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animal relocations by animal people

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Dog relocation? Cat relocation? Any kind of pet relocation?

Mind dislocation?! 

We are an Animal Care organisation through and through. International pet shipping (we like to call it "international pet relocations" 'cause we ain't shippin' boxes, right?), and other animals too, is part of what we do, including veterinary care and boarding & daycare, to say nothing of (well, yes, we'll say something of) our work with the airlines in our capacity as Animal Handler at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) for Emirates Airline and dnata.

It's all part of the bigger Animal Care picture.

Pet Transportation and Transit Care. Door-to-Door.

We have been providing pet transportation and other animal relocations and transit care services in the UAE since the mid-1980s. We also provide general animal care management at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central for all airlines... everything from the cutest, littlest pets to watch-your-fingers exotics. And door-to-door? Just let us know.

And indeed, watch your fingers because relocating your pet, either on your own (which you can do) or with the help of an agent like us is expensive! And it can be complex.

Relocate your pet: Just a little guidance... or the whole shebang!

So come to us for initial guidance or let us work with you and for you throughout the entire planning and execution of your relocation, including any vet-related treatments or documentation, which services are provided via our very own DKC Veterinary Clinic. We can even work-share with you. You might experience a minor price-related heart attack , but at least we’ll be there to catch you when you fall! We can never eliminate all the anxiety, but we do try!

So let's talk. Or better yet, come ‘n meet us (don't forget to make an appointment, please! ). Our relocations office is smack in the middle of our beautiful animal care facility and so is integrally a part of what we do ~ the care of your pets, whatever the kind.

  • dkc relocation
 

Pet Imports. Pet Exports. Pet Transshipments.

  • We service the international airports of Dubai (DXB and DWC), Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Sharjah (SHJ), and in fact any airport in the UAE.
  • Collection & Delivery nationwide for your pet or any other type of animal.
  • We are a long-standing member of both IPATA and ATA, and so very well-connected to other high-quality specialist animal shippers in these global associations ~ for wherever you're going to or coming from.
  • We are the Animal Handler for Emirates and dnata, and therefore all airlines, at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central.
  • And we are trusted and recommended the world over. (And we might even tell you the difference between a "pet passport" and a vaccination booklet!  )

Pet Imports. Pet Exports. Pet Transshipments. We love our pets so much, we won't leave home without 'em.

DKC is:

Find animal shippers worldwide here and here.

P.S.   All Emirates & FlyDubai Platinum Card holders get a 10% discount on all our services related charges ~ Boarding, Relocations and Veterinary! But shhh... don't tell anyone!
What are your vehicles like? How will my pet travel?
Answer

We use converted passenger vans (such as the Toyota Hiace) which have been heavily modified for o

