WANT A DOG?

Here’s what you need to know before you bring your pet home in compliance with Federal Law No. 22 of 2016, which states: ‘Dog owners must obtain a licence and vaccinations for their pets from local authorities… and keep them on a leash at all times when in public. Those who fail to do so will face a fine of at least Dh10,000, but not more than Dh100,000.’

Go to a vet. Each animal should be vaccinated yearly against rabies, distemper, tartar, leptospirosis and infectious hepatitis.

They are also microchipped and neutered.

The only documents you need to provide are your Emirates ID and a no-objection certificate from your landlord or building management.

Vaccination cards are issued and cross-linked to microchip numbers, which are then linked to the owner’s Emirates ID and (in Dubai) their Makani address.

The British Veterinary Hospital charges Dh95 to upload registrations to the Dubai Municipality site – charges vary from practice to practice. Registrations on an average take from a day to 48 hours.

Mahin Bahrami of the Middle East Animal Foundation (MEAF) works with various adoption agencies across the country. She says an organisation gets the registration and paperwork done for you, and can charge from Dh600 for a short-haired dog to Dh1,000 for a long-haired dog. Paperwork must always be checked and verified.

Some charity organisations can upload details, but essentially it’s the veterinary clinics that are approved by municipalities.

When adoption agencies take in a dog, it must, by law, be registered and microchipped, whether there is an adopter ready to take them or not.

Upon adoption, the registration is transferred to the new owner.

You can also register directly by visiting the municipality. Dubai Municipality did not comment on the charge for the service.