Abu Dhabi Introduces Pet Registration Requirement for Microchipped Cats and Dogs

Starting this February 3, all cat and dog owners need to complete pet registration in Abu Dhabi for their micro-chipped pets under a new animal ownership service, officials announced on Tuesday. The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), aims to provide better animal welfare and safety for the public through a centralized database of pets and their owners.

Pet owners will get a one-year grace period to register their pets without any fees or delay. However, businesses or establishments with cats and dogs are expected to register them within a period of six months. However, according to the DMT, registration will be free until further notice.

Once the service goes live on the TAMM portal, pet owners will be able to register their animals at veterinary facilities all over the Emirates. The service will be opened up for businesses to register their animals and allow transfer of ownership for the animals when required.

The primary objectives of the new registration service include reducing the population of stray animals, tracking pets’ records, ensuring proper identification of pets, and improving overall welfare conditions for animals. The same program is designed to encourage regular health checks, such as annual vaccinations and microchipping, for pets that contribute even more to their well-being and identification in case they go missing.

It is hoped that, by having this centralized database for microchipped pets, management would be able to improve the management of pets and tracking lost ones. It would also significantly relate to improving the health and wellbeing of pets and communities.

Next month, the new registration system will be implemented and Abu Dhabi pet owners should be prepared for the transfer and register their pets on time, without further problems.