommerce account that your permit is approved. This permit from Intercommerce is the PERMIT to IMPORT from Bureau of Animal Industry in the Philippines.
This permit has a validity of 60 days only and cannot be extended. When you have this permit, save, PRINT and SCAN as you need this file to apply for the EXPORT permit from MOCCAE UAE.
Export Permit from UAE:
STEP 1: Go to www.moccae.gov.ae and register yourself.
STEP 2: Once account is activated, login to your account and create a request. �
STEP 3: When you’re logged in, you will see in your left side INITIATE REQUEST, click it and the following:
– Package
– Services for individual
– Animal Wealth Services
– Pet Package
– Issuance Veterinary Health Certificate for Exporting or Re-Exporting Live Animals �
STEP 4: After filling up all steps in the request, attach your passport copy as the exporter person, attached the SPS Import Permit or the Intercommerce Import Permit and other relevant documents you have regarding your cat.
STEP 5: Pay Dh450.00 online, then your request will be marked as payment successfully submitted. The status of your request will be in progress. Save (Screenshot) and Print the document and online payment.
STEP 6: After payment successfully done, you now need to go to Dubai Airport Freezone Cargo Village (Building 2, 1st floor) so they can check your pets personally. This should be done at least 3 days to 1 week before your scheduled flight as the export permit has an expiry. It cannot be extended. (For those from Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, go to your city’s Cargo Village, if the pet will leave from there).
STEP 6: Bring the following printed copies to Dubai Airport Freezone Cargo Village:
– Vaccination Record Card of Pets or Pet Passport
– Permit to IMPORT
– Passport Copy of Owner
– Pet/s in a Carrier (I recommend to bring your pets in the IATA approved carrier already so they can be accustomed to traveling using the carrier)
“Our fur babies were allowed to travel as excess baggage and we decided to put them in one IATA approved cage to avoid extra charges. It is allowed for 2 pets to travel in one carrier as long as it will not exceed 23kg (pet weight and carrier weight). We flew via Emirates Airlines, and I recommend this as they are very accommodating and they will make sure that your pet is safe.
“At least 48 hours before your scheduled flight in Emirates Airlines, Call them to inform them that you have all the required documents so they can inform their staff and accommodate your pets. Also, fill this form up at least 48 hours before flight: https://www.emirates.com/english/help/pets-travel/ ” said Ampuan.
Costs
Registration and Vaccine Cost PER CAT:
Microchip – 178.50
Municipality Tag – 42.50
Deworming – 49.30
Rabies Vaccination – 142.80
Rabies Booster – 142.80
Vaccination Booster 2 – 142.80
Revolution (Per Pipette) – 91.00
TOTAL: AED646.90 x 2 cats = AED1,293.80
IATA Approved Carrier (can fit 2 cats) – 257.00�
PERMIT & FLIGHT COSTS FOR 1-2 PETS:� -Import Permit – PHP500 (AED40)
-Export Permit – AED450� -Excess Baggage Handling Fee (EK) – AED280
-‘Flight Ticket of Cats’ (EK) – USD500 (AED1866)
***Checking in NAIA Airport (but this never happend to us), but just in case I put it here – PHP1,800 (AED134)
OVERALL TOTAL: AED4,320.80
Landing home safely
Ampuan said that she immediately asked airport personnel where they can pick up their pets. She also suggested to have a family or friend pick up your pet at the airport as pets are prohibited at the temporary quarantine facilities.
“An airport personnel just handed them over to me in front of the conveyor machine in NAIA Terminal 3. Ask your family or friend to take them in the NAIA AIRPORT as pets will not be allowed in the quarantine facilities,” said Ampuan.
She hopes that this would help guide fellow pet lovers to not opt to leave their fur babies behind.
“Pets are family. Please do not abandon them when you relocate,” urged Ampuan.
