Pet Ownership for Divorced Pet Parents

The UAE has, just like other countries, rules and regulations when it comes to pet ownership and transfer of pet ownership.

It is important to be aware that Veterinarians report to the Dubai Government – Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Dubai Municipality Veterinary Section – whilst registering you and your pet as their client. Only one owner will be registered per pet at the Dubai Municipality. This owner is considered to be the person making decisions on the pet’s health and will be kept responsible should anything occur that results in liability.

Due to many reasons, pet ownership can change. We have noted some of the most common reasons for registration transfer of pet ownership below and what you should abide by to ensure this will be legally recognized.

1. What do I need to transfer the ownership?
The current owner and new owner must be physically present in the clinic to arrange the transfer of ownership. The documentation needed is as follows:

• No Objection Letter signed by both parties
• A copy of the Emirates ID of the current and new owners both signed
• Vaccination book of the dog or the cat
• Microchip number to Identify the dog or the cat

2. What if the current owner cannot come to the clinic because of work or travel schedule?
The person acting on behalf of the current owner must bring the Emirates ID and the No Objection letter from the previous owner should be shared via email in advance

3. What if the Pet is owned by a divorced couple?
This scenario has recently prompted a thread of conversation. The ownership registration at the veterinary clinic and Municipality should be in line with the appointed guardian/ownership in the divorce settlement. Hence it is important to update the pet ownership with your Vet Clinic to ensure it is the same as per the divorce papers signed off on.

• Both parties should be available in the clinic to do the transfer of ownership with the pets and documents needed (an appointment is needed for this)
• If one of the parties is unable to join the handover of ownership in the clinic, the other party should bring the pet/s and the/their microchip number(s), vaccination certificate along with the No Objection letter signed by the previous partner and a copy of the emirate’s id of the previous partner to Dubai Municipality Veterinary clinic animal welfare located in Al Khawaneej Center.
• If no alteration to the registration is made, the ownership and with that the decision rights will stay with the registered partner in the Veterinary Clinic and Dubai Municipality.

4. What if the pet is registered in the clinic but not in Dubai Municipality and the client already left the country?
The client should send a No Objection letter via email to the registered clinic with a signed copy of his/her passport. The new owner should bring the pet/s to the clinic with his/her emirate’s id for verification showing the microchip number & vaccination book.

5. What if the dog or cat is microchipped and the owner is unable to provide any documents as proof of ownership? The owner should visit the Dubai Municipality Veterinary section for assistance.

Should you have further questions, please send us your inquiries or call us and we will be happy to assist you at ABVC.

Updated by Mary Pauline Deato, ABVC Registration – Receptionist