Pet owners in Abu Dhabi are welcoming a major new rule requiring all pets to be registered on the TAMM portal, a move designed to combat the emirate’s rising number of abandoned animals.

The initiative, which launches on February 3, 2025, aims to create a centralized database to track lost and stray pets while promoting responsible pet ownership. However, pet owners must take advantage of the grace period to avoid fines starting next year.

Don’t Ignore Warning

Dr. Mariam Al Shamsi, Animal Welfare Support Analyst at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), confirmed that pet owners have until December 31, 2025, to register without penalties. But from January 2026, non-compliant pet owners will be fined in line with government regulations.

“We will focus on education first, issuing warnings rather than fines in 2025,” said Dr. Al Shamsi. “But from 2026, those who ignore the system will face penalties.”

The mandatory registration is part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to reduce stray animal numbers, curb disease transmission, and enhance community safety.

Registration is Compulsory

The government introduced this rule to tackle Stray animals disrupting residential areas. Health risks from unvaccinated pets. Animal welfare by ensuring all pets receive proper medical care. Lost pet recovery, making it easier to reunite pets with their owners.

“This isn’t just about compliance,” Dr. Al Shamsi stressed. “It’s about keeping pets safe, reducing disease, and improving public health.”

Vet Clinics to Handle Registrations

Only authorized veterinary clinics will process registrations, ensuring pet owners: Complete a health check-up. Verify vaccination records. Get their pet microchipped for identification. Receive guidance on the new system.

To assist, the DMT has trained vet clinics and provided a real-time dashboard to streamline registrations and pet tracking.

Public Awareness and QR Codes for Easy Registration

The government has also launched awareness campaigns in vet clinics and pet stores, featuring QR codes that link to FAQs on registration. Pet owners can also find key details via DMT’s official Instagram bio.

Perks of the Registration System

Registered pets benefit from: Official proof of ownership – protecting pet owners’ rights. Faster lost pet recovery – thanks to the central database. Automatic vaccination reminders – keeping pets healthy. Better animal welfare – ensuring all pets receive essential medical care.

“This system will help us track pet populations, improve medical care, and reduce strays,” said Dr. Al Shamsi.

Coming Soon to the TAMM Portal

Dr. Al Shamsi also announced exciting upgrades to the TAMM portal, including:  Pet insurance services.  Maps of pet-friendly areas.  A lost-and-found pet reporting system.

“This will make the TAMM portal a one-stop hub for pet owners, helping them monitor pet health, report lost pets, and ensure their well-being,” she added.

Microchipping Must Be Done

All pets must be microchipped for traceable ownership, but DNA profiling won’t be required for now.

“Microchipping is vital for identifying lost pets and reuniting them with owners quickly,” emphasized Dr. Al Shamsi.

Free Pet Registration

For now, pet registration is completely FREE at authorized vet clinics across Abu Dhabi. However, pets must first undergo a health check-up and vaccination.

“Eventually, all vet clinics in Abu Dhabi will offer this service,” said Dr. Al Shamsi.

Fines Coming Soon

While 2025 is a grace period, from January 1, 2026, fines will be enforced for those who ignore the rules. The government has yet to reveal the exact penalties, but pet owners are urged to register before it’s too late!

“This isn’t just about legal requirements,” Dr. Al Shamsi concluded. “It’s about protecting animals, reducing strays, and ensuring public health.”

How to Register Your Pet

Pet owners can register their pets at any authorised vet clinic in Abu Dhabi or via the TAMM portal online. The process includes: A health check-up Vaccination record verification Microchipping for identification

(Source:dayofdubai, KT)