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Local law information

Dubai Municipality Pet Law

As per  Dubai by law, all dogs and cats must be microchipped, be up to date with their annual vaccination  and registered with the Dubai Municipality Veterinary Services. A proof of Municipality registration is a small plastic disc with a number, which must be worn on the collar at all times by the animal. Every year when the pet is being vaccinated new municipality tag is issued for that year. The registration tag along with the microchip helps identifying your pet in case it is lost or stolen.

Vaccinations, micro-chipping and registration can be done at any veterinary clinic or at Dubai Municipality Veterinary Services. 
All pets being imported into UAE must be micro-chipped with ISO standards  and have a certificate of the required vaccinations prior to arrival.

Dubai Municipality Veterinary Services Khawaneej are
  • Email vetsection@dm.gov.ae
  • Tel: 04 289 1114
  • Fax: 04 289 1123
General Pet Laws
  • Dogs and cats must be vaccinated, micro-chipped and wear identity (ID) tags issued by Dubai Municipality.
  • Dogs are not allowed in public parks, on beaches or on public transportation (except for service animals).
  • Dogs must always be on a lead in public places.
  • If a stray animal is caught by Dubai Municipality and is not wearing ID tags, it will be euthanized if the owner does not claim it within eight days
Vaccinations
It is compulsory to vaccinate dogs and cats of all ages. Dogs and puppies must be vaccinated against the following:
  • Distemper
  • Hepatitis
  • Leptospirosis
  • Parainfluenza
  • parvovirus and rabies
Cats and kittens must be vaccinated against:
  • Calicivirus
  • Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
  • Rabies
  • Rhinotracheitis

Most, if not all, veterinarians will administer a DHLPP vaccine cocktail (for dogs) or FVRCP vaccine cocktail (for cats) to cover the above diseases, plus a separate rabies jab in one appointment. Puppies and kittens (or dogs and cats that are overdue) may need to come back for a second round of vaccinations. If planning to board a pet at a cattery or kennel, check it doesn't need additional vaccines such as feline leukemia and kennel cough.

Buying and Selling Pets

It is illegal to sell a pet privately or without a proper license. If buying a pet, make sure the business has the proper license to sell animals. When buying a puppy or kitten, be aware that it is illegal to import animals less than four months old.

Lost Pets

If an animal is lost, alert Dubai Municipality Veterinary Services (DMVS) and animal welfare associations as soon as possible.
If the DMVS catches an animal wearing an ID tag, they will contact the owner to retrieve the animal. If an animal is found, the DMVS can be called with the ID tag information and the pet owner's contact information can be obtained. If an animal is caught by the DMVS and is not wearing an ID tag, it will be euthanized after eight days if it is not claimed. If a pet is found by DMVS, there is a charge for the owner to retrieve it.
In addition to contacting the DMVS, get in touch with local animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics and post information on online forums.

K9Friends and Feline Friends Dubai both have a network of volunteers that gather information about stray animal sightings.

Local Issues
Living in Dubai with pets takes some getting used to. The weather is harsh and there are a number of things to keep in mind as a pet owner.

  • The average monthly temperature is 33.4 C and in the summer, the average temperature is 40.5 C. It is vital that a pet has access to fresh water and adequate shade at all times
  • During the summer months, try to walk dogs in the early morning and evening hours. Pavements can be scorching hot during the day and dogs can burn their paw pads
  • Dubai isn't the most pet-friendly place to live. Make sure the pet has proper identification and keep it safely within the confines of the home or garden
  • There is a large stray population, especially among cats. Neuter or spay all cats and dogs to guard against unwanted kittens and puppies
  • There are date palm trees everywhere and during date harvesting season dates drop from the trees. Keep dogs away from dates as they can cause diarrhea and the seeds can irritate/obstruct the intestines or stomach
There are certain breeds of animals that are not allowed to be bought or sold in Dubai. Those caught in possession of an animal that is restricted, will have the animal confiscated and may face fines.
Some breeds are restricted to wearing a muzzle when out in public and may not be kept in apartments. Check with the Dubai Municipality Veterinary Services about specific restrictions related to pets.

Fish
  • Piranha
Dogs
Any of the dogs below or any dog crossbred with one of the below dog breeds.
  • American Staffordshire Terrier (Pit Bull Terrier)
  • Argentinean Mastiff
  • Bull Terrier
  • Brazilian Mastiff (Canary Dog)
  • Doberman
  • Husky
  • Mallorquin Bulldog
  • Miniature Bull Terrier
  • Neopolitan Mastiff
  • Old English Bulldog
  • Perro de Proso
  • Rottweiler
  • Shar Pei
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Tosa
  • Wolf/dog cross breeds

Pets & Animals Animal Organizations
There are no official branches of any internationally recognized animal welfare organizations in Dubai. Some organizations like Feline Friends and K9 Friends are affiliated with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).
Most of the animal welfare organizations in Dubai rescue and rehome stray animals.

Dubai Animal Rescue Centre
  • Tel: 050 858 7844 / 050 872 7073
  • Fax: 04 347 5242
  • Feline Friends Dubai: Rescues and cares for feral and stray cats. As a member of WSPCA, Feline Friends launched a sterilization campaign aimed at controlling the number of street cats in Dubai. The organization works with Dubai Municipality to humanely catch, sterilize and release feral cats. Feline Friends also runs an adoption and foster program for the cats and kittens they have rescued.
  • Friends of Animals 
  • K9Friends

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