Leaving the UAE this summer? Don't leave your pet behind

Every summer, as people travel or leave the UAE for good, rescues across the country see the same sad story: pets left behind in villas, apartment blocks and the desert. Many don't survive the heat.

If you're planning a move, or if keeping your pet has become hard, there are better options, and the law is clear that abandonment isn't one of them.

What the law says

• The UAE's animal welfare law (Federal Law No. 16 of 2007) protects animals from neglect and cruelty, and its 2018 executive regulations make clear that animals must not be abandoned. Owners who can no longer keep a pet are expected to hand it to the authorities or a licensed shelter.
• Penalties under the federal law can include fines and imprisonment.
• Abu Dhabi now lists a specific fine for abandoning a pet, alongside its mandatory pet registration.

(The National; RAK Animal Welfare Centre: UAE animal welfare law; Property Finder)

If you're moving abroad

Start early: relocating a pet often takes three to four months or more because of vaccinations, blood tests and permits. See our pet relocation checklist.

If you can't keep your pet

1. Ask friends, family and colleagues first. A known home is often the smoothest move.
2. Rehome responsibly: share honest details about your pet's health and temperament, meet the new owners, and hand over vaccination records and the microchip details (and update the chip registration).
3. Contact a shelter or rescue, or your municipality, well before you leave. Spaces fill up, especially in summer.
4. Never release a pet outside or leave it in an empty home. Pets that have lived indoors rarely survive alone, particularly in the heat.

If you find an abandoned pet

• Give water and shade first, if it's safe to approach.
• Check for a collar tag, and take the animal to a vet to scan for a microchip.
• Report it: in Dubai, call the municipality on 800900; in Abu Dhabi, the 800555 hotline; in Sharjah, the municipality on 993. See who to call in each emirate.
• Post in local lost-and-found groups with a clear photo and the location: it might be a lost pet whose family is searching. See what to do if a pet is lost.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to abandon a pet in the UAE?

Yes. Animal welfare law prohibits abandonment; owners who can't keep a pet should hand it to the authorities or a licensed shelter. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment.

What should I do with my pet if I'm leaving the UAE?

Start relocation planning three to four months ahead, or, if your pet can't come, rehome them responsibly through people you know or a shelter, well before your departure date.

What should I do if I find an abandoned pet in Dubai?

Offer water and shade, check for an ID tag, have a vet scan for a microchip, and call the authorities: 800900 in Dubai, 800555 in Abu Dhabi or 993 in Sharjah. Share it in local lost-and-found groups too.