Many Dubai tenants assume there is a law on pets in rented homes. There isn't. Whether your cat or dog can move in depends on your contract and your building, so it pays to get the wording right before you sign.
What the law says (and doesn't)
We checked the full text of Law 26 of 2007 and its amending Law 33 of 2008: neither mentions pets or animals. Both are available on our Dubai rental law page. That means the general rules apply: what the contract says, and how the tenant uses and maintains the property.
Three articles matter most. Article 19 requires the tenant to maintain the property as an ordinary person would maintain their own. Article 21 requires the tenant to hand it back in the condition received, except ordinary wear and tear. Article 20 allows a security deposit to ensure maintenance of the property.
If the contract bans pets and you keep one anyway, Article 25(1)(g) lets the landlord seek eviction where a tenant fails to observe a contract term within 30 days of being served notice.
Building and community rules
Even if your landlord agrees, the building or community may have its own rules on pets, such as restrictions on certain animals or on using common areas. These rules are set by the building or community management, not the rental law. Ask the landlord or agent for a copy before you sign, because a landlord's permission does not override them.
How to add a pet clause in Additional Terms
The DLD unified tenancy contract has space for additional terms agreed by both parties. A clear pet clause covers:
- The animal: type, number and, ideally, name or microchip number.
- Permission: landlord agrees the tenant may keep the listed pet(s) at the premises.
- Compliance: tenant follows building/community pet rules and any registration requirements.
- Damage: tenant repairs or pays for pet damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
- Cleaning at move-out: e.g. professional cleaning or pest treatment, if agreed.
- Replacement pets: whether a new pet needs fresh written consent.
Sample wording
"The Landlord consents to the Tenant keeping one (1) domestic cat at the premises during the tenancy. The Tenant shall comply with all building and community rules on pets, keep the pet registered as required by the competent authorities, and be responsible for repairing any damage caused by the pet beyond ordinary wear and tear. Any additional pet requires the Landlord's prior written consent."
If the landlord does not allow pets, the clause can say so plainly, for example: "No pets of any kind are permitted at the premises without the Landlord's prior written consent."
For more on writing extra terms, read how to create a tenancy contract with additional terms. Avoid terms that conflict with the law, such as a pet 'penalty' that lets the landlord evict without notice; see tenancy contract clauses that are not enforceable.
Pet registration in Dubai
Dubai Municipality says its pet registration services allow owners to register, microchip and update the records of cats and dogs, and that its veterinary clinics provide vaccination programmes, including rabies vaccination for dogs. For travel, it advises that animals are microchipped and registered in the approved system, fully vaccinated and hold an approved veterinary health certificate. We have not confirmed fees or a separate licence requirement, so check Dubai Municipality's website or app for current details.
Practical tips
- Agree pets before signing, not after moving in.
- Take dated photos of floors, doors and walls at move-in.
- Keep receipts for any professional cleaning at move-out.
- Make sure the clause is in the Ejari-registered version of the contract.