Having a Pet in Dubai – Important Information for Expats

Moving to a foreign country can be quite stressful. Being away from your friends and perhaps your family can really make you homesick. That is why many expatriates choose to keep a pet while working and living in Dubai. It is worth finding out more about this option, before you decide to take a furry little friend home.

You should not have a problem finding a pet in Dubai. There are plenty of pet shops as well as voluntary organizations and shelters that give out animals without a home for free. You can also find ads on the internet, in local newspapers and on supermarket notice boards. Once you get a pet, you have to take it to a veterinarian to arrange all matters regarding vaccination, passport issuing and implanting a microchip.

If you plan to bring a cat or a dog from your home country, you will need the appropriate documentation. You should have the pet’s passport and health certificate. You will need to present documents certifying quarantine and vaccinations. All pets in the emirate have to have a microchip, so it is best to have the implantation procedure done at home before you leave for Dubai.

In addition, you have to obtain an import certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in order to be able to get your pet into the emirate legally. You will have to present all relevant documents regarding your residence and employment in Dubai as well as your pet’s documentation, described above. You need to prepare around 200 Dhs for fee payment.

There are two important aspects to look into when planning to have a pet and a cat or a dog, in particular, while living in Dubai. Firstly, you have to have the permission of your landlord to keep the animal on the property. In general, most standard tenancy agreements have a clause forbidding you to do so. For this reason, it is essential for you to discuss the issue with your landlord, preferably before signing the papers.

Another important thing to consider is the climate in Dubai. It is very hot, especially during the summer months when temperatures can reach 50 C (122 F). Additionally, the air is dry. Given these factors, you will have to take special care for your cat or dog. You will have to keep your canine pet inside for a long time, so you need to make sure that the pooch will not cause trouble when in the house. In this respect, cats seem to be easier to keep in Dubai.

If you want to take a dog, you have to be aware of some other important matters. You are supposed to walk your canine friend in designated areas only. You should always put your dog on a leash, when outside of your home. The shorter it is the better. Still, you can let your pooch run free, if you take it to a remote place in the dessert.

Overall, you will not have trouble keeping a pet in Dubai, as long as you are aware of the specifics.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedin

About the author

Comments

  1. hi,
    I have a cat who hasnt been taken to the vet yet. I want to take her to my home country. Please can you give me the procedures and their cost for taking her with me?

  2. i am living in india and will be moving to ras al khaimah,UAE shortly. Can you please check whether pets are allowed in ras al khaimah or not?If yes can you guide me with the procedure to transfer the pet.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *