Abu Dhabi Makes Pet Registration Mandatory, Announces Fines for Unregistered Cats and Dogs

Pet owners in Abu Dhabi are now required to register their cats and dogs under a mandatory animal ownership system, with authorities imposing fines of up to Dh1,000 for non-compliance. The initiative aims to promote responsible pet ownership, improve animal welfare and reduce the emirate's stray animal population.

Under the new regulations, all cats and dogs must be registered through the TAMM platform via a licensed veterinary clinic. Registration is currently free and requires pets to be microchipped before they can be added to the system.

Dh1,000 Fine for Failure to Register

Authorities have confirmed that pet owners who fail to register their cats or dogs face a Dh1,000 fine, while those who do not renew their registration on time may be fined Dh500.

Why Registration Matters

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) said the registration programme is designed to:

•    Reduce the stray animal population
•    Create a centralised database of pets and owners
•    Track vaccination and veterinary records
•    Enable proper identification through microchips
•    Reunite lost pets with their owners more quickly
•    Strengthen responsible pet ownership and improve animal welfare

How to Register

Pet owners must visit a licensed veterinary clinic with their pet's microchip details, pet passport and Emirates ID. The clinic will complete the registration through the TAMM platform, where owners can manage their pet's digital profile and ownership records.

Officials said the mandatory registration system marks an important step towards creating a safer environment for pets and the wider community while ensuring better health monitoring, disease control and responsible ownership across Abu Dhabi.