Abu Dhabi pet registration will become mandatory across the emirate starting February 3, 2026, marking a major shift in how dogs and cats are tracked and protected. The new requirement applies to all cat and dog owners and is designed to improve animal welfare, public safety, and accountability. Whether you are a long-time resident or someone planning a move with pets into Abu Dhabi, understanding the details early helps avoid fines and last-minute stress.
The regulation focuses only on dogs and cats and introduces a structured, centralised system for registration, renewals, and monitoring through official government channels.
In this guide, learn about:
- Abu Dhabi pet registration explained
- Who does Abu Dhabi pet registration apply to?
- Timeline and grace periods for the Abu Dhabi pet registration
- How to do the Abu Dhabi pet registration?
- Costs, fees, and fines for the Abu Dhabi pet registration
- Goals and what Abu Dhabi pet registration enables
- Enforcement and compliance
- Special considerations
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Abu Dhabi pet registration explained
Abu Dhabi will enforce mandatory registration for all dogs and cats living in the emirate from February 3, 2026. The rule applies to both individual owners and commercial entities and links each registered pet to verified health and ownership records.
The mandate is part of a broader effort to reduce stray populations, prevent abandonment, and ensure pets are vaccinated, microchipped, and properly cared for. It also brings Abu Dhabi closer to international best practices in animal welfare management.
Who does Abu Dhabi pet registration apply to?
The registration requirement covers a wide range of pet owners and organisations, but the conditions differ slightly depending on who owns the animal.
- Individual pet owners must register all dogs and cats that are microchipped and older than 12 weeks. Owners with multiple pets are still treated as individuals, provided the animals are kept for personal companionship.
- Commercial establishments, including pet shops, shelters, breeders, and facilities housing multiple animals, are required to register each eligible pet under their care. These entities must also maintain updated records tied to their trade or operating licences.
- Pets younger than 12 weeks are handled differently. While they are not issued a full registration certificate immediately, they must still be recorded in the system under a temporary personal file until vaccinations and age requirements are met.
Timeline and grace periods for the Abu Dhabi pet registration
To ensure a smooth rollout, Abu Dhabi authorities have introduced clear timelines and grace periods for compliance.
| Category | Deadline | Grace period |
| Individual owners | From Feb 3, 2026 | One year without penalty |
| Establishments | Within six months starting Feb 3, 2026 | No penalty during six-month window |
These grace periods allow owners to complete vaccinations, microchipping, and paperwork without immediate fines. Once the grace periods expire, penalties apply automatically.
How to do the Abu Dhabi pet registration?
Pet registration is handled digitally through the TAMM platform, with support from licensed veterinary clinics across Abu Dhabi. Owners must log in using UAE Pass to ensure verified identity.
- Vet clinic visit: The process starts at a licensed veterinary clinic in Abu Dhabi that is authorised to support pet registration.
- Microchipping: The pet’s microchip is scanned during the visit. If the pet is not already microchipped, the clinic implants a UAE-approved microchip.
- Vaccination review: Vaccination records are checked, updated if required, and verified as part of the registration process.
- Medical report: The veterinarian issues an official veterinary medical report after the health assessment.
- Data submission: The clinic uploads the microchip details, vaccination records, and medical report to the TAMM platform to complete registration.
- Registration certificate: Once approved, a registration certificate is issued and remains valid for one year.
- Annual renewal: Registration must be renewed every year and is linked to maintaining up-to-date vaccinations and health checks.
- Pets under 12 weeks: Pets younger than 12 weeks are assigned a personal file number first, which is converted into a full registration certificate once age and vaccination requirements are met.
Costs, fees, and fines for the Abu Dhabi pet registration
While the registration itself is currently free, penalties for non-compliance are clearly defined and enforced.
| Item | Cost or fine |
| Registration fee | Free until further notice |
| Fine for failing to register | AED 1,000 |
| Fine for failing to renew | AED 500 |
| Penalty for abandoning a pet | AED 2,000 |
| Fine for mistreatment or neglect under the UAE Penal Code | Up to AED 5,000 |
These fines are designed to discourage neglect and abandonment while encouraging responsible ownership.
Goals and what Abu Dhabi pet registration enables
The Abu Dhabi pet registration system creates a centralised digital database known as Family Space for dogs and cats. This database links each animal to its owner, health history, and vaccination schedule.
By maintaining verified records, authorities can quickly reunite lost pets with owners and better manage stray populations. The system also makes it easier to track vaccination compliance, reducing the risk of disease spread.
Enforcement and compliance
Compliance is monitored by the Department of Municipalities and Transport in coordination with licensed veterinary clinics. Vet records are cross-checked with registration data, making enforcement systematic rather than random.
Once grace periods expire, unregistered pets may trigger fines during inspections or vet visits. If a pet’s vaccination schedule lapses, the registration is considered inactive until renewed, exposing owners to penalties.
For apartment dwellers, compliance also aligns with building rules and safety standards. Issues like pet containment, balcony safety, and shared spaces often intersect with residential regulations in Abu Dhabi buildings.
Special considerations
Pets younger than 12 weeks are registered under a personal file number instead of a full certificate. This allows owners time to complete vaccinations before the pet becomes fully registered.
Ownership transfers, whether between individuals or from establishments to private owners, must be updated in the system. The new owner assumes responsibility for renewals and compliance.
Only internationally recognised microchips that meet UAE standards are accepted. Chips must be readable by licensed clinics and linked accurately to the pet’s record.
Key takeaways
From February 3, 2026, Abu Dhabi pet registration became mandatory for all dogs and cats. Registration is currently free, with a one-year grace period for individuals and six months for establishments. Fines apply for failing to register or renew. The system relies on microchipping, vaccinations, and TAMM registration, aiming to improve animal welfare, reduce strays, and ensure owner accountability.
FAQs
Yes. The mandate applies specifically to microchipped cats and dogs in Abu Dhabi.
Pets under 12 weeks receive a personal file number until vaccinations are completed, after which a full certificate is issued.
A veterinary medical report, vaccination proof, microchip details, UAE Pass login, and for establishments, a valid commercial licence.
Yes. Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed with updated vaccinations and health checks.
Failure to register results in an AED 1,000 fine. Not renewing costs AED 500. Abandonment carries a AED 2,000 penalty, and mistreatment can reach AED 5,000.
