If you own a pet in the UAE, vaccinations aren't optional — they're a legal requirement. Dubai Municipality mandates specific vaccines for dogs and cats, and keeping your records current is essential for licensing, boarding, grooming, and travel.

Here's a clear breakdown of what your pet needs and when.

Mandatory Vaccines for Dogs in the UAE

All dogs in the UAE must receive the following core vaccines:

Rabies — required by law. First dose at 12 weeks, then annually. Without a valid rabies certificate, you cannot license your dog with Dubai Municipality.
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) — the core combination vaccine. Puppies receive a series of 3 shots starting at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks. Annual boosters thereafter.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough) — required by most boarding facilities and groomers. Given annually or every 6 months depending on risk.

Mandatory Vaccines for Cats in the UAE

Rabies — same legal requirement as dogs. First dose at 12 weeks, annual boosters.
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) — the core cat vaccine. Kittens start at 6–8 weeks with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks.
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) — recommended for outdoor cats or multi-cat households.

Puppy & Kitten Vaccination Timeline

Here's a simplified schedule for the first year:

Weeks 6–8: First DHPP/FVRCP dose

Weeks 10–12: Second DHPP/FVRCP dose + first Rabies dose

Weeks 14–16: Third DHPP/FVRCP dose

6 months: Bordetella (dogs), spay/neuter discussion

12 months: Annual boosters for all core vaccines

After the first year, most vaccines shift to an annual schedule — though some vets in the UAE now follow triennial protocols for DHPP in low-risk adult dogs.

Dubai Municipality Licensing Requirements

To register your pet with Dubai Municipality, you need:

A valid rabies vaccination certificate (within the last 12 months)
A microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
A completed application with your Emirates ID

The license must be renewed annually, and an up-to-date rabies certificate is required each time.

Travel Vaccines and Titer Tests

If you're traveling internationally with your pet from the UAE, you'll likely need:

Rabies titer test — many countries (EU, UK, Australia, Japan) require a blood test proving adequate rabies antibodies. This must be done at an approved lab and can take 30+ days to process.
Health certificate — issued by a UAE-licensed vet within 10 days of travel.
Destination-specific vaccines — some countries require additional vaccines like Leptospirosis or Canine Influenza.

Start planning at least 4 months before international travel with your pet.

How to Keep Track of It All

Paper vaccination cards get lost. Vet clinic records are scattered across multiple providers. And when you need proof of vaccination for travel, boarding, or a municipality visit, scrambling through emails isn't ideal.

Furever automatically detects vaccinations from uploaded vet records and maintains a complete digital history. You get smart reminders for upcoming boosters, and Layla tracks which vaccines are due — especially when you have travel plans.

Every vaccination you track in Furever also earns coins that feed shelter pets across the UAE. One health action, one shelter meal.

Key Takeaways

Rabies is legally mandatory for all dogs and cats in the UAE
Puppies and kittens need a series of core vaccines in their first 16 weeks
Annual boosters are required for licensing with Dubai Municipality
International travel requires planning at least 4 months ahead
Digital tracking eliminates lost records and missed boosters