In some cities, owning a dog can be more challenging than in others, but dogs are a wonderful addition to any family. There are many happy pet parents in Dubai who can vouch for the city’s changing attitude toward dogs, despite its complicated and restrictive pet laws. Check out the best dry food for dogs.
The rules you must follow when bringing your doggie to Dubai may set you back quite a bit if you fail to follow them. Pet parents in Dubai must follow these important pet rules, which we have compiled into a list.
Register and vaccinate your dog
All dogs in Dubai and the rest of the UAE must be registered and vaccinated. A microchip and up-to-date vaccinations are required for every dog. Your pet must be reregistered every year since the registrations are only valid for one year. Every year, Dubai Municipality requires you to renew your pet’s vaccinations (DHLPPI and rabies for dogs, flu/enteritis and rabies for cats). You will be given a three-day notice if your dog is not vaccinated or registered. A fine of AED 200 will be imposed if you fail to comply, and the authorities may confiscate your dog.
Use a lead and mask in public
Publicly, all dogs must be leashed and masked. The practice of walking dogs off-lead in Dubai is illegal, and large breeds must be muzzled in public. Dogs are allowed to exercise in several dog-friendly areas in Dubai, but they must be kept on a lead at all times or they will be fined AED 200 for a first offense, and more for subsequent offenses.
Make sure your dog is not on the prohibited breeds list
The country of Dubai has a list of prohibited breeds. Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosa, Wolf-Dog Hybrids, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, American Bullies, American Staffordshire Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, Boxers, and Perro de Presa Canario are all banned breeds. Before being rehomed in different countries, banned breeds will be confiscated and sent to no-kill shelters.
Make sure your apartment is pet-friendly
Dogs can only be kept at home with the permission of your landowners. Dubai has several pet-friendly apartments and communities, but not all buildings accept pets as residents. Making sure your apartment is pet-friendly is important; failing to provide a signed letter of approval could result in a significant fine.
Don’t take your dog to areas where pets are prohibited
There are some fantastic indoor dog parks and doggie daycares in Dubai, however, many public spaces are off-limits to dogs. There is usually a no-pet policy in parks, shopping malls, and beaches, and signs in these public areas clearly state that dogs are not allowed. The Metro, taxis, buses, and public transportation do not allow dogs. Several popular spots, such as Dubai Marina’s promenade and Jumeirah Beach Residence, do not allow pets.
Go for a walk with your dog at the Jebel Ali Beach, Al Warqa, and the beach near Dubai College. Emaar, the Springs, Arabian Ranches, and The Greens are some of Dubai’s leading pet-friendly developments.
Don’t let your dog harm other people and property
The most important pet rule in Dubai is to keep your dog restrained and to make sure he does not attack people or damage property. A fine of AED 5000 will be imposed if your dog bites or attacks someone. You will be required to sign a written undertaking that the incident will not repeat, and if it does, your dog will be confiscated. When your dog is unfamiliar with the environment, it is best to keep him restrained. Most trained dogs won’t attack unprovoked, so keep him restrained at all times.