For the millions of expatriates living in the UAE, the question of whether to get a pet — and how — is one that comes up often. Many expats are hesitant to adopt because they worry about what happens when they eventually relocate, or whether the process is too complicated. This guide answers those questions and explains why adopting through Refqan is the most straightforward, ethical, and rewarding option for expat pet owners in the UAE.

Can Expats Adopt Pets in the UAE?

Yes. There are no nationality restrictions on pet adoption in the UAE. Expats living in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, or any other emirate can adopt cats, kittens and puppies through Refqan. The only requirement is that you have a stable living situation and can provide a safe, loving home.

What About Abu Dhabi's New Pet Registration Law?

Since 3 February 2026, Abu Dhabi requires all cats and dogs to be microchipped and registered on the TAMM digital platform — regardless of whether the owner is a UAE national or an expat. The law applies to everyone living in Abu Dhabi emirate.

When you adopt through Refqan, Pawspact handles the TAMM registration process for you at no cost. This includes microchipping, vaccination confirmation, and the official ownership transfer into your name. You receive a full medical report and registration certificate — making you fully compliant from day one.

What Happens If You Relocate?

This is the question most expats ask first. The good news is that taking a pet from the UAE to most countries is very manageable, provided you start the process early. Key steps typically include:

Ensuring your pet is microchipped (already done when you adopt through Refqan)
Obtaining a health certificate from a licensed vet (Pawspact can assist)
Meeting the destination country's vaccination requirements (most are already covered)
Checking import regulations for your destination country at least 3–6 months in advance

Pawspact can advise on the relocation process and connect you with pet transport services that operate across the UAE and internationally.

Why Adopt Rather Than Buy?

Many expats instinctively look at pet shops when they first arrive in the UAE. The Al Mina market in Abu Dhabi and various pet shops in Dubai offer purebred kittens and puppies at high prices, often without complete health documentation. For an expat who may eventually need to travel internationally with their pet, incomplete vaccination records and unverified microchip data can cause serious problems at borders.

Every animal adopted through Refqan comes with complete, documented vaccination history, a permanent microchip registered to your name, an official medical report from Pawspact, and TAMM registration (for Abu Dhabi residents) handled for free. This documentation is exactly what you need for international travel with your pet.

The Expat Community and Animal Welfare in the UAE

A large proportion of the animals in need of homes in the UAE are there because of expat families who relocated and could not take their pets with them. Refqan and Pawspact work to break this cycle — by making adoption easy and by ensuring adopters have the support they need throughout the pet's life, including when relocation becomes necessary.

When you adopt through Refqan, you join a community of responsible pet owners who are committed to their animals for the long term.

Start Your Adoption Journey

Browse cats, kittens and puppies currently available for adoption across the UAE. All animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and ready for their forever home — whether that home is in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or eventually somewhere else in the world.

Adopting a Cat or Dog in the UAE as an Expat — Everything You Need to Know