Legal Guidelines for Selling Pets Online in Dubai (2025 Edition)

By The Souq Finder

With the growing popularity of online pet sales, Dubai authorities have continued to tighten regulations to ensure the ethical treatment of animals and the safety of both buyers and sellers. If you’re planning to sell pets online in Dubai in 2025, you must understand and follow the latest legal guidelines to avoid fines and ensure a smooth, responsible transaction.

In this updated guide, The Souq Finder breaks down the 2025 legal requirements for selling pets online in Dubai.

Why Legal Compliance Matters in the UAE

The UAE, and particularly Dubai, has some of the strictest animal welfare laws in the region. These laws are designed to:

• Prevent animal cruelty and abandonment
• Regulate commercial breeding and sales
• Ensure public health and safety
• Encourage responsible pet ownership

❗ Violating these laws can result in fines up to AED 500,000, bans from platforms, or even criminal charges.

Updated Legal Requirements for Selling Pets in 2025

Here are the essential legal steps you must follow:

1. Obtain a Commercial Pet Trade License

You are not allowed to sell pets as a business without a valid license issued by:

• Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
• Dubai Municipality – Veterinary Services Section

This applies to breeders, pet shops, and individuals selling more than one animal regularly.

✅ A license ensures you’re recognized as a legitimate seller and can advertise on approved platforms.

2. Health and Safety Regulations

Before listing a pet for sale, ensure the following:

• Vaccinated and microchipped (mandatory for dogs and cats)
• Minimum age: 8 weeks old
• Health certificate from a licensed vet (dated within 14 days of sale)
• No visible illness, injury, or deformity

📋 These requirements are strictly enforced by classified platforms like The Souq Finder.

3. Ban on Certain Breeds and Animals

You may NOT sell the following without special permits:

• Banned dog breeds (e.g., Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Japanese Tosa)
• Endangered or exotic species listed by CITES
• Wild-caught animals or reptiles
• Any animal not allowed under UAE’s Federal Animal Welfare Law

🐾 Always check with Dubai Municipality’s latest breed list.

4. Required Documentation for Every Sale

Every pet sale must include:

• Vaccination record (with vet stamp)
• Microchip number and registration
• Transfer or ownership form (optional, but highly recommended)
• Copy of your pet trade license (if applicable)

📂 These records protect both seller and buyer in case of disputes or future vet visits.

5. Where You Can Legally Advertise Pets in 2025

You may only list pets for sale on:

• Approved local platforms (e.g., TheSouqFinder.com, Dubizzle Pets)
• Licensed pet stores and breeder websites
• Facebook groups with admin approval & moderation

Avoid listing pets on:

• International marketplaces that do not follow UAE law
• Anonymous forums or resale apps not designed for pet sales
• WhatsApp or Telegram groups without oversight

❌ Illegal listings can be flagged and removed, and repeat offenders risk legal action.

Penalties for Non-Compliance (Updated 2025)

Failing to follow the legal requirements can result in:

⚖️ Authorities have increased enforcement in 2025, using both online tracking and user reporting.

Summary Checklist: Legal Pet Selling in Dubai (2025)

• ✔️ Licensed by MOCCAE or Dubai Municipality
• ✔️ Pet is vaccinated, microchipped, and 8+ weeks old
• ✔️ Health certificate available
• ✔️ Selling only allowed animals
• ✔️ Listing on approved platforms
• ✔️ Documentation provided at sale

Final Thoughts

Selling pets online in Dubai is legal—but only when done with full responsibility and respect for the law. As of 2025, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re compliant, transparent, and ethical in every part of the process.

The Souq Finder is dedicated to helping UAE residents connect through safe, verified pet listings that meet all regulatory standards.