Pet parents, get ready to see a game-changing update if you are from Abu Dhabi. Pet ownership in Abu Dhabi is about undergo more structural changes. Starting February 3, 2026, all dogs and cats(pets) living in the Emirate must be officially registered in Abu Dhabi. The move brings pets into the legal framework of the city. This move will mark a shift toward stronger animal welfare, public safety, and accountability.
Abu Dhabi Makes Pet Registration Mandatory From February 2026
The initiative is a city-wide system designed to recognise pets as part of everyday family life.
According to a report by Gulf News, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) confirmed that the new rule applies to every dog and cat in Abu Dhabi. All the registrations will be handled through the government’s TAMM platform in partnership with licensed veterinary clinics.
What Owners Must Know
The aim is to create what authorities call a “Family Space,” where pets are formally recognised and integrated into community planning and safety systems.
Registration links each pet to its owner and medical history. That includes vaccination records and microchip details. Once registered, pets become part of an official system that supports animal health, traceability, and responsible ownership.
Free Registration And Grace Periods Explained
To make adoption of the system easier, the government has confirmed that pet registration is currently free of charge. Pet owners have a one-year grace period to complete registration without facing penalties.
Commercial entities such as pet shops, breeders, and shelters have a shorter timeline. They must register all animals within six months.
Why Abu Dhabi Is Introducing The ‘Family Space’ System
The initiative will build a central database, enabling Abu Dhabi to better manage vaccination schedules, monitor animal welfare, and control stray populations more effectively.
It also improves outcomes when pets go missing. The data will support smarter urban planning and stronger animal protection policies in future.
Penality For Unregistered Pets
After the grace period ends, owners who fail to register their pets will face a AED1,000 fine. Microchipping remains mandatory and is required to complete the registration process and. obtaining an official animal ownership certificate.
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Steps To Register Your Pet In Abu Dhabi
Pet owners need an active UAE Pass. Simply visit a licensed veterinary clinic in Abu Dhabi with the UAE Pass. The clinic will carry out a basic health check, confirm the microchip, and upload the required records directly to TAMM.
Pet parents will receive a notification confirming registration post approval. And that’s how your pet officially becomes part of Abu Dhabi’s registered pet community.
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