Pet Microchipping in Dubai: What You Need to Know

Under Dubai Municipality regulations, all dogs must be microchipped and registered. While microchipping is not yet legally mandated for cats, it is strongly recommended by veterinarians and required by most reputable adoption programmes and catteries.

If you've recently adopted a dog in Dubai or moved to the UAE with a pet, check whether your animal is already chipped. We can scan your pet at the clinic to confirm.

A microchip is a tiny electronic device — about the size of a grain of rice — inserted under the skin between your pet's shoulder blades using a sterile needle. The process takes seconds and causes minimal discomfort, similar to a standard vaccination.

Each microchip has a unique 15-digit ISO number that is registered on a database alongside your contact details. If your pet is ever lost and taken to a vet or shelter, they can be scanned and reunited with you.

The microchip itself is passive — it has no battery and never needs replacing. It only activates when scanned by a compatible reader.

If you plan to travel internationally with your pet, microchipping is a prerequisite for obtaining a Pet Passport or UAE health certificate. Your pet must be chipped before any vaccinations can be officially recorded against the chip number — so it's important to do this early.

Ensure your chip is ISO 15-digit standard (15 digits), as this is internationally recognised. Some older or US-standard chips (9 or 10 digits) may not be readable by overseas scanners.

Microchipping is one of the most affordable procedures available at a vet clinic. At Mike's Vet, we offer microchipping for cats and dogs at a straightforward price — contact us for current rates. We can often fit microchipping into an existing appointment without the need for a separate visit.