A new pet in Dubai needs some documents. A microchip, a registration and a vaccine record protect your pet. They help you to find a lost pet. They also make travel, boarding and grooming easier.
This guide gives the basic facts in simple words. Rules can change. We give links to the official pages at the end. Always read these pages before you do an action.
What a microchip is
A microchip is a very small electronic part. It is almost the same size as a grain of rice. The vet puts it under the skin with a needle. The usual position is between the shoulder blades.
A microchip does not have a battery. It does not show the position of your pet. It is not a GPS tracker.
Each chip has a unique number. A scanner reads the number. Then a vet, a shelter or the municipality can find the owner in the records for that number.
Does it hurt?
The needle is larger than a vaccine needle. Some pets feel a short pain. Most pets do not need anaesthesia for a microchip.
Many owners get a microchip for a puppy or a kitten at the first visits. Other owners get it during anaesthesia for a different procedure, for example a spay or a neuter.
Why a microchip is important
- Lost pets. A collar and a tag can fall off. A microchip stays with your pet for its full life.
- Registration. The pet registration service of Dubai Municipality includes registration, microchips and record updates for cats and dogs.
- Travel. Dubai Municipality and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) say that a pet must have a microchip to travel. Read our guide to moving abroad with a pet from the UAE.
Registration with Dubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality (DM) has a Veterinary Services Section. This section gives pet registration services for cats and dogs. With these services, an owner can register a pet, put a microchip in it and update its records.
When you register your pet, the records keep the details of the pet and the owner. The owner usually gets a tag for the collar.
Some dog parks and community areas check this tag at the gate. For example, the JLT Dog Park rules say that a dog must have a current Dubai Municipality ID tag. The tag must be on the collar or the harness.
Where to register
You can register your pet at a licensed veterinary clinic that has this service. You can also register with Dubai Municipality.
At Pet Avenue, we put in microchips. We also do municipality pet registration with a tag. You can see the current prices on our prices page.
What to bring
- Your Emirates ID or your passport.
- The vaccine record or the pet passport of your pet.
- Your pet. The vet must scan the microchip or put in a new microchip.
Not sure what to bring? Ask us before your visit. The rules can change. We tell you what is necessary now.
Dogs: the licence and the lead
UAE federal law has special rules for dogs.
- A licence. Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 is about dangerous animals. This law says that a person must not keep a dog without a licence from the competent authority. The law also starts a register of dogs.
- Banned breeds. The same law has a list of dangerous animals. It also lists some dog breeds that private owners must not keep. The list is in the regulations of the law, on the UAE Legislation portal. Read the list before you get a new dog. Also read it before you bring a dog into the UAE.
- A lead in public. The UAE Government portal says that a dog must be on a lead in public places. The dog must also have a suitable collar.
We do not give legal advice. Do you have a question about a breed or a licence? Speak to Dubai Municipality.
Vaccines and records
Registration and travel both need a valid vaccine record. The rabies vaccine is the most important one.
The veterinary services of Dubai Municipality give rabies and DHPPi vaccines to dogs. They give rabies and FVRCP vaccines to cats.
Keep the vaccine record of your pet in a safe place. At Pet Avenue, we write each vaccine in the passport of your pet. We also show each vaccine in your client portal.
Read our puppy and kitten vaccine guide. See also our vaccinations page.
Keep the details correct
A microchip helps only when the records are correct. Update your details when:
- you get a new phone number
- you move to a new home
- you sell your pet, give it to a new owner or find a new home for it
- you leave the UAE
At each yearly check-up, ask the vet to scan the chip. Chips almost never stop or move. But it is good to know that the scanner can read the chip.
If you find a lost pet
- Make sure that you are safe. A dog with fear can bite.
- Take the pet to a vet clinic, or call Dubai Municipality.
- Let the vet scan the pet for a microchip. The scan does not hurt the pet.
- Do not keep the pet without telling a person. The owner is possibly looking for it.
If you lose your pet
- Call the clinics near your home and near the place where you lost your pet.
- Tell Dubai Municipality. Give them the microchip number of your pet.
- Speak to the security team of your building and to your community management.
- Put a clear photo and your phone number in local community groups.
Checklist for a new pet
- A health check with a vet in the first days. See our puppies and kittens page.
- A microchip.
- Vaccines, with a record.
- Registration with Dubai Municipality, and a tag on the collar.
- For dogs: read the breed rules and the licence rules.
- A collar with your phone number.
We can help
In one visit, we can do these tasks together with the vaccines of your pet:
- put in a microchip
- register your pet with the municipality
- give you the tag
Book online, or send us a WhatsApp message on 058 517 3440. You can come without an appointment every day from 10am to 10pm.
Sources
- Dubai Municipality, "Nearly 183,700 veterinary services delivered in H1 2026" (registration, microchips, vaccines and travel advice): dm.gov.ae
- Dubai Municipality, Veterinary Services Section: dm.gov.ae
- UAE Government portal, "Banning private ownership of dangerous animals": u.ae
- Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 on the regulation of the possession of dangerous animals: uaelegislation.gov.ae
- Regulations of Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 (lists of animals and dog breeds): uaelegislation.gov.ae
- Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 on animal welfare: uaelegislation.gov.ae
- JLT (DMCC), Dog park rules: jlt.ae
This article is general information. It is not a diagnosis. For an emergency, call us.
This article is general information. It is not a diagnosis. For an emergency, call us. Call +971 54 746 6650 (Daily 10am–10pm). We are not a 24-hour emergency hospital. From 10pm to 10am, take your pet to the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
Want a vet to check your pet?
Book a visit at Pet Avenue Clinic in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). Open every day, 10am – 10pm.