Pet owners in Abu Dhabi are being encouraged to take advantage of a grace period to comply with the newly introduced mandatory pet registration system. This system, accessible through the TAMM portal, aims to manage the growing number of stray animals and mitigate public health risks. Dr Mariam Al Shamsi, Animal Welfare Support Analyst at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), emphasized that while there will be no fines this year, penalties will be enforced starting next year for non-compliance.
The phased approach is designed to educate pet owners and encourage voluntary compliance. Dr Al Shamsi highlighted that the regulations are crucial for protecting pet welfare and addressing concerns related to public health and community safety. The increasing number of stray animals poses risks such as disease transmission and disruptions in residential areas, necessitating a more streamlined approach to managing pet populations.
Veterinary clinics have been authorized as the sole facilitators of pet registration, playing a crucial role in conducting health check-ups, verifying records, and guiding pet owners through the registration process. To support clinics, the DMT has conducted specialized training sessions and provided technical support, including a dashboard for real-time access to registration data.
Public awareness campaigns are also underway to ensure pet owners understand the new requirements. Posters with QR codes linking to FAQs will be displayed in veterinary clinics and pet stores, offering clear guidance on the process. The system aims to provide tangible benefits to owners, including legal ownership and traceability, which can be invaluable in cases of lost pets or disputes over ownership.
In the future, the TAMM portal will evolve to offer additional services such as reporting lost and found pets, viewing vaccination records, and receiving reminders for upcoming vaccinations. The initiative is a proactive response to rising pet adoptions and growing awareness of animal health and welfare. While there is currently no accurate data on the number of pets in Abu Dhabi, the registration system is expected to fill this gap by establishing a comprehensive database.
To ensure inclusivity, pet registration is currently free and available at participating veterinary clinics across Abu Dhabi. The requirements are limited to basic medical treatments that all pets should receive to maintain their health and wellbeing. Microchipping is mandatory, but there are no plans to incorporate DNA profiling at this time. Future enhancements to the TAMM portal will include services such as pet insurance and maps of pet-friendly locations, making it a one-stop resource for pet owners.