<h5>What are your vehicles like? How will my pet travel?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_52.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>We use converted passenger vans (such as the Toyota Hiace) which have been heavily modified for our pet collection and delivery service. Take a look at <a href="/what-we-do/collection-delivery" target="_blank">Collection & Delivery</a>.</p> <p>Now, as we've said, these are people-passenger vans, <em><strong>not</strong></em> cargo vans; this is an important distinction because passenger vans have windows all around the vehicle so that plenty of light gets in, and also high-quality air-conditioning throughout. Furthermore, we've added fans to create even better air circulation.</p> <p>All the seats have been removed, of course, and replaced by metal flooring with embedded hooks, so when we put your pet and her/his travel box into the van, we can use strong ties to secure the boxes in-place.</p> <p>And finally, there's no solid/opaque partition between our handlers who are driving the vans and your pets in the back, which means we always know what's going on and your pets aren't isolated at all during the trip.</p> <p>And just so you know, we transport any animal in these vehicles, not just your dogs and cats.</p> <p>Oh, and one more thing: We do <em>not</em> have "drivers". The same Animal Handlers who take care of your pets when in our care are the ones who will come to your home for Collection & Delivery.</p></div>
Can DKC manage both the import and export sides of my pet's or other animal's relocation?
Answer
<h5>Can DKC manage both the import and export sides of my pet's or other animal's relocation?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_3.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Definitely yes! For sure! Yup!</p> <p>Well... maybe. Read on.</p> <p>There are two parts to any relocations process: 1) the export; 2) the import; and they need to be seen as distinct processes because, in fact, they are (although both sides coordinate with each other). We can definitely assist you with the import side if you're coming <em>into</em> the UAE, and we can definitely assist you with the export side if you're <em>leaving</em> the UAE. And that's because we, obviously, are <em>in</em> the UAE.</p> <p>Right, now that's clear.</p> <p>However, there (almost!) always needs to be someone (you, a friend or another relocations agent) handling things on the "other" side of a relocation. If you're importing into the UAE, someone will definitely have to handle things in your country of origin. If you're exporting from the UAE, someone in your destination country will have to handle things upon the arrival of your pet if your pet is being exported as "manifest cargo". (What is "manifest cargo" and "accompanied/excess baggage? Read our <a href="/docs/Pet_Flight_Options.pdf" target="_blank">Pet Flight Options</a>). There must always be a physical presence on both sides for the handing of it all when travelling as manifest cargo and when additional import requirements demand this.</p> <p>And so, you can of course engage us to handle the UAE-based stuff (please do!), but in the other country, you will have to have yourself, a friend or another agent handle that side of things. If you're going to use another agent, that's when we can step in to help with <em>both</em> sides of the shipment - although the other agent will be doing the physical work required at the other end, you may wish to deal with only one company for the management and payment of the whole process. In which case, we can manage that for you. There will of course be an additional management fee, but you might be happier having to deal with only one company.</p> <p>And by the way, if you do want to find another agent on your own, in your non-UAE location, check out <a href="https://www.ipata.org/ipata-pet-shippers-air-and-ground" target="_blank">IPATA.org</a>, where you'll be able to search for pet/animal shippers all over the world.</p> <p>But why did we exclaim "almost!" a couple of paragraphs up? Well, in departing the UAE, there are many countries around the world that permit the entry/arrival of pets travelling with you as "accompanied/excess baggage" rather than as "manifest cargo" for Customs clearance following arrival. This is not to say that additional assistance in the destination country is <em>never</em> required simply because your pet has travelled accompanied/excess baggage, but there are indeed many countries for which the entry requirements do <em>not</em> require this type of additional assistance (e.g. import permit, on-arrival quarantine, etc.). In other words, more research!!</p> <p>Complicated, this import/export thing, eh?  </p></div>
Can DKC manage both the import and export sides of my pet's or other animal's relocation?
Definitely yes! For sure! Yup! Well... maybe. Read on. There are two parts to any...
Can I meet DKC at the airport when you import my pet?
Answer
<h5>Can I meet DKC at the airport when you import my pet?</h5> <p>How do we say this nicely?</p> <p>No, sorry. When you give us responsibility to clear your pet through Customs upon arrival in the UAE, we ask that you do not meet us at the airport for the clearance process. The clearance process is time-consuming and at times tedious, so we know from experience that having eager and sometimes anxious customers with us can actually make the process more stressful for everyone involved, including us, you and airport staff. We know this is not exactly the response you're looking for but we ask that you trust us to get through the whole process as quickly as possible and we do promise to get your pet to you without delay. There is also the matter of our access rights to secure areas of the airport, which you would not have.</p> <p>There are also customers who ask us to handle their pet's clearance but to then hand over their pet to them while still at the airport. This too we avoid because: first, it's simply not possible or safe to remove your pet from her travel box at the airport so that you can greet each other properly and as you would want to, which we've learned can itself be distressing for both you and your pet; second, and again, it places unnecessary stress on the clearance process and on those involved because they know that you all are eagerly awaiting that precious hand-over of your ever-so-precious pet - in the end, from the time of your pet's arrival through to the completion of the clearance process usually takes between 3.5 and 5.5 hours, and the best way to get through that time is to just relax, let us do our work for you, and wait for us to contact you when we're done.</p> <p>And remember, most arrivals are in the middle of the night, so wouldn't you rather be at home, relaxing or sleeping (if you can!), until we're done?</p> <p>We have a number of options you can choose from regarding how and when you will be reunited with your pet once we've finished clearing her for you, including:</p> <ul> <li>Meeting us at our facility after the clearance. In this case, we call you when we are finished and we meet you at our facility (even in the middle of the night), which is just 10 minutes away from the airport.</li> <li>Delivering your pet to your home immediately after clearance. When we're about to leave the airport, we'll call you to let you know we're on our way to you.</li> <li>Collecting your pet yourself from our facility the next morning, once we've opened to our customers for the usual workday. Take a look at our <a href="/about-dkc/two-legged-timings" target="_blank">Two-Legged Timings</a>.</li> </ul> <div> </div> <div>Just talk to us to work out the details.</div>
Sedation: Should I or shouldn't I?
Answer
<h5>Sedation: Should I or shouldn't I?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_12.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>In almost all cases, absolutely <strong><span class="underline">not</span></strong>.<br><br>We very strongly recommend against tranquilizing or sedating animals for flight, as does just about every professional shipper worldwide ~ in fact, the vast majority of airlines will not even accept an animal if it has been so treated.<br><br>The main problem is that tranquilizers and sedatives affect the respiratory and circulatory systems by slowing them down quite a bit. While this is almost never a problem in normal circumstances, at altitude and in aircraft air-pressure, it can lead to physiological distress.<br><br>We are not saying that it is never done, and of course we are not saying it always leads to problems, but because there is a widely recognised increase in health risk, even if minimal, the usual approach is to avoid it unless absolutely necessary.<br><br>When is it absolutely necessary? Well, basically you need to ask: Will the stress which my pet will feel be so extremely serious that he will probably experience health problems or even physical injury while in transit, such that the risk of medication is actually less than the risk of anxiety?<br><br>Some people are so worried about their pets and other animals that this question becomes difficult for them to answer, but our experience is that in 99.9% of the cases, it is the human being who is suffering the most anxiety, albeit from understandable worry. You'd be amazed to see just how casual so many travelling animals are once they've arrived at the other end of the journey.</p> <p>And if you <em>are</em> seriously considering medication, look to <em>anxiolytics </em> instead of sedatives ~ these act differently on the pet's system and are probably safer, though we are still strongly recommending against the use of any medication at all, if at all possible. This said, there are herbal and homeopathic remedies that some feel are helpful alternatives and are usually readily available at pet shops and other locations in the form of sprays, tablets and even food.<br><br>Give it all some thought, speak to your vet, and please be cautious.</p></div>
Sedation: Should I or shouldn't I?
In almost all cases, absolutely...
What do you mean by "Airport Oversight"?
Answer

