Moving to a new city with a pet brings a lot of questions. What are the rules? Where can my dog go? Who will look after my pet when I am at work or travelling? In Dubai, the answers are clear once you know where to look.
This guide is for pet owners who are new to Dubai, or who simply want to be sure they are doing things properly. It covers what Dubai Municipality requires, how to help your pet settle, and where to find the best care for it in the city.
What Dubai Municipality Requires of Pet Owners
Dubai Municipality sets the rules for keeping pets in the emirate. Three things are required for every dog and cat.
Registration. Your pet must be registered with Dubai Municipality, and the registration is renewed each year. Once registered, your pet receives an ID tag to wear on its collar.
A microchip. Every dog and cat must have a microchip. It links your pet to you and is the surest way to be reunited if it is ever lost.
Vaccinations. Vaccinations must be kept up to date and are checked when you renew the registration.
You can complete all three at the municipality’s veterinary section or at an approved veterinary clinic. Bring your Emirates ID, your pet’s vaccination record and its microchip number.
If you are bringing a pet from abroad, check the import requirements and the list of restricted breeds before you travel.
Rules for Daily Life With a Pet
Beyond registration, a few everyday rules apply.
- Keep your dog on a lead in public. Dogs must not be walked off the lead.
- Clean up after your dog. Carry waste bags on every walk.
- Know where pets are not allowed. Most public parks, beaches, malls and public transport do not permit pets.
- Check your building’s rules. Each building and community sets its own pet policy, and you need your landlord’s approval.
- Keep the ID tag on. Your pet should wear its municipality tag whenever it is outside.
Helping Your Pet Settle in a New City
A move is as big a change for your pet as it is for you. A few steps make it easier.
- Find a vet early. Register with a clinic near your home before you need one.
- Keep a routine. Feed, walk and play at the same times each day.
- Plan around the heat. Walk dogs early in the morning or after sunset. Pavements are too hot during the day for much of the year.
- Make indoor time interesting. Most pets in Dubai live in apartments, so toys, play and company matter.
- Give it time. Many pets need a few weeks to feel at home in a new place.
Where to Find the Best Pet Care in Dubai
Sooner or later, every pet owner needs help. Work runs late, a business trip comes up, or you fly home for the holidays. In a new city, without family or old friends nearby, it is hard to know who to trust.
There are three kinds of care to know about.
Pet sitting at home. A pet sitter comes to your home to feed your pet, keep it company and take a dog out. Your pet stays in its own surroundings, which suits cats especially well.
Home boarding. Your pet stays in a sitter’s home while you are away. It has company all day, in a home setting with no cages.
Dog walking. A dog walker takes your dog out at its usual time on the days you cannot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Register your pet with Dubai Municipality, make sure it is microchipped and vaccinated, and find a vet near your home.
Yes. Registration applies to both cats and dogs and is renewed each year.
On pavements and in communities that allow dogs, always on a lead. Most public parks and beaches do not permit pets.
Yes, if its day is covered. A daily walk or a midday visit keeps a dog exercised and settled.
