Dog Vaccinations in Dubai: Complete Schedule, UAE Requirements & What Every Owner Needs to Know

Regardless of breed, size, or lifestyle, every dog in Dubai should receive two core vaccines: DHPPi (which covers distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza in a single injection) and rabies. These are not optional — they protect against diseases that are either present in the UAE or pose a risk through travel and contact with unvaccinated animals.

Parvovirus is the most significant immediate risk for unvaccinated puppies. It is highly contagious, can survive in the environment for months, and has a high fatality rate in puppies who are not vaccinated. The Dubai heat does not kill it. Any puppy that has not completed their primary vaccine course should not be in contact with unknown dogs or areas frequented by other dogs.

Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement for dogs in Dubai and essential for any international travel. If you plan to travel with your dog from Dubai to the UK, EU, Australia, or most other countries, rabies vaccination with documented proof is the starting point for all export health requirements.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water and the urine of infected animals, including rodents. Dogs that go to parks, swim in water, or have outdoor access in Dubai are considered at risk. Leptospirosis can also be transmitted to humans, which makes vaccination an important public health measure as well as a pet health one. We include it in our standard adult dog recommendations for most Dubai lifestyles.

Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination is required by virtually all reputable boarding facilities in Dubai and recommended for any dog that attends dog parks, training classes, grooming appointments, or has contact with other dogs. Kennel cough is extremely contagious and spreads rapidly wherever dogs gather. It is rarely fatal in healthy adult dogs but causes significant discomfort and can be serious in puppies, older dogs, or immunocompromised dogs.

Puppies receive maternal antibodies from their mother that gradually wane from around 6–8 weeks of age. The puppy vaccination series is designed to provide protection as maternal immunity fades, without yet knowing exactly when that transition happens for each individual puppy.

A standard puppy schedule at Mike's Vet: first DHPPi at 8 weeks, second DHPPi at 12 weeks, third DHPPi and rabies at 16 weeks, then a booster at 12–15 months (the timing of this booster is important and is what establishes the adult annual cycle). Until the series is complete, puppies should avoid contact with unvaccinated dogs and areas with high dog traffic.

After the primary series, adult dogs receive annual DHPPi and Leptospirosis boosters, with rabies given every one to three years depending on the vaccine used and UAE requirements. We keep a digital vaccination record for every patient and send reminders when boosters are due.

If you are bringing a dog into Dubai from another country, the UAE requires proof of current rabies vaccination, microchipping, and an import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Requirements vary by country of origin, and some dogs coming from certain countries require additional documentation. Your vet in the origin country should prepare a certified health certificate within a short window before travel.

If you have recently arrived in Dubai with a dog, we recommend scheduling a full health check to establish a baseline record, update any vaccines that may be due, and register your pet in Dubai. This also gives you the opportunity to address any health issues that may have been missed or undocumented before import.

Each destination country has different import requirements, but the common elements for most developed countries include: current rabies vaccination (documented with a valid certificate), microchipping in ISO standard format, and an official health certificate issued by an accredited vet within 10 days of travel.

For travel to the EU or UK, dogs additionally require a rabies neutralising antibody titre test done at least 30 days after the last rabies vaccine, with results above the accepted threshold. This test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory, and the waiting period begins from the date of the test — meaning you may need to plan 3–6 months ahead for these destinations. At Mike's Vet we are accredited to issue export health certificates and can help you plan your travel timeline well in advance.