Dubai Laws

UAE to impose fines for animal cruelty
Penalties for mistreating animals in the UAE will range from Dh5,000 to Dh20,000 once an animal welfare law is introduced. An initial draft of the law which was under review last year has been approved by the Ministry of Environment & Water & will be passed August 2008

Dubai Municipality – Local Order No. 11 2003

” The following breeds of dogs (listed below) is prohibited in residential areas, public places, market and shopping centres as they pose a threat to the society. This ban will take effect from 1st January 2008. All owners of pet animals are hereby requested to keep their dogs on a leash (lead) on public streets and beaches and not to walk them there without their muzzles.”

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Bull Dog
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Argentinean Mastiff
  • Bull Terrier
  • Canary dog Fila Brasilerio/Brazilian Mastiff
  • Miniature Bull Terrier
  • Rottweiler
  • Neopolitan Mastiff
  • Old English Bulldog
  • Perro de proso Mallorquin/ Bulldog
  • Shar Pei
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Tosa
  • Husky
  • Doberman

If you are concerned about this new rule & need further clarification contact the Dubai Municipality at 04-289-1114

Municipality Registration Tags

The Veterinary Services Section at the Public Health Department has now issued a directive that all dogs and cats MUST have a microchip implanted before receiving the Municipality Tag.

All owners will need to provide valid documentation for each pet to prove that one has been inserted, or be scanned to find a microchip is present. If the pet has not been microchipped, we are happy to provide this service. This is a simple procedure, similar to having a vaccination done. Please contact the Veterinary Hospital for further details.

Dogs and cats must have annual vaccinations in Dubai (vaccinations from other Emirates are not recognised).

They must also wear the Dubai Municipality ID disc on their collar at all times (ID discs are given after vaccination).

Stray cats and dogs are routinely caught by Dubai Municipality. Any pet without an ID disc is treated as a stray, held for 8 days and put to sleep if not claimed by an owner.

In Dubai, dogs are not allowed to enter parks or beaches.

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. There are some lakes you can walk around but you must clear up your pet’s waste.

It is now ILLEGAL to sell animals in the U.A.E. other than through licensed breeders. All animals offered on notice boards MUST say ‘free of charge’ or ‘free to a good home’.

The UAE law requires that imported animals MUST be a minimum of 4 months old & properly vaccinated. Many kittens & puppies are being imported into the U.A.E. & then sold in Pet Shops, illegally.