Abu Dhabi's new pet registration rule: What every cat and dog owner must know
Explore the process and benefits before February 3
ABU DHABI: All pet owners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital will be required to officially register their cats and dogs starting February 3, 2025, under a new initiative aimed at improving animal welfare across the emirate.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has introduced a comprehensive pet ownership system that mandates all pets to be microchipped and registered in order to better track animals and reduce the number of strays.
This new rule is a significant step towards ensuring responsible pet ownership while improving the safety and well-being of animals in Abu Dhabi.
How to register your pets
To comply with the new rule, pet owners must register their pets through the TAMM portal or visit a local veterinary clinic for registration.
The registration process is free for now, and individual pet owners have until February 3, 2026, to complete it without incurring any penalties.
However, establishments that house pets, such as pet shops and animal shelters, are required to complete their registration within six months of the system’s launch.
Microchipping and Documentation
As part of the registration process, pets will need to be microchipped, which will allow for quick identification if they are lost. To complete the registration, owners must submit a medical report, an animal certificate, and a reference number.
If pet ownership is being transferred to another individual, both the current and new owners must visit a veterinary clinic to complete the transfer.
It is also important to note that pets under the age of 12 weeks are not eligible for transfer under the new system.
Better animal welfare
The new registration rule is being implemented in response to concerns about the growing stray animal population in Abu Dhabi. A tragic incident in October 2023, where over 150 cats were abandoned in the Al Falah desert – leading to the death of many – highlighted the need for a more structured way to track and care for animals.
The DMT hopes that by requiring microchipping and registration, the system will make it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners while preventing future cases of abandonment.
Benefits for pet owners
This registration system is not just about reducing stray animals. It also offers significant benefits to pet owners, such as improved access to pet records and health tracking. By ensuring pets are regularly vaccinated and properly cared for, the system promotes responsible pet ownership. Moreover, the microchipping requirement will simplify the process of locating lost pets, giving owners peace of mind.