First of all, we do not mean that we are in some way in charge of the airport! Goodness! No, tha

<h5>What do you mean by "Airport Oversight"?</h5><p>First of all, we do <em>not</em> mean that we are in some way in charge of the airport! Goodness! No, that's not at all what we mean. Sounds great, but no. <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png"></p> <p>This is what we mean: In addition to providing "Transit Care" for animals in transit through Dubai International Airport (DXB) and, when required, Dubai World Central (DWC) for Emirates SkyCargo, we are also responsible for the overall well-being and safety of <em>any</em> animal (except horses!) at DXB and DWC during the period of time when all these animals are actually in our care and control in the AVI area (i.e. the animal care area) of the airport, even if those animals are not transiting but instead are importing or exporting. In other words, although we have our own import and export shipments of animals, there are obviously many other imports and exports of animals into/out of DXB which are <em>not</em> DKC's own customers/shipments ~ instead they are shipments being handled by pet owners themselves or other shipping agents. Once these animals come into the airport, either after arrival in the country or while awaiting departure to... someplace somewhere, most of them are cleared or depart without requiring any care or attention of any kind because everything is in order with them and no special circumstances arise. However, while they are in Emirates' CMT AVI area, we provide the necessary oversight to ensure that they are indeed ok, and when there is a need for any additional attention, we are the ones who handle all that for Emirates Airline as their sub-contracted partner. In other words, our general "oversight" means that whether or not we are specifically needed by Emirates or dnata for a specific situation, we simply keep an eye on all animals in the AVI area of the airports to ensure things are alright; if any action is required, be it simple things such as a few minutes of attention for a pet or something more serious requiring veterinary care, DKC are responsible for managing all this.</p> <p>In truth, the vast majority of shipments require no additional attention by us because these animals are being properly handled by the shippers, pet owners and airlines. For what it's worth, nevertheless, we are always around anyway.  <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png"></p>
Is it safe to bring my pet into the heat of the UAE?
Answer
<h5>Is it safe to bring my pet into the heat of the UAE?</h5> <p>Yes it is safe. In fact, thousands of pets are imported into the UAE each year; the vast majority do perfectly well here, regardless of the breed.</p> <p>What about those which don't do well? Fundamentally, when things go wrong (such as dehydration and/or heatstroke), it is about how these pets are managed rather than their innate inability to cope with the heat or the fact of the heat being prohibitive. Yes, the UAE is VERY hot for at least 4 or 5 months of the year, and yes you must be careful about this during these periods, but isn't it extremely cold in January in Canada? Or hot in Texas in July? Aren't there any number of locations around the world with extreme temperatures at certain times of the year? And aren't there pets in these places too? Of course there are.</p> <p>You should be aware of the dangers of the heat here, but if you're thoughtful about this, you should be neither worried nor overly concerned. Do some research on the internet and talk to your UAE-based vet for guidance about things to watch out for, and at the most basic level be aware of such things as not&nbsp;leaving your dog or cat outside during the hottest periods of the year for too long, and always make sure there is plenty of water readily available, even if you're going for a walk.</p> <p>There is more to learn about this and plenty of information available from any number of sources. But yes, in short, it is safe to bring your pet.</p>
Do I need to make an appointment?
Answer

We genuinely love having people just drop by and look around both our locations in Umm Ramool (DK

