🐕🦺 Pet Ownership
What Pets Are Legal in Dubai (2025)? Banned Breeds, Rules & Fines
What Pets Are Legal in Dubai (2025)?
Pet ownership in Dubai comes with a unique set of rules. While the city embraces animal lovers, it also enforces strict laws to protect residents, public spaces, and the animals themselves. If you’re thinking about bringing a pet into your home — or into the country — here’s what you need to know about which pets are legal in Dubai as of 2025.
This guide explores more than just banned dog breeds — it outlines the full landscape of pet legality in Dubai, from traditional household animals to exotic and culturally significant species. Whether you’re searching for what pets are legal in Dubai, checking if your current pet is allowed, or preparing to adopt or import a new one, this article provides essential insights for residents, expats, and future pet owners alike.
In this article, you’ll learn:
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Why certain pets and dog breeds are banned or restricted in the UAE
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Which pets are allowed, and which fall under heavy regulation
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How to recognize legal grey areas around exotic animals
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What dog breeds are restricted or completely banned in 2025
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The consequences for violating pet ownership laws
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How to make sure your pet is legal before adopting or buying
Pets You Can Legally Own in Dubai
For the most part, residents are allowed to keep traditional household pets — such as dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals — but even these come with important caveats. Rules around pet ownership in Dubai are highly structured, and even the most common pets require proper documentation and care standards. What seems like a harmless adoption or purchase can result in legal trouble if not properly researched or registered.
Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats are legal in Dubai, but they’re tightly regulated. All pets must be vaccinated, microchipped, and registered with the Dubai Municipality. Licensing is mandatory, and failing to comply can lead to fines or confiscation. While cats are more widely accepted in apartments, dog ownership is trickier depending on the breed and building rules (more on that later).
Birds
Parrots, budgies, finches, and similar birds are generally permitted. However, some exotic bird species may fall under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations. If you’re importing birds or buying rare breeds, make sure the seller is authorized and the species is not restricted.
Small Mammals
Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and other small, caged animals are legal and easy to keep. These pets don’t require registration, but general animal welfare laws still apply — meaning they must be housed, fed, and treated properly.
Pets That Are Legal but Heavily Regulated
Not all legal pets are easy to own. In Dubai, some animals fall into a grey area — technically allowed, but subject to strict oversight, permits, or cultural protections. These pets often come with legal, environmental, or ethical baggage, and owning one without doing your homework can easily cross the line into illegal territory.
The regulations aren’t arbitrary. They exist to protect public safety, prevent the spread of disease, discourage exotic wildlife trafficking, and preserve local biodiversity. In some cases, like falconry, the restrictions reflect deep cultural traditions that require special licensing and care standards.
Here are some examples of pets that are legal in Dubai but heavily regulated:
Falcons – Protected under UAE cultural heritage laws. Only licensed owners may keep falcons, and all birds must be registered, microchipped, and carry a falcon passport for travel.
Turtles – Only certain species are allowed (typically small, freshwater types). Wild-caught or endangered species are illegal, even if sold online.
Parrots & Exotic Birds – CITES documentation is often required. Popular species like African Greys and Macaws are legal only if sourced through licensed, ethical channels.
Reptiles – Very limited list of legal species. Non-venomous, small lizards may be allowed, but larger reptiles like iguanas or monitors are banned for safety reasons.
Exotic Aquarium Species – Some marine animals (e.g., lionfish, rays) are legal only with proper permits and sourcing. Illegal import of coral or wild-caught species is a federal offense.
New residents sometimes purchase exotic pets from local online marketplaces without realizing they’ve violated UAE law — especially when it comes to reptiles or birds that fall under international trade restrictions.
The safest move? Always verify an animal’s legal status before buying or adopting — even if the seller says it’s fine. Just because it’s available doesn’t mean it’s legal.
What’s Completely Off-Limits: Banned Animals in Dubai, and UAE in general
While Dubai welcomes many kinds of pets, there are clear legal boundaries — and some animals are outright banned. These restrictions aren’t just suggestions; they’re enforced under Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 (Download the official MOCCAE exotic pet permit form (PDF), which prohibits individuals from keeping any animal considered a threat to public safety, health, or biodiversity.
That means you cannot legally own:
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Wild cats such as lions, cheetahs, servals, caracals, or any other big cat species
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Primates, including monkeys, apes, and lemurs — regardless of size or training
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Venomous species like snakes, spiders, and scorpions
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Large constrictors such as pythons, boas, and anacondas
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Predatory or dangerous reptiles, including monitor lizards and crocodilians
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Any animal classified as a threat to human life, native species, or public order
The law applies regardless of whether the animal was born in captivity or imported legally in the past. Ownership is now restricted exclusively to licensed zoos, wildlife conservation centers, or academic institutions.
⚠️ Real Case: Lion Cub Found Wandering in Dubai
In 2023, a lion cub was spotted roaming a residential street in Dubai, causing panic among residents and a swift response from authorities. The animal, believed to have been kept illegally as an exotic pet, was sedated and seized. The owner was tracked down and faced heavy fines, while the lion was relocated to a wildlife center. The incident sparked national conversation around exotic pet ownership — and served as a reminder that even baby animals pose major legal and safety risks.
Violators of exotic animal laws can face fines up to AED 500,000, jail time, and immediate seizure of the animal. Even attempting to trade, sell, or advertise a banned species can result in legal consequences.
