Mandatory Pet Registration in Abu Dhabi: What Every Pet Owner Must Know

Did you know failing to register your pet in Abu Dhabi could cost you fines and put your pet at risk?

If you own a cat or dog in Abu Dhabi, registration is no longer optional. As of 3 February 2026, pet registration through the TAMM platform is mandatory across the Emirate under the initiative launched by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).

Failure to comply can result in fines of up to Dh1,000 per pet, with additional penalties for non-renewal.

Here’s everything Abu Dhabi pet parents need to know- including how to register, required documents, fines, and what this means for responsible ownership.

Why Has Abu Dhabi Made Pet Registration Mandatory Now?

The new Animal Ownership System introduced in Abu Dhabi aims to create a centralized, traceable database of all microchipped cats and dogs residing in the Emirate.

The registration process is completed through the TAMM government services portal and pet owners in Abu Dhabi can visit participating vet clinics to register their pets and prevent penalties. Registration itself is currently free. However, required vaccinations or health checks may incur veterinary fees.

Licensed establishments that own cats and dogs are required to complete registration within six months of the system’s implementation, i.e by August 2026.

By registering pets via the TAMM app, Abu Dhabi aims to:

• Reduce stray and abandoned animal populations

• Link pets to verified owners

• Track vaccination and health records

• Aid identification of lost pets by syncing with microchip databases

• Strengthen accountability in pet ownership

This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve animal welfare standards across Abu Dhabi and focuses on regulating pet vaccinations, microchipping and routine vet checkups.

How Much Is the Fine for Unregistered Pets in Abu Dhabi?

After 3 February 2026:

• Dh1,000 fine per unregistered pet

• Dh500 fine for failing to renew registration

• Dh2,000 fine for abandoning a pet

• Up to Dh5,000 fine for neglect or mistreatment (under UAE Penal Code Article 471)

Who Needs to Register?

Mandatory registration applies to:

• All cats and dogs residing in Abu Dhabi

• Individual owners

• Licensed establishments (pet shops, breeders, etc.)

Pets must be:

• Microchipped

• At least 12 weeks old

• Up to date with required immunisations

An animal registration certificate is issued only when the necessary immunisations are completed and the pet is older than 12 weeks.

If a pet is under 12 weeks old, only a personal file number is issued until vaccinations are completed and the required age is reached. Once the conditions are met, the animal’s file is updated and the official registration certificate is issued.

How to Register Your Pet Online on TAMM

Pet owners living in Abu Dhabi can register their cats or dogs through the TAMM platform with the support of licensed veterinary clinics, who process the registration and generate the official animal certificate.

Registration is done via licensed veterinary clinics, not directly by owners online.

Step 1: Visit a Licensed Veterinary Clinic

Upon registration, your pet must undergo a health examination. The clinic will:

• Perform a health examination

• Verify microchip details

• Confirm vaccination records

• Upload documentation via TAMM

Step 2: Ensure Your UAE Pass Is Active

You must log in using UAE Pass credentials.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

For individuals, you will need:

• Pet owner's Emirates ID

• Your pet's photo (JPEG format)

• Veterinary medical report

• Proof of address (required if Tawtheeq of pet owner not linked to TAMM)

• Pet passport

• Import permit (if recently imported)

For licensed establishments, additional documents may include:

• Commercial licence

• Reference number

• Veterinary medical report

  
  

The pet owner is responsible for providing the necessary supporting documents from the approved list.

Step 4: Receive Registration Certificate

Once approved, you will receive:

• An Animal file number

• An Official animal registration certificate

The registration certificate is valid for one year only and expires on the date of vaccination completion. The animal’s file must be renewed in line with the validity period of its immunisations.

Important Things to Know Before Pet Registration

• An animal registration certificate is issued only after the required immunisations are completed.

• The animal must be older than 12 weeks to receive the certificate.

• If the pet is under 12 weeks old, only a file number is issued until immunisations are completed and age requirements are met.

• Once conditions are fulfilled, the animal’s file is renewed and the registration certificate is issued.

• The certificate is valid for one year and expires based on vaccination validity.

Common Questions About Abu Dhabi Pet Registration

Can I register my pet online myself via TAMM?

No. Pet registration is completed only by authorised veterinary clinics. Clinics handle the TAMM submission, verify your pet’s microchip and vaccination records, and perform a health examination before issuing the registration certificate.

How much does it cost to register your pet?

Registration itself is free. However, standard veterinary fees may apply for required vaccinations, health checks, or microchipping.

Is pet registration a one-time process, or does it need to be renewed annually?

Pet registration must be renewed every year. The registration certificate is valid for one year and expires based on your pet’s vaccination schedule. Renewal ensures your pet remains legally registered and avoids fines.

What is the deadline to register my pet in Abu Dhabi?

All cats and dogs in Abu Dhabi must be registered by 3 February 2026. Licensed establishments owning pets have six months from the launch date (i.e., until August 2026) to complete registration. Missing these deadlines can result in fines.

Is having my pet microchipped sufficient for registration?

No. Microchipping alone does not count as registration. Your pet must also be officially registered through the TAMM platform via a licensed veterinary clinic to comply with the law and avoid fines.

Is mandatory registration in Abu Dhabi required for pets other than cats and dogs?

No, as of now, mandatory registration applies only to cats and dogs. Birds, reptiles, and other types of pets are not currently included in this requirement.

What if I adopted a rescue dog or stray cat?

You must:

• Microchip your pet

• Ensure Vaccination is completed

• Register your pet through a licensed veterinary clinic via TAMM

  
  

Failure to complete these steps may result in fines or penalties.

Do outdoor or stray cats need to be registered?

No, the regulation applies only to owned cats and dogs.

What happens if I don’t renew my pet's registration?

Non-renewal carries a Dh500 fine per pet. To stay compliant, renew the registration each year in line with your pet’s vaccination schedule.

Final Thoughts

Registering your pet through TAMM ensures your cat or dog is officially recognized and traceable. Pairing registration with pet insurance can further protect your furry friend’s health, covering medical emergencies, surgeries, and routine care while giving you peace of mind.

If you want long-term cover that supports illness, surgery, and ongoing treatment, explore MooPet Cover today.

Get a personalised quote or contact MooCover to learn more.