Vaccinations for Cats and Dogs in Dubai: The Complete Guide

Dubai's warm climate, year-round humidity, and large population of rescue and community animals create conditions where infectious diseases spread more easily than in cooler climates. Many cats and dogs in Dubai are adopted from rescue organisations with incomplete histories — making it all the more important to start a proper vaccine programme from day one.

Under UAE law, rabies vaccination is compulsory for all cats and dogs. Beyond that, core vaccines protect your pet from diseases that are genuinely common in this region and can be fatal without protection.

For cats in the UAE, the core vaccine is the PCH — which protects against three of the most serious infectious diseases in cats:

Panleukopenia (feline distemper) — a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that attacks the immune system and gut.

Calicivirus — causes upper respiratory infections, mouth ulcers, and can lead to serious complications in kittens.

Herpesvirus (viral rhinotracheitis) — the most common cause of cat 'flu in Dubai, spreading rapidly between cats and causing chronic lifelong flare-ups once infected.

Rabies — required by UAE law for all cats. The certificate is essential for boarding, registration with Dubai Municipality, and any international travel.

FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus) is also strongly recommended for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats. It is transmitted through close contact and can be fatal.

For kittens, we recommend the following schedule:

6–8 weeks: First PCH vaccination

10–12 weeks: Second PCH + first rabies vaccination

14–16 weeks: Third PCH booster + FeLV if indicated

12 months: Annual PCH and rabies boosters

If you have adopted an adult cat with an unknown vaccine history, we recommend starting a fresh primary course. A blood titre test can sometimes be used to check existing immunity levels.

For dogs, the core vaccine is the DHPP — a combination vaccine protecting against four serious diseases:

Distemper — a severe viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

Hepatitis (Adenovirus) — causes liver disease and can be fatal in unvaccinated dogs.

Parvovirus — one of the most dangerous diseases for dogs in Dubai, particularly for puppies. Parvo spreads through contact with infected faeces and can survive in the environment for months.

Parainfluenza — a key contributor to kennel cough, which is common in Dubai due to the density of dogs in boarding and grooming facilities.

Rabies — required by UAE law for all dogs. Without a current rabies certificate your dog cannot be registered with Dubai Municipality, boarded, or exported.

Bordetella (kennel cough) is also strongly recommended for dogs that visit parks, groomers, or boarding kennels.

For puppies, we recommend the following schedule:

6–8 weeks: First DHPP vaccination

10–12 weeks: Second DHPP + first rabies vaccination

14–16 weeks: Third DHPP booster + Bordetella if indicated

12 months: Annual boosters + rabies renewal

Puppies are not fully protected until 1–2 weeks after their final primary vaccination. We advise keeping puppies away from dog parks and unknown dogs until this point.

Vaccine costs in Dubai vary between clinics. At Mike's Vet, every vaccine appointment includes a thorough wellness examination — we use it as an opportunity to check your pet's weight, teeth, heart, and overall condition, not just administer an injection.

Contact us for current pricing or book online. We'll give you a clear breakdown before your appointment.