Pet rules in the UAE

The UAE has clear federal and local rules on keeping animals, from registration and vaccination to breeds that are banned outright. Knowing them protects your pet, your family and other people.

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Registration, microchips and rabies vaccination (Dubai example)

• A 2024 Gulf News guide reports that Dubai Municipality has required pet owners to register their pets since 2015, through the Dubai Municipality website (using UAE Pass) or at an accredited vet clinic.
• Registration asks for the pet's microchip number, species, breed, date of birth and rabies vaccination status and expiry date, plus the owner's Emirates ID and address.
• A microchip is implanted under the skin by a vet, usually near the scruff of the neck. Microchips identify a pet; they cannot track its location.
• The same guide says registration is renewed each year, usually at the annual rabies vaccination.
• Other emirates have their own procedures: check with your emirate's municipality or a licensed vet.

Dogs in public

• The UAE Government portal says dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when in public.
• Parks, beaches and residential communities often set their own rules on where dogs may go. Read signs and community regulations before you walk.
• Clean up after your dog every time and keep it under control around children and people who may be afraid of dogs.
• Be considerate: some neighbours may prefer not to have contact with dogs for personal, religious or cultural reasons. Give them space.

Dangerous animals and banned breeds

• Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 regulates the possession of dangerous animals. The UAE Government portal says only zoos, wildlife parks, circuses, and breeding and research centres may keep wild or exotic animals.
• Gulf News reported in November 2021 that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment banned several dog types (this list may have changed since, so check current rules with the ministry before relying on it), including pit bull types (such as the American Pit Bull and Staffordshire Terrier), several mastiff types, the Japanese Tosa and the Perro de Presa Canario.
• The same report said importing and breeding these dogs is also banned, with limited exemptions for trained service, emotional support or medical-purpose dogs.
• The UAE Government portal says fines under the dangerous animals law range from AED 10,000 to AED 700,000, may come with a jail term, and the animal can be confiscated.
• Never buy a wild cat, primate or other exotic animal, however it is advertised online.

Welfare duties under the law

• Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 on animal welfare, as summarised by Gulf News in 2026, requires animals to be treated humanely and protected from unnecessary suffering.
• Gulf News adds that owners must provide adequate food, drinking water and shelter, and veterinary treatment when an animal is sick or injured.
• The UAE Government portal says cases of animal abuse can be reported to the police or to the municipality in the relevant emirate.
• Buying pets from unlicensed online sellers is discouraged: in 2018 Dubai Municipality's Veterinary Services Section ran a campaign against illegal online pet trading.

A simple compliance checklist

• Microchip: done by a licensed vet, with your current phone number on the record.
• Rabies vaccination: up to date, with the certificate saved on your phone.
• Registration: completed with your emirate and renewed each year.
• Breed: confirmed as permitted before you adopt or buy.
• Lead and poop bags: with you on every walk.