Abu Dhabi Implements Mandatory Pet Registration to Control Stray Population and Ensure Animal Welfare
Pet owners in Abu Dhabi are being urged to comply with the newly introduced mandatory pet registration system via the TAMM portal to avoid fines starting next year, as part of the emirate's initiative to control the growing stray animal population and mitigate potential public health risks.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), in collaboration with veterinary clinics, has rolled out a comprehensive pet registration system aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership, enhancing animal welfare, and improving public health safety. The system also allows for better tracking of lost or abandoned animals while establishing a centralized pet ownership database.
Grace Period Before Fines Take Effect in 2026
According to Dr. Mariam Al Shamsi, Animal Welfare Support Analyst at DMT, pet owners have been given a grace period throughout 2025 to register their pets without any penalties. However, starting from January 2026, fines will be enforced for non-compliance, as per the government’s regulations.
“In cases of non-compliance, we will initially focus on educating pet owners through warnings and guidance, with no fines imposed this year,” said Dr. Al Shamsi. “However, from 2026 onwards, penalties will be enforced for those who do not comply with the pet registration system.”
The registration is part of a broader initiative aimed at controlling the growing number of stray animals in Abu Dhabi, reducing the risk of disease transmission, and ensuring community safety.
Why is Pet Registration Mandatory?
The mandatory pet registration system was primarily introduced to address:
- Growing concerns about stray animals causing disruptions in residential communities.
- Potential health risks caused by unvaccinated and unmonitored pets.
- Animal welfare concerns ensuring every pet receives proper healthcare and vaccinations.
- Lost pet recovery by creating a centralized database allowing easy identification of lost animals.
“It is critical for pet owners to realize that these regulations are primarily aimed at protecting their pets’ welfare, minimizing disease spread, and ensuring public safety,” added Dr. Al Shamsi.
Role of Veterinary Clinics in Pet Registration
Under the new system, veterinary clinics have been designated as the sole facilitators of pet registration. They are responsible for:
- Conducting health check-ups and verifying vaccination records.
- Microchipping pets for traceable identification.
- Assisting pet owners in completing the registration process via the TAMM portal.
- Providing guidance on the new system and ensuring compliance.
To support veterinary clinics, DMT has conducted training sessions and provided them with a dedicated dashboard allowing real-time access to registration data. This streamlines the workflow and facilitates easy pet tracking.
Public Awareness Campaigns and QR Codes for Easy Access
To ensure that pet owners are well-informed about the new regulations, DMT has launched extensive public awareness campaigns across veterinary clinics and pet stores. Posters with QR codes linking to detailed FAQs about the registration process have been placed in these locations to offer clear guidance.
Additionally, pet owners can access the FAQs through DMT’s official Instagram bio, making information easily accessible.
Benefits of Pet Registration System
The pet registration system has been designed to offer several long-term benefits to pet owners and the community, including:
- Legal ownership recognition – Pet owners will receive official proof of ownership, ensuring clear rights and responsibilities.
- Lost pet recovery – In case of lost pets, the centralized database will enable quick identification and return of pets.
- Vaccination tracking – The system will automatically remind pet owners about upcoming vaccination schedules to promote pet health.
- Improved animal welfare – Ensuring every pet receives essential medical treatments, reducing disease spread.
“The database will significantly help us monitor pet populations, ensure proper medical care, and minimize the number of stray animals in the emirate,” said Dr. Al Shamsi.
Future Enhancements of TAMM Portal
Dr. Al Shamsi further announced that the TAMM portal will soon introduce additional services, including:
- Pet insurance services.
- Location maps for pet-friendly areas.
- Lost and found pet reporting system.
“This will transform the TAMM platform into a one-stop solution for pet owners, allowing them to monitor their pet’s health, report missing pets, and ensure their well-being,” she added.
Mandatory Microchipping Without DNA Profiling
As part of the registration process, microchipping of pets will be mandatory to ensure easy identification. However, DNA profiling is not currently included in the registration process.
“Microchipping is a crucial step in establishing traceable ownership and ensuring that any lost pet can be quickly reunited with its owner,” emphasized Dr. Al Shamsi.
Free Pet Registration Until Further Notice
For inclusivity, pet registration is currently free and available only at authorized veterinary clinics across Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to encourage pet owners to register their pets without financial burden.
“It is expected that all veterinary clinics in Abu Dhabi will eventually offer this service. For now, the registration process is entirely free, and the only requirement is for pets to receive the necessary health check-ups and vaccinations,” said Dr. Al Shamsi.
Consequences of Non-Compliance by 2026
While 2025 has been designated as a grace period, starting from January 1, 2026, penalties and fines will be imposed on pet owners who fail to comply with the mandatory registration process. The specific fines are yet to be announced, but pet owners are strongly urged to complete the registration within the provided timeline.
“Pet registration is not just about legal compliance; it’s about protecting animal welfare, minimizing the stray population, and reducing health risks,” concluded Dr. Al Shamsi.
How to Register Your Pet?
Pet owners can register their pets by visiting any authorized veterinary clinic in Abu Dhabi or by accessing the TAMM portal online. The process requires a health check-up, vaccination record, and microchipping for identification purposes.
