Starting February 3, 2026, owning a pet in Abu Dhabi requires mandatory digital registration through a new system by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). All cats and dogs must be registered on the TAMM platform. This links every pet to its owner in a secure, centralized database. The system aims to improve pet protection, health monitoring, and population management. Registration is currently free to encourage quick compliance. Pet owners must visit licensed veterinary clinics for registration. The process includes a health check to verify vaccinations. A permanent microchip is required. If a pet lacks a chip, the vet will insert one. The microchip number becomes the key to the pet's digital file. Vet clinics upload all data directly to the government portal. Owners then get a notification to confirm ownership via the TAMM app using their UAE Pass. They receive an official Animal Ownership Certificate as proof. Though the law starts on February 3, 2026, Abu Dhabi grants a one-year grace period for individual owners to register pets. Businesses like pet shops, shelters, and breeders have six months to comply. After these periods, failure to register or update pet records will incur a Dh1,000 fine. The new digital ID helps quickly reunite lost pets with owners. For example, any vet clinic can scan a lost dog’s microchip and promptly access owner details, putting an end to frantic social media searches. The system also supports biosecurity as more pet-friendly cafes, hotels, and parks open. Only registered, vaccinated pets will gain access, safeguarding public health and pet safety.