Your Guide to Owning a Pet in Abu Dhabi

🐾 The New Registration Law — What You Need to Know

Pet registration is now mandatory in Abu Dhabi. The DMT (Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport) launched the Animal Ownership System on February 3, 2025, and the grace period ended February 3, 2026. If you haven’t registered yet, fines now apply.

Who must register:

• Abu Dhabi residents who own cats or dogs
• Pet shops, shelters, and establishments housing cats or dogs

⚠️ Birds, reptiles, and other pets are not currently included in mandatory registration.

📋 How to Register Your Pet

Step 1 — Visit a licensed veterinary clinic (registration is processed through vets, not directly online).

Step 2 — Bring your pet’s microchip details and pet passport.

Step 3 — The vet registers your pet through the TAMM platform (Abu Dhabi government services app) under the Family Space section.

Step 4 — You receive an ID tag with a unique number to place on your pet’s collar.

✅ Registration is currently free for individuals. 🔁 Renewals are annual, typically aligned with vaccination schedules.

💰 Fines at a Glance

🏥 Health & Microchipping Requirements

• Microchipping is compulsory for all registered cats and dogs
• Annual vaccinations must be kept up to date
• Regular vet check-ups are strongly encouraged
• In the future, only registered pets will be allowed access to vet services, animal care facilities, and public parks

🏠 Adopting a Pet

Abu Dhabi has a strong shelter and rescue network:

• AWAD (Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi) — Located at Plaza 30, Building 7, Delma Street. Offers adoption services, TNR programmes, and 200+ feeding stations. myawad.ae | 02 228 2059
• Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Shelter — Cares for strays and abandoned animals; adoption requests available online

⚠️ Abandoning a pet is a violation of animal welfare law in Abu Dhabi.

🌿 Pet-Friendly Spots in Abu Dhabi

• Al Khubeira Dog Park — Gated park with separate areas for small and large dogs; off-leash allowed; vaccination proof required at entry
• Several parks across the city welcome dogs on leashes
• Growing number of pet-friendly cafés and outdoor dining venues

✈️ Bringing a Pet from Abroad

• Pet must have an import permit, up-to-date vaccinations, and a pet passport
• Travel in an IATA-approved crate
• Most pets travel as manifest cargo; Etihad Airlines may allow pets as checked baggage or in-cabin (verify directly with the airline)
• Label crate with owner name, contact number, and pet details

🐕 Banned & Restricted Dog Breeds

Under Federal Law No. 22 of 2016, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) maintains an official list of breeds banned from import. These rules apply across all emirates including Abu Dhabi.

Banned from import (cannot be brought into the UAE):

• All Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
• American Bully
• All Mastiff types (Brazilian, Argentinian, Tibetan, Neapolitan, French, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Bully Kutta, Boerboel)
• Perro de Presa Canario
• Japanese Tosa
• Rottweiler

Restricted breeds (legal to own with conditions — must be muzzled, leashed in public, and registered):

• Doberman Pinscher
• Boxer

ℹ️ Sources:

• UAE MOCCAE — Import Permit for Pets (Official)
• Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 — Dangerous Animals
• Banned Dog Breeds in the UAE 2025 — Fetchway

Wild and exotic animals (lions, tigers, etc.) are strictly prohibited for private ownership.

📌 Quick Reference

Sources: Abu Dhabi DMT, The National, Khaleej Times, Time Out Abu Dhabi, The Source Online (2025–2026)