Abu Dhabi's New Mandatory Pet Registration
Abu Dhabi's New Pet Registration: Why and How to Register
By 2026, failing to register your pet in Abu Dhabi may result in fines. The new mandatory pet registration system aims to better manage the growing number of stray animals, reduce the risk of disease spread, and promote responsible pet ownership. The introduction of this system is a clear indication that the emirate is taking animal welfare and public health seriously. But why now, and what benefits does this change offer?
Why is Pet Registration Necessary?
In recent years, the number of stray animals on the streets of Abu Dhabi has increased, causing numerous problems. These animals can be a nuisance in public spaces and pose significant health risks as they can easily spread infectious diseases. The new system aims to gather accurate data on the pet population to better manage it. Through registration, authorities will be able to track pets, monitor vaccinations, and respond more quickly to potential issues.
Mandatory registration not only serves community safety but also protects the welfare of pets. The system allows for lost pets to be reunited with their owners more quickly and helps avoid legal disputes related to pet ownership. Additionally, the health status of registered animals can be monitored more easily, contributing to their long-term health.
How Does the Registration Process Work?
Registration can only be done through veterinary clinics, which play a key role in the new system. Veterinarians not only perform health checks but also assist pet owners with registration through the TAMM portal. The TAMM portal is a user-friendly online platform that enables simple and quick registration.
Steps required for registration:
Veterinary Visit: The first step is a veterinary visit where the animal's health status is checked, and a microchip is implanted, which is mandatory for registration.
Online Registration: With the veterinarian's help, owners can register their pets on the TAMM portal. The portal allows tracking of vaccinations and setting automatic reminders for mandatory vaccinations.
Record Keeping: After registration, the animal's data is added to the emirate's central database, ensuring the recording of ownership rights and tracking of the animal's health status.
What Happens If We Don't Register Our Pet?
Authorities clearly emphasize that registration is mandatory, and failure to comply may result in fines. However, until 2026, they do not plan to impose fines but will instead run informational and warning campaigns to encourage pet owners to register. From 2026 onwards, the rules will be strictly enforced, and non-compliance could result in fines.
What are the Benefits of Registration?
Registration offers numerous benefits for pet owners. Firstly, it secures ownership rights, which is particularly important in case of lost animals. Secondly, vaccinations can be easily tracked through the TAMM portal, and the system sends automatic reminders for mandatory vaccinations. Additionally, there are plans to allow for pet insurance policies and finding pet-friendly places through the portal in the future.
How Do Authorities Assist Pet Owners?
Authorities assist pet owners in the registration process through various means. Posters with QR codes linking to frequently asked questions (FAQs) are displayed in veterinary clinics and pet stores. These posters provide detailed guidance on the registration process. In addition, FAQs are available on the TAMM portal and the DMT Instagram page, ensuring that owners have all necessary information in one place.
What to Expect in the Future?
The system is continually evolving, and more services are planned for the future. For example, there will be options to report lost and found animals and possibly record pets' DNA profiles through the TAMM portal, although the latter has not yet been implemented. The goal is for TAMM to become a comprehensive platform providing all necessary information and services for pet owners.
Summary
Abu Dhabi's new mandatory pet registration system is an important step for animal welfare and public health. Registration is not only about fulfilling legal obligations but also offers numerous benefits for pet owners. Authorities are making every effort to make the process as simple and transparent as possible, so it's worth taking advantage of the grace period without penalties to register your pets. Remember, responsible pet ownership is not just in the interest of our pets but the entire community.
