Mandatory Pet Registration in Abu Dhabi: How to Register Your Cat or Dog

On February 3, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities (DMT) and Transport launched a new digital system via the TAMM portal to regulate pet registration. The goal is simple: streamline the pet registration process which is in compliance with veterinary standards, and keep accurate records of every cat and dog in the UAE.

Mandatory pet registration in Abu Dhabi is more than a legal formality. It safeguards community health, makes veterinary follow-ups easier, and creates transparency for both private owners and animal establishments. Much like pet registration Abu Dhabi managed by Abu Dhabi Municipality pet registration officials, this system is part of the city’s modernized pet care sector.

For first-time pet parents or long-time owners, completing this step is a must. Not only to stay compliant but also to make future pet insurance processes smoother and more reliable.

Who Must Register Their Pets?

Mandatory pet registration in Abu Dhabi applies broadly, for both individuals and businesses to remain accountable for the animals under their care. Below are the groups that must complete the process through the TAMM portal.

Eligible Owners

• All Abu Dhabi residents who own pets: Whether you have a single cat at home or a large breed dog, you are required to register them. This helps keep vaccination records up to date and ensures quick identification in case your pet is lost.
  
• Abu Dhabi-based establishments: Organizations such as veterinary clinics, pet shelters, and even animal-friendly venues like cat cafés must also complete pet registration. This rule allows the authorities to monitor facilities that house multiple animals, guaranteeing proper welfare standards are met.

Who Is Not Required to Register?

Residents of other Emirates: If you live in another city, the Abu Dhabi system does not apply to you. Instead, follow local rules such as pet registration Abu Dhabi, which is managed by Abu Dhabi municipality pet registration services.

NOTE: The TAMM portal is designed to recognize location eligibility. If someone from outside Abu Dhabi tries to register, the system will display an ineligibility notice, preventing unnecessary confusion.

Do people traveling with their pets need to register them in Abu Dhabi?

If you are only visiting Abu Dhabi temporarily with your pet, you do not need to complete permanent pet registration. Instead, you must meet the entry requirements for traveling animals, such as carrying a valid health certificate, proof of vaccinations, and ensuring your pet is microchipped.

However, if you plan to live in Abu Dhabi for the long term, whether as a resident or staying for more than a few months, you are required to register your cat or dog through the TAMM portal. Short-term visitors follow import rules, while residents must complete full registration, much like the system in place for pet registration Abu Dhabi managed by Abu Dhabi municipality pet registration.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Registering your pet in Abu Dhabi is a 10 minutes task, but it does require careful attention to veterinary checks and proper documentation. Below is a simple breakdown of how to complete your pet registration successfully.

Step 1 – Visit a Veterinary Clinic

Before anything else, your pet must undergo a health check-up. At this stage, the veterinarian will:

• Verify your pet’s overall health
  
• Ensure vaccinations are up to date
  
• Insert a microchip for identification

Step 2 – Veterinarian Initiates Application

After the check-up, the veterinarian begins the registration request through the TAMM portal. This ensures that your pet’s details are accurately entered into the official system.

Step 3 – Finalize the Application Online

Once the vet initiates the request, you as the owner must:

• Log in using UAE Pass on the TAMM platform
  
• Review the details entered by the veterinarian
  
• Approve the application to proceed

Step 4 – Submit Required Documents

The system will ask you to upload the following:

• A valid Emirates ID
  
• Your pet’s vaccination report
  
• Key pet details (species, breed, age, and microchip number)

Step 5 – Approve and Complete

Once everything is uploaded and approved, you will receive the official pet registration certificate. This document confirms that your cat or dog is legally recognized and compliant with Abu Dhabi’s regulations.

NOTE: For residents outside Abu Dhabi, for example Abu Dhabi, you must instead follow pet registration Abu Dhabi guidelines handled by Abu Dhabi municipality pet registration.

What Documents Are Required?

To complete your pet registration in Abu Dhabi, certain documents must be submitted through the TAMM portal. The requirements vary slightly depending on whether you are an individual pet owner or an establishment.

For Individual Pet Owners

If you are registering your cat or dog as a private owner, you will need:

• A veterinary report confirming the health check-up, vaccinations, and microchip
  
• A valid Emirates ID or other official identification
  
• Basic pet details (name, breed, and age)

For Establishments Registering Pets

Organizations such as shelters, veterinary clinics, or cat cafés must provide:

• A valid commercial license proving legal operation
  
• Veterinary documents for each pet under their care
  

Much like the system for pet registration Abu Dhabi, managed by Abu Dhabi municipality pet registration, these documents ensure accurate records and compliance with animal welfare laws across the UAE.

Are There Any Fees?

At present, completing your pet registration in Abu Dhabi through the TAMM portal is entirely free of charge. This decision reflects the government’s aim to encourage all residents and establishments to comply quickly with the new rules without financial barriers.

It is important to note, however, that this may not always remain the case. As the system evolves and additional services are introduced, future fees could be applied. Pet owners are therefore advised to register their animals as soon as possible to take advantage of the current free process.

For comparison, other Emirates operate their own systems, such as pet registration Abu Dhabi managed by Abu Dhabi municipality pet registration, where fee structures and requirements may differ.

What Happens If You Do Not Register?

Failing to complete your pet registration in Abu Dhabi can have serious consequences. The DMT has emphasized that this system is not optional, and both pet owners and establishments are expected to comply within the designated timelines.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Pet owners and organizations that neglect the registration process may face fines. While the exact amounts have not yet been finalized, the DMT is developing strict enforcement measures to ensure that every cat and dog is properly documented. These penalties are intended to reinforce responsible ownership and prevent risks related to unvaccinated or unidentified pets.

Grace Periods

To give residents and businesses time to adjust, the DMT has introduced grace periods. Individual pet owners have up to one year to complete their pet registration, while establishments such as shelters, clinics, and cafés are required to comply within six months. After these grace periods expire, failure to register will lead to penalties without exception.

Why Mandatory Registration Matters

Mandatory pet registration in Abu Dhabi is more than just a government requirement, it plays a role in protecting both animals and the community. By keeping accurate records, the system ensures that every cat and dog has received proper vaccinations, which reduces the risk of diseases spreading to other animals or even to people. This contributes directly to public safety and overall animal welfare.

Another key benefit is the ability to track pets in the unfortunate event that they go missing. Microchipping and official registration make it far easier for authorities and veterinary clinics to identify a lost animal and reunite it with its owner. For many families, this added security brings peace of mind.

The system also strengthens oversight of pet-related businesses. Shelters, clinics, and cafés are held to the same standard of accountability as individual owners, ensuring that all animals in their care are properly documented. Similar to pet registration Abu Dhabi, overseen by Abu Dhabi municipality pet registration, this initiative reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to responsible pet ownership and high standards of animal care.

Conclusion

Mandatory pet registration under Abu Dhabi’s new DMT system is key to protecting pets, ensuring public safety, and keeping accurate records. Pet owners should act within the grace period to avoid penalties and secure their animal’s welfare.

The process starts at the veterinary clinic with health checks, vaccinations, and microchipping, then is finalized on the TAMM portal via UAE Pass. For other Emirates, systems such as pet registration Abu Dhabi managed by Abu Dhabi municipality pet registration apply. Register early to stay compliant and give your pets the protection they deserve.

Frequently Answered Questions