The ultimate guide to pet regulations in Dubai

Have you ever thought about what it’s like to own a pet in Dubai? The city is full of pet lovers, but there are clear rules to follow before bringing one home. Dubai takes pet ownership seriously to make sure animals, owners, and neighbours live together safely. Whether you plan to adopt a cat, buy a dog, or bring your pet from abroad, understanding these rules is the first thing you should do.

The regulations cover everything from licensing and vaccinations to where pets are allowed in public. They are designed to protect pets, prevent health problems, and keep the community safe. Once you know how the system works, owning a pet in Dubai becomes simple, enjoyable, and worry-free.

Pet Licensing in Dubai

Owning a pet in Dubai comes with clear rules, and licensing is one of the most important ones. It is designed to protect pets, owners, and the wider community. When a pet is licensed, it becomes part of an organised system that helps monitor health, safety, and accountability. It also allows authorities to keep track of vaccination records and control the spread of animal diseases in the city.

Licensing allows pets to be easily identified, reducing the risk that they will be treated as strays if they get lost. It instils a sense of responsibility in owners and ensures that every pet in Dubai is correctly cared for. Through this process, the city maintains high standards of animal welfare and public safety, creating a secure and supportive environment for pets and their owners alike.

How to Get a Pet License in Dubai

Getting a pet license in Dubai is an organised process designed to make sure every pet is registered, healthy, and easy to identify. The first step is to take your pet to a licensed veterinary clinic for a full health check. The vet confirms that your pet is vaccinated, microchipped, and free from any illnesses that could affect other animals or people. Once your pet is cleared, you prepare a few basic documents needed for registration:

• A copy of your Emirates ID
• Your pet’s vaccination records
• Microchip details
• Proof that you live in Dubai

After collecting these documents, you can submit your application online through the Dubai Municipality website or visit one of their offices to complete it in person. The registration process is smooth, and you can easily track updates through the official portal. A small fee is required, which varies depending on your pet’s type and the duration of the license. Once approved, you receive your pet’s official license and identification tag. Keeping your pet licensed ensures legal compliance and gives you peace of mind knowing your pet is recognised, safe, and protected under Dubai’s laws.

Pet Regulations for Dogs in Dubai

Pet owners in Dubai must comply with the rules set out in Federal Law No. 22 of 2016. This law mainly regulates dangerous animals and sets clear rules for dog ownership. Here’s a breakdown of the key regulations that pet owners must follow:

Pet Licensing

According to Article 12 of UAE Federal Law No. 22, obtaining a pet license is mandatory. The license keeps a record of the owner’s details, the dog’s information, its vaccinations, and its microchip number. 

Vaccines and Microchips for Dogs

Every dog kept in Dubai must be vaccinated and microchipped. The dog’s medical history must also be updated and kept in the official register to help the authorities identify the dog and confirm that it is healthy and cared for.

Rules for Dangerous Dogs

The law lists certain dog breeds as dangerous, such as Pit Bulls, Mastiff Dogs and Tosa. People are not allowed to own, trade, or breed these dangerous breeds unless there’s a zoo, research centre, animal shelter, animal park, or another licensed establishment. Residents are not allowed to keep these dangerous breeds.

Walking and Controlling Dogs

The law requires that dogs must always be on a leash whenever they are taken outside the home or shelter. If a dog is not leashed in a public space, the authorities have the right to seize and detain it. 

Reporting Stray or Illegal Dangerous Animals

If someone sees a stray animal that appears dangerous, or if they know a person keeps a dangerous animal without a license, they must report it to the Dubai Municipality, the Ministry, or the nearest police station.

Handling Stray or Unlicensed Dangerous Animals

The authorities have the power to detain stray, abandoned, or unlicensed dangerous animals. These animals are taken to official shelters. If an owner does not come forward or does not follow the rules, the authorities may dispose of the animal according to their procedures. 

Care Rules for Establishments

Establishments such as zoos, animal parks, scientific centres, and shelters that keep dangerous animals must follow strict requirements. They must provide proper food, medical care, safe sheltering areas, trained staff, vaccination records, and insurance against risks posed by dangerous animals. These rules apply only to establishments, not to individual pet owners.

Penalties for Not Licensing Pets in Dubai

If you own a pet in Dubai, it’s important to know the penalties you could face if you break the rules. Here’s a simple breakdown of the penalties:

Article (17)

1. If a dangerous animal attacks someone and causes permanent injury, the owner could face 3 to 7 years in prison.
2. If the attack results in death, the owner could face life imprisonment.
3. For less serious attacks that don’t cause permanent injury, the owner could face up to 1 year in prison and a fine ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 400,000.
4. If the animal attacks without the owner’s intention, the owner could be charged with involuntary manslaughter or unintentional injury, depending on the case.
5. In all cases, the animal will be detained. The court might order its confiscation, and the owner will have to cover the detention costs.

Article (18)

Using a dangerous animal to scare people is a serious offence. The owner could face jail time and a fine ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 700,000.

Article (19)

If someone owns a dangerous animal for the purpose of selling it, they could face jail time and a fine between AED 50,000 and AED 500,000.

Article (20)

If you break any of the rules in Articles (3), (5), (10), (14), or (16), you could be sentenced to at least 6 months in prison and face a fine ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 500,000.

Article (21)

If you violate the rules in Article (6), you could be fined between AED 10,000 and AED 500,000.

Article (22)

Failing to follow the rules in Articles (12) and (15), which cover pet registration and health checks, could result in a fine ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 100,000.

It’s clear that Dubai takes pet ownership seriously, and breaking these rules can lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, or the loss of your pet. To avoid issues, always follow the regulations and keep your pet safe and registered.

Conclusion

Owning a pet in Dubai can be a wonderful experience, but it is important to understand the city’s rules so your pet stays safe, healthy, and happy. When you meet licensing requirements, keep vaccinations up to date, and comply with pet laws, you give your pet a safe place to live and avoid issues with neighbours or authorities. These rules also help you prevent fines, misunderstandings with your building, and problems related to restricted breeds. By staying informed and following the regulations, you create a comfortable and safe environment where your pet can enjoy life in Dubai without worry.

Let your next move support your pet’s happiness and your peace of mind. Contact us today to find the perfect pet-friendly property.