Abu Dhabi Introduces Mandatory Digital Pet Registration System from 2026
Starting February 3, 2026, pet ownership in Abu Dhabi will undergo a significant digital transformation. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has officially launched a comprehensive mandatory pet registration system that will bring all cats and dogs under a centralized, secure database.
How the New Pet Registration Process Works
The government has designed the registration process to be as seamless as possible to encourage widespread compliance. Currently, registration is being offered free of charge to all residents. The procedure involves several key steps that pet owners must follow:
- Veterinary Clinic Visit: Pet owners must first visit a licensed veterinary clinic within Abu Dhabi to initiate the registration process.
- Mandatory Health Check: Veterinarians will conduct thorough medical examinations to ensure pets are healthy and have received their annual vaccinations.
- Microchip Installation: A permanent microchip becomes compulsory under the new system. If a pet isn't already chipped, the veterinarian will install one during the visit, as this unique identification number serves as the primary key for the digital record.
- TAMM Platform Integration: The veterinary clinic directly uploads all medical and microchip data to the government portal. Pet owners then receive notifications to log into the TAMM application using their UAE Pass to confirm ownership and obtain an official Animal Ownership Certificate.
Grace Periods and Penalty Structure
While the law officially takes effect on February 3, 2026, the government is adopting an educational approach initially rather than immediate enforcement. Individual pet owners receive a generous one-year grace period to complete the registration requirements. However, commercial entities face stricter timelines.
Pet shops, animal shelters, and commercial breeders must register all their animals within just six months of the law's implementation. Once these grace periods expire, the lenient approach ends, and failure to register a pet or maintain updated records will result in a substantial Dh1,000 fine.
Benefits of the Digital Pet Registration System
This digital shift brings numerous practical advantages to Abu Dhabi residents. The most significant benefit involves lost pet recovery. With a unified database, any lost dog or cat found in public spaces can be scanned at veterinary clinics, instantly revealing owner contact information and ending the era of frantic social media searches for missing pets.
Additionally, the system enhances biosecurity measures across the emirate. As Abu Dhabi continues to expand its pet-friendly infrastructure—including cafes, hotels, and parks—only registered and properly vaccinated animals will gain access to these facilities. This approach protects both public health and the safety of pets themselves.
The centralized database also enables authorities to monitor animal health trends more effectively, manage the city's pet population with greater precision, and provide enhanced protection for registered animals. By linking every pet to its owner through the TAMM platform, Abu Dhabi creates a more organized and responsible pet ownership ecosystem that benefits the entire community.
