The registration of cats and dogs is intended to curb the stray population, maintain pet records, ensure proper identification, and enhance animal welfare.
In February 2025, Abu Dhabi introduced mandatory pet registration for residents. Pet owners were given a one-year grace period to complete the registration process, but the deadline ended on February 3, 2026. As a result, fines may now be imposed on owners whose cats or dogs remain unregistered.
Why the rule was introduced and who needs to register
The pet registration system was established to help authorities create an accurate database of cats and dogs across Abu Dhabi. According to the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), limited access to reliable pet ownership data previously made it challenging to plan veterinary services, vaccination programmes, and stray animal management initiatives effectively.
The registration system created a central database connecting each pet with its owner, medical history, and microchip details. This allows authorities to better manage vaccination schedules, help reunite lost pets with their owners more quickly, and support efforts to reduce the stray animal population over time.
Officials describe the initiative as part of a broader vision of creating a “Family Space,” where every registered pet is recognised as part of Abu Dhabi’s safety and welfare framework rather than remaining outside official records.
The mandatory registration rules apply to all cats and dogs in Abu Dhabi. Individual pet owners were given a one-year grace period to complete registration, while establishments such as pet shops, shelters, and catteries were provided with six months to comply.
Any change in ownership, whether between individuals or from an establishment to a private owner, must also be updated in the system. The new owner becomes responsible for future renewals and ensuring continued compliance with registration requirements.
How to register a pet in Abu Dhabi
Pet owners can complete registration by visiting a licensed veterinary clinic with their animal. The clinic will verify the pet’s microchip or implant one if required, conduct a basic health check, and confirm that vaccinations are up to date.
The veterinarian then submits the owner’s details through TAMM using the owner’s Emirates ID and active UAE Pass account. Once approved, the owner receives confirmation along with an official animal ownership certificate.
Registration remains free for individual owners.
Requirements for registration
Owners need to provide:
- Emirates ID
- Active UAE Pass account
- The pet being registered
- Vaccination records, if available
Pets younger than 12 weeks are assigned a personal file number. An official ownership certificate is issued once the animal reaches the required age and completes its vaccination requirements.
Penalties for failing to register
Owners who do not register their pets face a fine of Dh1,000 per animal.
Additional penalties apply for animal welfare violations. Abandoning a pet can result in a Dh2,000 fine, while neglect or mistreatment may lead to fines of up to Dh5,000 under Article 471 of the UAE Penal Code.
Authorities have confirmed that enforcement is now active, with no additional grace period announced.
