Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi's newly implemented mandatory pet registration law has been met with strong support from both veterinary professionals and pet owners.
Effective as of February 3, the law aims to keep pet records, enable proper identification, enhance animal welfare and reduce stray animal populations.
Pet owners are required to visit veterinary clinics to register their microchipped furry friends through the online ownership service on the TAMM platform.
The service also allows establishments to manage animal registrations and transfer ownership when necessary.
Veterinary clinics across the capital have been receiving pet owners for over a month to support the process.
Dr. Waleed Darweesh, a local veterinarian, believes this new system will be instrumental in organising pet ownership.
"We have already registered 40 pets so far," he told Aletihad. "The process is straightforward. Pet owners bring in their microchipped pets, we enter the details into the TAMM system, and that's it."
Dr. Darweesh noted that this ownership system will help ensure that pets are properly identified and cared for.
"Previously, if a pet went missing, identifying its owner was a challenge; you'd have to visit every clinic in the emirate door by door to know where it's registered. Now, with the microchip linked to the owner's ID, it's much easier to reunite lost pets with their rightful owners."
He explained that the registration includes detailed information about each pet including age, type, colour and vaccination history.
"This system can also help deter pet theft, as microchips are permanent injections under the skin and cannot be removed," Dr. Darweesh added.
Another significant benefit of the registration is that it ensures pets are up to date with vaccinations and regular check-ups, promoting overall pet health, he added.
Pet owners also are also backing this new law, recognising its role in fostering a healthier and more responsible pet ownership culture in Abu Dhabi.
Sarah Al Jaber, a pet owner with three cats, sees the new law as a positive step for both animal welfare and community responsibility.
"It's about time," she told Aletihad. "It will definitely help track and identify pets, especially if they're abandoned. I think it will also help with the issue of stray cats. I hope this is followed by a policy that fines people who leave their pets behind without a second thought."
Khalid Al Farsi, another pet owner, plans to visit a veterinary clinic this weekend to register his two dogs.
"This is a good thing, of course. I think it will be reassuring to know that my dogs are properly accounted for, especially if something happens, like if they get lost or something. It's comforting to know they won't just become another stray."
Under the new regulations, owners of microchipped pets have one year to complete the registration process without incurring penalties.
Meanwhile, establishments housing animals must comply within six months.
