Having a pet in your home is a huge stress reliever after a tiring day at work. But do you know what living with pets in Dubai is like? Unlike other countries, pet rules in Dubai are rigid, such as having a pet licence.
Scroll down to explore all the rules and tips for a joyful life with your fluffy pet in the Emirates.
- Rules for Owning Pets in Dubai
- Tips for Living With Pets in Dubai
- Register Your Pet
- Vaccinate Your Pet
- Pet- Proof Your Home
- Take Proper Care of Your Pet
- Train Your Pet
- Live in Pet-Friendly Communities
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Rules for Owning Pets in Dubai
Following are the rules for owning pets in Dubai as per UAE Federal Law No. 22:
- Article 12 clears that obtaining a pet licence is mandatory in the UAE.
- According to Article 13, all dogs and cats must be registered with its veterinary services.
- Dogs and cats should be microchipped and regularly vaccinated.
- A small disc is placed on the animal’s collar as proof of municipal registration. The chip is issued annually after vaccination, and a new tag is issued after each year’s vaccination.
- The tag and microchip are crucial in identifying pets in case of loss or theft.
- Vaccination, microchipping, and registration can be conducted at any veterinary clinic or municipality veterinary services.
- Importing a pet to the UAE requires ISO standards microchipping, and the owner must have a certificate for all the necessary vaccinations.
UAE Federal Law No. 16 (2007) on animal welfare clearly states to safeguard animals from abuse and negligence. Medical attention is required for animals, and abandonment, mainly if infected, is illegal. It penalises the owner for the pets’;
- Inadequate diet
- Unsafe transportation
- Mistreatment, including scientific experiments, cruelty and sexual abuse.
Tips for Living With Pets in Dubai
Owning a pet in Dubai can be stress-free if you follow the tips given below:
1. Register Your Pet
You can instantly register your pets at veterinary clinics by following the steps below:
- Login to the UAE Government Portal or visit any veterinary clinic.
- Apply for the registration and submit the required documents, i.e.,
- Animal picture.
- Animal’s health record (if available).
- NOC from the previous owner.
- Pay the required fee.
Registration and Numbering Fee
- Dogs and cats: AED 10
- Other animals: AED 20.
- Dogs and cats: AED 50 per microchip.
- Knowledge and Innovation Fees: AED 20 for each service exceeding AED 50
- VAT: 5%.
Service Channels
- Website: https://www.dm.gov.ae/
- Veterinary Clinic: Al Khawaneej Veterinary Clinic
2. Vaccinate Your Pet
You must vaccinate your pet on time to ensure the health and safety of both pets and people around you.
- Vaccination for Puppies
- A valid vaccination for rabies is applied according to the vaccine manufacturer’s instructions. The initial dose should not be applied before 12 weeks of animal age.
- Leptospirosis (Ictohaemorragea – Canicola)
- Canine Parvo Virus
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- Vaccination for Kittens
- Rabies – a valid vaccination applied according to the vaccine manufacturer’s instructions. The same goes for kittens. The initial dose should be applied after at least 12 weeks of age.
- Feline Rhinotracheitis.
- Feline Pan Leukcopenia.
- Feline Calicivirus
Also, visit the Dubai Municipality website to make an appointment with veterinary clinics. You can vaccinate your pet at:
1. Al Lisaili Veterinary Clinic
- Location: Madinat Al Qudra, Al Lisaili, Dubai, UAE
- Working hours:
- 07:30 am to 07:30 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
- 06:30 am to 11:30 am (Fridays)
2. Al Khawaneej Veterinary Clinic
- Location: Veterinary Services Building, Al Khawaneej St, near UAE Football Association, Wadi Al Amardi, Dubai, UAE.
- Working hours:
- 07:30 am to 02:30 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
- 08:00 am to 11:30 am (Fridays)
3. Hatta Veterinary Clinic
- Location: near Hatta Heritage Village, Dubai, UAE
- Working hours:
- 07:30 am to 02:30 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
- 07:30 am to 11:30 am (Fridays)
3. Pet-Proof Your Home
Living with a pet without pet-proofing in your home may cause you trouble. Pets, especially puppies and kittens, are curious and often get into tight spots. So, inspecting and making every corner of your home safe for your fluffy pet is important.
Consider the following to ensure pet safety:
- Install child-proof latches on low cabinets.
- Check for loose wires and cords in electrical outlets.
- Keep balconies closed when not in use.
- Check for small objects pets can swallow or play with unsupervised.
- Keep small toys, decorations, and remote controls out of reach.
- Close toilet lids to prevent water contamination.
- Keep food items and cleaning agents locked away in cabinets.
- Put medicines, razors, and cleaning agents in closed cabinets.
4. Take Proper Care of Your Pet
For the proper care of your beloved pet, remember the points mentioned below:
- Pets must be kept clean
- When heading out, pets must be on a leash.
- Dogs are not allowed in public parks or public transportation.
- Certain breeds may require muzzles in public.
- Pets should be kept in independent homes. If you live in a residential building, you must get permission from the property owner.
- Walking dogs in the early morning and evening is advised during summer.
- Pets need access to fresh water and shade.
5. Train Your Pet
Having an untrained pet may lead to several problems, like littering everywhere. To deal with such circumstances, you can train your pet by:
- Focusing on developing good habits and behavior.
- You may begin with toilet training and basic commands (sit, come, fetch, etc.).
- Use patience and reward-based training.
- You can also seek professional help in Dubai if pet training is difficult (such as Paw Parking, Dogwalk, and more).
6. Live in Pet-Friendly Communities
Some top pet-friendly communities in Dubai exist to ease pet owners’ worries. In these communities, you can easily walk and play with your fluffy little friend. Dubai offers several outdoor spots perfect for your pets in areas like:
Key Takeaways
Pet ownership in Dubai comes with clear responsibilities, including mandatory licensing, registration, microchipping, and vaccinations under Dubai Municipality rules. Following animal welfare laws and providing proper care are essential to avoid penalties. Creating a pet-safe home, training your pet, and living in pet-friendly communities help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both owners and pets.
FAQs
Yes, Dubai Municipality requires dogs and cats to be registered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Registration helps identify pets in case they are lost and ensures compliance with UAE regulations.
No, pets are generally not allowed in public parks or on public transportation. Owners should check specific community rules and use pet-friendly spaces instead.
You can complete pet registration, microchipping, and vaccinations at Dubai Municipality veterinary clinics or approved veterinary centres across the city. Appointments can also be booked through the Dubai Municipality website.
