New Abu Dhabi pet rules explained: How to register your dog or cat before Feb 3
Know the penalties, renewal timelines, and compliance deadlines
ABU DHABI – Pet ownership in Abu Dhabi is entering a regulated phase as authorities roll out mandatory registration for all dogs and cats across the UAE capital.
The Animal Owner System, introduced by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, is designed to centralise pet records, improve animal welfare, and reduce cases of abandonment. The requirement applies to both individuals and commercial establishments, with registration handled exclusively through the government’s TAMM platform.
The system officially comes into effect tomorrow (Tuesday, February 3, 2026). While registration is currently free, non-compliance will eventually result in financial penalties. Authorities say the initiative will also support public safety, streamline vaccination tracking, and help reunite lost pets with their owners.
اعتباراً من 3 فبراير 2026، يصبح تسجيل جميع الكلاب والقطط إلزامياً في إمارة أبوظبي. التسجيل مجاني، ويمكن إتمامه عبر منصة "تم" من خلال أية عيادة بيطرية مرخصة. التزم بالتسجيل لتجنب غرامة قدرها 1,000 درهم، ولضمان وجود بيانات حيوانك الأليف ضمن "ركن الأسرة".
— دائرة البلديات والنقل (@AbuDhabiDMT) January 30, 2026
Starting February 3, 2026,… pic.twitter.com/UCOx5Zz56m
Who needs to register?
All dogs and cats residing in Abu Dhabi must be registered, regardless of whether they are owned by individuals, pet shops, shelters, or other businesses. Only cats and dogs are covered under the current regulation. Pets must be microchipped, and all mandatory vaccinations must be completed before a full registration certificate can be issued.
Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to qualify for certification. If a pet is younger, owners will receive a temporary personal file number, which remains valid until vaccination schedules are completed and age requirements are met.
How to register?
Registration is processed through licensed veterinary clinics across Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Department of Municipalities and Transport. Pet owners are required to visit their preferred clinic, where veterinary staff upload medical records, vaccination details, and microchip information directly to the TAMM system.
To complete the process, owners must log into TAMM using a UAE Pass and submit a reference number along with a veterinary medical report. Commercial entities must also provide a valid commercial licence. Once approved, owners receive an official animal ownership certificate through the platform.
Validity rules
Each registration certificate is valid for one year and expires on the same date as the pet’s vaccination period. Renewals must be completed on time to remain compliant with the regulations. Authorities have confirmed that failure to renew a registration will result in a Dh500 fine.
For individual pet owners, a one-year grace period has been granted to complete registration without penalties. Commercial establishments, including pet shops and shelters, are required to register all animals within six months of the system’s implementation.
Fines
Once the grace period ends, failure to register a dog or cat will result in a Dh1,000 fine. Officials have stressed that enforcement will follow awareness campaigns and training sessions delivered to veterinary clinics across the emirate to ensure a smooth transition.
The registration programme forms part of Abu Dhabi’s wider “Family Space” initiative, which legally recognises pets within the urban framework. The database allows authorities to monitor vaccination schedules, manage stray populations, and support updated tourism regulations that now allow pets at selected hotels and restaurants across the capital.