<h5>Do I need to make an appointment?</h5><p>We genuinely love having people just drop by and look around both our locations in <a href="/about-dkc/howl-we-get-there#dkcmap" target="_blank">Umm Ramool</a> (DKC Boarding & Daycare, and DKC Relocations) and <a href="/about-dkc/howl-we-get-there#dkcvetmap" target="_blank">Motor City</a> (DKC Veterinary Clinic).</p> <p>If you want to relocate your pet into or out of Dubai, then we do indeed need you to contact us to make an appointment... but we promise we won't make that difficult.  <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png"></p> <p>If you need to see one of our clinic's veterinarians, an appointment is always most assured but, yes, you can also just walk on in and we may be able to see you immediately, or not, but especially yes during The Night Shift, from 8pm to 8am, because our clinic is 24/7, always open, day and night. </p> <p>If, however, you just want to see either of our facilities and look around, to see where your pet will live while you're away and he's boarding or while she's in veterinary care, or to have a chat with our Animal Handlers and our veterinary clinic staff... then just come on down any time during our <a href="/about-dkc/two-legged-timings" target="_blank">Two-Legged Timings</a>.</p> <p>If you want to actually reserve boarding space for your pet, then yes, you do need to contact us in advance.</p>
What does Transit Care have to do with DKC?
Answer
<h5>What does Transit Care have to do with DKC?</h5> <p>Glad you asked!</p> <p>DKC (i.e. Dubai Kennels & Cattery and DKC Veterinary Clinic) is the Animal Handler for Emirates Airline and dnata (and all airlines served by dnata) at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). This means that we provide all care to all animals (pets, exotics, large and small mammals, fish, reptiles, birds, etc... but not horses at this time) which pass through DXB or DWC at any time of day or night, every day of the year.</p> <p>Now, not all types of animal always require "care" per se, but as and when needed, it is we who provide it. This will include the basics, such as water and food, but also inspection of travel crates and their repair or replacement as required; medical attention if needed; procurement and processing of special transit documents, etc. More than this, we are responsible for the general and overall monitoring and assessment of these animals, making decisions on a case-by-case basis as to their needs and providing those needs.</p> <p>The transit care period for all animals consists of basically three phases: taking animals off arriving aircraft and transporting them by air-conditioned vehicle from the aircraft to the AVI area (i.e. animal care area) of the airport for the duration of their transit stop in Dubai; the hours these animals spend in the AVI area being provided care of any kind, including feeding, watering, travel box repair or replacement, medical attention if needed (which thankfully is usually not needed), and anything else they might require or benefit from; and the transport of these animals from the AVI area to the next aircraft for their onward flight. DKC is not involved in the first and third phases because the airlines and airports have their own specialised crew for this, but we are indeed responsible for the care and attention provided to animals while they are in the AVI area.</p> <p>Airports are immensely complex places from the point of view of procedures and processes and the sheer number of people involved in... everything, including animal care. And DKC play this small but important part in the whole picture in Dubai.</p>
Food and water for my pet's journey?
Answer

First of all, to be clear, and VERY importantly, there must always be water available before, dur

<h5>Food and water for my pet's journey?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_11.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>First of all, to be clear, and VERY importantly, there must <em>always</em> be water available before, during and after the journey. This said, don't overly concern yourself if your pet is not drinking huge amounts before you take her to the airport just because you've given it to her. Let your pet behave normally, drink as she wants, and relax. The key here is that water <em>must always be <strong>available</strong></em> (which is why all travel boxes have a water bowl in them).</p> <p>As to food, however, while there certainly are exceptions, it's actually best that most animals (including dogs and cats) travel on an empty (or close-to-empty) stomach. We understand that you worry your pet will be hungry, especially if it's a long-haul journey, but we ask that you trust this bit of very important advice:</p> <ul> <li>Do not feed your dog or cat for at the very least 4 hours before you drop them off at the airport for departure, and preferably longer. At DKC, we generally aim for about 8-10 hours.<br><br></li> </ul> <p>Unlike human beings who need (or <em>feel</em> they need) to eat regularly, many types of animal, including dogs and cats and others (though, again, there are exceptions to this), are very capable of and even comfortable with going without food for a good 24 hours. Of course we agree that this is not what you want to do every day but in an air-travel situation, we promise you that all your pets and animals will be just fine. In fact, they will be better than if you do feed them because of the:</p> <ul> <li>Reduced likelihood of nausea/vomiting in case they have any kind of reaction to the movement of their crate or as a result of anxiety (though it should be said that vomiting under any circumstances is quite rare).</li> <li>Dramatically reduced risk of toileting (urine and faeces) in their travel box, which means they stay cleaner and more comfortable overall.<br><br></li> </ul> <p>Sound scary? Try not to worry too much. This approach really does work very well indeed.</p></div>

Animal Care. Animal Relocations. By Animal People.

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DKC is HIRING!!

Office Coordinators -cum- Receptionists
Animal Relocations Officers

Take a look at our Careening Careers page.