Whether you are thinking of adopting a pet or are already a parent to one, you’ll need to keep in mind these different set of rules that are meant to be followed regarding pets in Dubai.
First and foremost, it is mandatory to register your pet. The Dubai Municipality has launched strict measures to ensure that all pet owners in the city register their pets. After you register, you’ll receive a municipality tag with a unique registration number to ensure your pet can be found easily if stolen or lost. The registrations are valid for a year, you must re-register your pet every year.
Your pet should have all the necessary up-to-date vaccinations. The Dubai Municipality requires you to renew your pet’s vaccinations (DHLPPI and rabies for dogs, flu/enteritis, and rabies for cats) every year. Your pet must be vaccinated & microchipped by the VSS/DM or a licensed vet. If your pet is not vaccinated, you will be given a three-day notice to comply. Failure to do so will get you a fine of AED 200 and your pet could be confiscated by the authorities. Pets like Guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, bearded dragons, iguanas, parrots, and tortoises don’t require vaccination but should have an import permit to arrive in the country.
It is compulsory to leash and mask dogs in public. Walking dogs off-leash in Dubai is illegal, large breeds need to be muzzled in public. Failure to comply will get you a fine of AED 200 for a first-time offence and can increase if it is more than once.
Dubai has a list of prohibited breeds of dogs that are not allowed in the country. These include all types of Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosa, Wolf-Dog Hybrids, all types of Mastiffs, Rottweilers, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terriers, Doberman Pinscher, Chow Chow, Boxer, and Perro de Presa Canario. Banned breeds will be confiscated immediately and sent to a no-kill shelter before being re-homed in different countries. It is strictly prohibited to keep exotic pets in the UAE.
Walk your dog only in areas it is allowed to bring your pet. Most parks, shopping malls, and beaches have a no pet policy, and such public areas have clear signs stating that dogs are not allowed. Even public transport, taxis, buses, or the Metro don’t allow pets. You can take your dog for a walk to dog-friendly places like the Jebel Ali Beach, Al Warqa, and the beach near Dubai College. The Emaar development, the Springs, Arabian Ranches, and The Greens are some of Dubai’s leading pet-friendly developments.
One of the most important pet rules in Dubai is to keep your dog always restrained and ensure it doesn’t attack people or destroy property. If your dog happens to bite or attack someone you will be faced with a fine of AED 5000. And, you will have to give a written undertaking that the incident will not repeat, if it does, your dog will be confiscated by the authorities. Most trained dogs do not attack unprovoked, but it is best to keep your dog restrained, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.
As a responsible pet parent, you should make sure your pet is well-looked after, and all its needs are met. If you are travelling outside the city without your pet, make sure you leave them in a trusted boarding home. Neglected or abandoned dogs will be traced back to the owner, and the owner will be fined AED 500.
A penalty of AED 2000 will be charged to the owners of domestic pets if the rules and regulations are not followed properly.
