Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Pet owners in Abu Dhabi are required to register their cats and dogs under a mandatory government system that comes into effect on February 3. The Animal Owner System, introduced by the Abu Dhabi Department for Municipalities and Transport, aims to reduce pet abandonment and protect the health of the emirate’s animal population. Registration is free. However, authorities will impose fines of up to Dh1,000 for owners who fail to comply. A Dh500 fine will apply to those who do not renew their pet registration. The rule applies only to cats and dogs. How to register Pet owners must visit a licensed veterinary clinic and provide their pet’s microchip details and passport. Registration is processed through the Family Space section of the Abu Dhabi government services app, Tamm. Veterinary clinics have received training from authorities to assist with the process. The system was first unveiled in February 2025, with residents given a one-year grace period to register their pets. Pet shops and animal shelters were allowed six months to comply. The move follows calls from animal welfare advocates for stronger tracking measures. In October 2023, more than 150 cats were abandoned in Abu Dhabi’s Al Falah desert area. At least 62 died, prompting an investigation and renewed demands for mandatory registration to help identify lost or abandoned animals. Similar systems are already in place in many countries, as well as in Dubai. Officials say the new rule will improve accountability, protect animal welfare and make it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners.
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