TL;DR
- Setting up a pet-care or veterinary business in Dubai requires multiple licences, depending on your service type, from authorities like the DED, Dubai Municipality, and MOCCAE.
- Your business premises must comply with Dubai’s animal welfare and hygiene regulations, and you’ll need to submit floor plans for official approval.
- Mobile grooming or veterinary services are permitted, but only if you obtain the right vehicle permits and follow modification standards.
- Only licensed veterinarians approved by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment can practice, even if the business is owned by a non-vet.
- Quickplus Business Consultants can manage the entire licensing process for you, ensuring compliance and a smooth launch.
If you’re planning to start a pet-care business or veterinary clinic in Dubai, understanding the licensing landscape is crucial. The UAE government, particularly in Dubai, has well-structured, sector-specific regulations to ensure safety, hygiene, and animal welfare standards.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to obtaining the right licenses, staying compliant, and launching your animal-care venture with confidence.
Why Licensing Matters in Dubai’s Pet-Care Industry
Dubai’s pet care market is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing pet ownership, pet tourism, and the growing number of wellness-focused pet parents.
However, this also means tight regulatory oversight to safeguard animals and ensure service quality.
Operating without proper licensing can result in hefty fines, business closure, and even legal action.
Key Authorities Involved
To start a veterinary or pet-care business in Dubai, you’ll need to deal with multiple government agencies, each responsible for a different regulatory aspect:
- Dubai Municipality (DM): Ensures compliance with animal welfare and public health standards.
- Department of Economic Development (DED): Issues trade licenses and approves commercial activities.
- Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE): For import/export or pharmaceutical registration involving animals.
- Dubai Health Authority (for veterinary pharmacies or animal medicine regulations).
Types of Pet-Care and Veterinary Services You Can License
Depending on your business model, you may fall under one or more of the following categories:
Service Type | Required Licence |
Veterinary Clinics or Hospitals | Veterinary Clinic Licence |
Pet Grooming & Spa Services | Pet Care Services Licence |
Pet Boarding or Daycare | Animal Boarding Facility Licence |
Mobile Pet Care | Vehicle Permit + Pet Care Services Licence |
Pet Food & Product Retail | Commercial Trade Licence with Pet Retail Activity |
Pet Relocation/Transport | Animal Transport Permit (MOCCAE) |
How to Get a Veterinary or Pet-Care Licence in Dubai
Step 1: Business Activity Approval
Begin by choosing the correct activity code through the DED or the relevant Free Zone Authority. Examples include:
- “Veterinary Clinic”
- “Pet Grooming Services”
- “Animal Boarding Facilities”
You can apply as:
- Mainland Company (via DED)
- Free Zone Company (e.g., Dubai Science Park or Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)
Step 2: Initial Approval & Trade Name Reservation
Register your trade name and obtain initial approval from the DED or Free Zone authority. At this point, prepare your business plan, proposed layout, and location details.
Step 3: Premises Approval from Dubai Municipality
- Ensure your facility follows hygiene, ventilation, and animal safety standards.
- Submit floor plans for approval.
- Veterinary clinics may need special zoning permissions.
Step 4: Obtain Special Permits
Depending on your services:
- A veterinary licence requires approval from the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment.
- Mobile units require vehicle conversion and certification from DM and RTA.
Step 5: Final Licensing & Visa Setup
Once approvals are in place:
- Finalize your trade licence with DED.
- Apply for employee visas (vets, groomers, technicians).
- Register your facility with the relevant veterinary authorities.
Documents Typically Required
- Passport and Emirates ID copies
- Initial approval from DED
- Lease agreement or Ejari
- Veterinary qualifications (for clinical services)
- Floor plan & site drawings
- NOC from landlord (if applicable)
- Vehicle modification certificates (for mobile units)
How Quickplus Can Help
At Quickplus Business Consultants, we simplify the complex journey of launching a pet-care or veterinary business in Dubai. Our A-Z service includes:
- Business activity classification
- Trade licence application
- Municipality & veterinary approvals
- Interior design guidance to meet animal welfare standards
- Mobile unit conversion support
- Visa processing and staffing
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced vet expanding into the UAE, our expert consultants ensure your licensing process is quick, compliant, and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
The pet-care sector in Dubai is vibrant and growing—but also highly regulated. If you’re passionate about animals and ready to build a compliant, high-standard facility, getting the right license is your first step—partner with Quickplus Business Consultants for expert navigation on your business setup in Dubai.
