Bringing My Dog Rua from Dubai to Ireland: What I Did, What I Learned, and How It Went

Disclaimer: This blog post shares my personal experience travelling with my small dog, Rua, from Dubai to Ireland in summer 2025. Every pet, airline, and destination may have different requirements. This was our journey with Turkish Airlines, flying into Dublin, with Rua as an in-cabin pet under 8kg. Please always check official, up-to-date information and confirm everything directly with your airline and vet. Prices vary depending on route, weight, and pet type- you can check pet travel fees using the Turkish Airlines Pet Fee Calculator here.

Rua is my reactive but loveable 4.5kg Pomeranian Spitz. She’s crate-trained, anxious by nature, and absolutely glued to my side. I couldn’t bear the idea of leaving her behind in boarding while I went home to Ireland for a 5.5 week summer break. So, I decided to take her with me, all the way from Dubai to Dublin. We did the whole thing without a pet relocation company, and although it was full-on at times, it worked. Rua flew in the cabin with me the whole way and stayed (mostly) calm and comfortable.

What I Did Before the Trip

Since Ireland is an EU country, and the UAE is classified as a “Category B” non-EU country, I had quite a few steps to follow. This was my checklist based on Rua’s size and the airline’s rules at the time.

These are the steps I personally followed:

• Rua had a functioning microchip (implanted before her rabies vaccine)

• Her rabies vaccine was valid and had been administered over 21 days before travel

• I got an EU Animal Health Certificate from a licensed vet, and later had it stamped at Cargo Village with the export stamp

• She received tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before our flight

• I got a Fit to Fly certificate from our vet

• I booked an appointment with the Dubai Municipality Vet and got a Health Certificate for Animals and Veterinary Products (Release)

• I registered on the MOCCAE website and visited Cargo Village for the Export Health Certificate

• I submitted the Advance Notice of Pet Movement form to Irish Agriculture before arrival(www.pettravel.gov.ie)

This fan was a life-saver for keeping her cool (and us after sprinting to make our connecting flight!)

Booking My Flight: What I Wish I Knew First

I booked Rua to fly in-cabin with me on Turkish Airlines. But here’s something I didn’t know initially, and wish I had. You must call Turkish Airlines before booking your own flight to check if there’s space available in the cabin for a pet.

I originally booked my ticket online and only then called to add Rua, but there was no space left on the flight. We had to change our flights. Stressful and costly!

What I Did Instead:

• I called the Dubai Turkish Airlines office (+971 4 331 0666)

• They helped check the flights and blocked a space for Rua

• We had to visit the sales office in person to finalise it

• Once booked, I asked for written confirmation that Rua had been added to my booking

• I paid for Rua’s in-cabin fare at check-in at the airport

  
  

You can check the cost for your own flight using their pet fee calculator here.

The Crate I Used

Turkish Airlines allows in-cabin pets if the total weight (pet and carrier) is under 8kg, and the crate fits under the seat in front of you.

Their carrier size limit is:

• 23 cm high

• 30 cm wide

• 40 cm long

I used this Amazon soft carrier which was within the airline’s limits and Rua fit in it perfectly: Amazon Pet Carrier I Used

I crate-trained her for a few weeks beforehand and brought treats and chicken chews for the journey.

Vet Visits and Paperwork: My UAE Process

Here’s the exact order of appointments I had and what each vet did:

1. Noble Veterinary Clinic in DIP

• Rua had her tapeworm treatment and a general health check

• The vet issued a Fit to Fly certificate and applied flea and tick treatment (not required but recommended)

• They also issued the EU Animal Health Certificate, which is valid for 10 days

• Website: www.noblevetclinic.com

The fabulous team at Noble Vet Clinic are kindly giving any followers and readers 100 AED off your first visit. Just mention my name when booking (Nadine)!

The wonderful team in Noble Vets always take the best care of Rua! Mention my name when booking (Nadine) to get 100 AED off your first visit!

2. Dubai Municipality Vet – Al Khawaneej

• I booked this through the Dubai Now app

• They scanned Rua’s microchip and did a basic check-up

• I received the Dubai Municipality Health Certificate needed for export

• Location: Veterinary Services Building, Al Khawaneej Road, near UAE Football Association

  
  

3. MOCCAE Vet: Cargo Village, Dubai Airport

• This step must be done last

• I brought Rua (in her carrier) and all her documents

• Parked at Cargo Village, went through security with my Emirates ID, and received a QR code

• Once leaving, security stamped the QR

• I was directed to Section 2, where the MOCCAE vet checked all the paperwork

• They stamped both the EU Health Certificate and Export Certificate

MOCCAE Portal: www.moccae.gov.ae

Notifying Irish Agriculture

At least 24 hours before we flew, I submitted Rua’s details via the Advance Notice of Pet Movement Form.

You can do the same here: Submit Form

They sent me a confirmation email which made everything smoother on arrival at Dublin Airport.

Arriving in Ireland

When we landed, I brought Rua to the Department of Agriculture desk:

• Her microchip was scanned

• The officer reviewed her tapeworm treatment and EU Health Certificate

• That was it, no quarantine

• We were through in under 15 minutes

Rua was exhausted but still alert, and absolutely ready for Irish grass and freedom!

What I Learned (and What I’d Do Differently)

• Crate training is key. I wish I had taken Rua to busier environments in her crate before travelling.

• Always check airline requirements before booking.

• Double-check dates on all vaccines and certificates.

• Make sure your dog’s microchip was implanted before their rabies vaccine.

• Bring a mini USB or battery fan to keep them cool on the flight.

• Line the crate with puppy pads and have spares.

• A travel water bottle and familiar chew can go a long way.

• The airport processes are pretty much the same, at security, you just carry your dog through the scanner in your arms.

  
  

Would I Do It Again?

Yes. Now that I’ve done it once, I’d 100% do it again. Rua was with me, safe, and calm. Watching her explore Ireland made every form, stamp, and late-night Google search totally worth it.

Still Unsure?

If this still feels overwhelming and you have the budget, I totally understand why some people opt for pet relocation services, especially if your dog doesn’t meet in-cabin weight or behaviour criteria.

Feel free to DM me on Instagram @nadineelyons and I’ll happily pass on the contact details of a brilliant pet relocation company I know lots of people have used successfully in Dubai.