Dog Vaccination in Dubai - The Complete 2026 Guide

🐕 Quick Dog Vaccine Facts

• Rabies is LEGALLY REQUIRED - Dubai Municipality mandate
• Puppies start vaccines at 6-8 weeks
• Core vaccines: DHPP + Rabies (4-5 doses first year)
• Cost: 200-500 AED per vaccination visit
• No park access without vaccines - enforced!

Bringing home a new puppy in Dubai? Or wondering if your adult dog's vaccinations are up to date? This guide covers everything you need to know about protecting your dog with the right vaccines at the right time.

📋 Dubai's Legal Requirements

Mandatory by Law: All dogs in Dubai must be vaccinated against rabies by 3 months of age, with annual boosters. Additionally, dogs must be microchipped and registered with Dubai Municipality. Fines apply for non-compliance.

Beyond rabies, you'll find that many buildings, dog parks, groomers, and boarding facilities in Dubai require proof of a full vaccination schedule.

🗓️ Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Here's the standard schedule for puppies in Dubai:

Age	Vaccines	What It Covers
6-8 weeks	DHPP (1st dose)	Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza
10-12 weeks	DHPP (2nd dose)	Building immunity
14-16 weeks	DHPP (3rd dose) + Rabies	Rabies legally required from this age
16-18 weeks	DHPP (4th dose)	Final puppy booster for strong immunity
Annually	DHPP + Rabies boosters	Lifelong protection

💉 Understanding Dog Vaccines

DHPP - The Core Combo Vaccine

This essential "5-in-1" vaccine protects against:

Distemper - Attacks nervous system, often fatal. Highly contagious.
Hepatitis (Adenovirus) - Liver disease, can be deadly in puppies.
Parvovirus - Extremely contagious gut disease, very high puppy death rate.
Parainfluenza - Respiratory virus, part of "kennel cough" complex.

Rabies - Required by Dubai Law

✓ Mandatory for all dogs in Dubai
✓ First dose at 12-16 weeks
✓ Annual boosters required
✓ Certificate required for dog registration
✓ Required proof for travel, boarding, grooming

🎾 Can My Puppy Go to the Dog Park?

Not until fully vaccinated! This is one of the most common mistakes new puppy owners make.

Wait until 2 weeks after the final DHPP dose (around 18-20 weeks of age)
Parvovirus is everywhere - It survives in soil for years. One sniff of infected ground can kill your puppy.
Dubai dog parks require vaccination proof - Officials do check, and unvaccinated dogs can be fined or banned.

Safe Socialization: Your puppy still needs socialization! Carry them in public, visit friends' vaccinated dogs, enroll in puppy classes that require vaccine proof.

💰 Dog Vaccination Costs in Dubai

Typical Price Ranges:

Consultation fee: 100-200 AED
DHPP vaccine: 150-300 AED
Rabies vaccine: 100-200 AED
Kennel cough (Bordetella): 150-250 AED
Complete puppy package (all vaccines + deworming): 800-1,500 AED
Annual booster package: 400-600 AED

Prices vary by clinic, breed size, and location. Compare clinics in your area.

🦮 Optional (Non-Core) Vaccines

Beyond the essential vaccines, your vet might recommend:

Based on your dog's lifestyle:

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) - Required for boarding, grooming, dog daycare. Given as nasal spray or injection. Recommended for any social dog.
Leptospirosis - Bacterial disease from contaminated water/soil. Consider if your dog swims or visits rural areas.
Canine Influenza - Dog flu. Recommended for very social dogs, especially those in daycare or dog parks.
Lyme Disease - Not common in UAE, but consider for travel to tick-endemic areas.

🏠 Dubai-Specific Requirements

Dog Registration (Mandatory)

• All dogs must be registered with Dubai Municipality
• Requires proof of rabies vaccination
• Requires microchip implantation
• Registration renewal is annual
• Fines for unregistered dogs: 500-1,000 AED

Building/Community Approval

• Most buildings require updated vaccination records
• Some communities have breed restrictions
• Annual health certificates often required
• Keep vaccination cards accessible

Dog Park Access

• Dubai dog parks require vaccination proof
• Some parks have dedicated staff who check
• Rabies and DHPP certificates required
• Dogs must be on leash until inside designated areas

🛫 Vaccinations for Travel

Planning to travel with your dog? Requirements vary by destination:

• Rabies titer test - Required for most countries, done 30+ days before travel
• Pet passport - Get one from any licensed Dubai vet
• Health certificate - Required within 10 days of travel
• Some countries have 3-6 month waiting periods after rabies vaccination

Plan Ahead: If traveling to EU, UK, or rabies-free countries, start the process 4-6 months before travel. The titer test alone takes 3-4 weeks.

⚠️ Vaccine Side Effects

Most dogs handle vaccines well. Here's what to watch for:

Normal (No Worry Needed)

✓ Mild tiredness for 24-48 hours
✓ Slight decrease in appetite
✓ Small, firm lump at injection site (goes away in 1-2 weeks)
✓ Low-grade fever

Call Your Vet If You See

⚠️ Facial swelling (especially around eyes/muzzle)
⚠️ Hives or severe itching
⚠️ Difficulty breathing
⚠️ Vomiting or diarrhea
⚠️ Collapse or extreme weakness
⚠️ Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours

Severe reactions are rare but can happen. Most occur within 30 minutes, which is why some vets ask you to wait at the clinic after vaccination.

📅 Staying on Schedule

Missing boosters can leave your dog vulnerable. Set up reminders:

1. Add annual vaccine dates to your phone calendar
2. Most Dubai vets send SMS reminders (opt in!)
3. Keep all vaccination records in one place
4. Take photos of vaccine cards and store in cloud

🔍 Choosing a Vet for Vaccinations

What to look for in a Dubai vet clinic:

✓ Dubai Municipality licensed
✓ Clean, modern facilities
✓ Proper vaccine storage (cold chain maintained)
✓ Transparent pricing
✓ Good reviews from dog owners
✓ Convenient location for regular visits

Find trusted vet clinics near you →

💚 Final Thoughts

Vaccinations are one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep your dog healthy and happy. They protect against devastating diseases that used to kill thousands of dogs every year.

In Dubai, they're also the law. But more importantly, they're peace of mind. A vaccinated dog can safely explore the city, meet other dogs, and live their best life.

Start on time, stay on schedule, and enjoy life with your healthy pup! 🐕💉

🐕 Dog Vaccination in Dubai - The Complete 2026 Guide