If there’s ever uncertainty about a particular species, it’s best to assume the answer is no — and check directly with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) before making a decision.
Banned or Restricted Dog Breeds in Dubai (2025)
While dogs are legal to own in Dubai, not every breed is welcome. The UAE maintains strict regulations around certain dogs it deems dangerous, with some breeds completely banned and others restricted under specific handling requirements. If you’re thinking about adopting or importing a dog, it’s critical to know whether your chosen breed is permitted — or whether it could land you in legal trouble.
Banned Dog Breeds in the UAE
Under current federal law, the following breeds are banned entirely from import, ownership, breeding, and sale due to their potential risk to public safety, history of aggression, or classification as fighting or guard dogs in other parts of the world. These breeds have been evaluated under UAE law as posing an unacceptable threat in public spaces, especially in densely populated urban areas like Dubai.
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American Pit Bull Terrier
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American Staffordshire Terrier
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
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American Bully
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Rottweiler
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Doberman Pinscher
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Japanese Tosa
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Dogo Argentino
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Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
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Presa Canario
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Neapolitan Mastiff
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Boerboel
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Bullmastiff
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Cane Corso
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Boxer (restricted, not always banned)
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Tibetan Mastiff
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Bully Kutta (Pakistani Mastiff)
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Wolf Hybrids
If you’re unsure about a breed or suspect your dog may be a cross of one of these, don’t guess. Authorities may still impose fines or confiscation if your pet resembles a banned breed — even if it’s mixed.
Banned Dog Breeds in the UAE (2025) - Everything You Need to Know
For a complete breakdown of banned breed in the UAE, why they are restricted, and what laws apply, read our in-depth guide:
Restricted Breeds and Handling Requirements
Not all powerful or large dog breeds are banned — but some are placed on a restricted list that comes with mandatory rules for ownership:
The dog must be muzzled at all times in public.
The owner must use a short leash (no retractables).
Third-party liability insurance may be required.
In many cases, the dog must be registered with both the Dubai Municipality and a vet, with vaccination records up to date.
Restricted breeds are allowed to live in Dubai only under these conditions, and violations can result in fines starting from AED 500. If you’re unsure what pets are legal in Dubai or whether your dog might fall into a restricted category, it’s best to seek clarity before making long-term housing or travel plans. and going much higher for repeated offenses.
Importing a Restricted Dog: Not Worth the Risk
Even if your dog isn’t explicitly banned, importing a “high-risk” breed can be extremely complicated. Many airlines won’t transport restricted breeds due to liability, and Dubai authorities have been known to deny entry at the airport even with proper documents.
It’s also important to note that insurance coverage for restricted breeds is difficult to obtain — and many landlords won’t allow them in residential buildings, regardless of legality.
If your breed is anywhere near the edge of the restriction list, it’s best to reconsider. There are plenty of incredible breeds that make excellent pets and face far fewer hurdles in the UAE.
Common Misconceptions About Legal Pets in Dubai
Even if your dog isn’t explicitly banned, importing a “high-risk” breed can be extremely complicated. Many airlines won’t transport restricted breeds due to liability, and Dubai authorities have been known to deny entry at the airport even with proper documents.
It’s also important to note that insurance coverage for restricted breeds is difficult to obtain — and many landlords won’t allow them in residential buildings, regardless of legality.
If your breed is anywhere near the edge of the restriction list, it’s best to reconsider. There are plenty of incredible breeds that make excellent pets and face far fewer hurdles in the UAE.
1. “If it’s sold in a pet shop, it must be legal.”
Not always. Some small or independent pet shops may stock animals that are legal in other countries but restricted or banned in the UAE. Always verify species legality with MOCCAE before purchase.
2. “If it’s small, it can’t be dangerous.”
Legal status isn’t based on size. Even small pets — like exotic frogs, spiders, or birds — can fall under international wildlife trade restrictions (CITES).
3. “Crossbreeds are safe since they’re not purebred.”
Not true. If your dog visibly resembles a banned breed (e.g., a pit bull mix), authorities may treat it as such, especially in public spaces or during a complaint investigation.
4. “It’s just for home use, so it doesn’t matter.”
Private ownership is still regulated. You can face fines or confiscation even if the animal never leaves your property.
Final Tips for Staying on the Right Side of the Law
If you’re planning to own a pet in Dubai, here are a few golden rules to follow:
Don’t assume availability means legality — always check the rules first.
Be especially cautious with exotic or imported species.
Read up on restricted dog breeds and understand what “restricted” actually means.
Register your pets properly and keep vaccination records up to date.
When in doubt, ask MOCCAE, Dubai Municipality, or a licensed local vet.
Dubai is an animal-loving city — but one that takes laws and public safety seriously. Before adopting or buying any animal, always confirm what pets are legal in Dubai to avoid surprises, fines, or legal trouble down the road.. Staying informed is the key to protecting both your pet and yourself.
Even if your dog isn’t explicitly banned, importing a “high-risk” breed can be extremely complicated. Many airlines won’t transport restricted breeds due to liability, and Dubai authorities have been known to deny entry at the airport even with proper documents.
It’s also important to note that insurance coverage for restricted breeds is difficult to obtain — and many landlords won’t allow them in residential buildings, regardless of legality.
If your breed is anywhere near the edge of the restriction list, it’s best to reconsider. There are plenty of incredible breeds that make excellent pets and face far fewer hurdles in the UAE.
Team Fetchway