From fish tanks tucked into studio apartments to dogs trotting through landscaped communities, Dubai’s rental homes are quietly filling up with pets. Long known as a transient city where short-term living shaped housing choices, Dubai is increasingly becoming a place where expats and residents put down roots. With that shift has come a noticeable change in attitudes toward pets and the spaces people live in with them.
According to Global Pet Industry estimates, the UAE is now home to more than 1.5 million pet owners and over 2 million domestic animals. Cats and dogs make up the largest share, but smaller pets such as rabbits, birds, and fish are also common. These numbers would have sounded unlikely a decade ago. Today, they reflect a rental market slowly adapting to families and individuals who see pets as part of everyday life rather than temporary companions.
A City Settling Down With Pets
Living with a pet in Dubai is possible, but it is rarely spontaneous. Preparation begins well before arrival. Pet owners relocating to the UAE must secure an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, ensure their animals are microchipped, vaccinated, and issued a veterinary passport, and submit health documents within strict timelines. Missing paperwork can result in long delays or, in some cases, denial of entry for the animal.
When Housing Rules Matter as Much as Space
Once in the country, the next hurdle is housing. Not every apartment that looks suitable is legally pet-friendly. In Dubai, landlord consent is essential. Pets must be explicitly approved in the tenancy contract, regardless of size or type. Keeping an animal without written permission can lead to fines, disputes, or even eviction. For many renters, this makes the search for a home longer and more complicated.
The Most Common Pets in Rented Homes
Cats and small dogs are the most common pets among renters, particularly in apartments. Their size and quieter presence often make landlords more comfortable approving them. Smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and fish are also popular, especially with families who want pets that fit indoor living. These are generally easier to approve, though permission is still required.
Larger dogs come with more restrictions. Certain breeds, including pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and wolf hybrids, are banned outright from import and ownership in the UAE. Exotic pets such as reptiles or rare birds require special permits and are subject to closer scrutiny. These rules shape not only what pets people bring, but where and how they choose to live.
Choosing the Right Neighbourhood
Location matters. Some neighbourhoods have developed reputations for being more welcoming to pet owners. Areas such as The Greens, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Dubai Hills Estate are often mentioned by renters because of their open spaces, walking paths, and building management policies that allow pets under clear guidelines. For dog owners, access to outdoor areas can be a deciding factor.
“We were searching for an apartment with our dog for more than a month before finding the right place,” says Jamie, an expat from Europe. “What made the difference was having green areas nearby and neighbours who also had pets. It feels normal there.”
Easier Paths for Cats and Small Pets
Cats are often easier to accommodate. Many tenants say landlords are more relaxed about cats, viewing them as less disruptive. Even so, agents routinely remind renters that permission must be documented, no matter how small or quiet the pet.
“I have a rabbit and an aquarium with fish,” says Lusine, a Dubai Hills resident. “The agent told me it would likely be approved, but still needed to be mentioned in the contract. That clarity actually helped everyone feel comfortable.”
A Growing Pet-Friendly Ecosystem
As pet ownership grows, so does supporting infrastructure. Veterinary clinics, grooming salons, pet hotels, and temporary boarding services have expanded across the city. This ecosystem makes long-term pet ownership more practical, particularly for frequent travellers.
The rental market is responding too. Housing platforms increasingly allow users to filter for pet-friendly properties. Data from Colife shows that about 17.3 percent of renters in Dubai now live in homes where pets are officially allowed, a noticeable increase compared to previous years. Much of this demand comes from expat families who consider pet accommodation a non-negotiable part of housing.
Balancing Rules, Comfort, and Responsibility
Living with pets in Dubai requires balance. The city maintains clear rules around registration, vaccinations, microchipping, and restrictions on free roaming. These regulations aim to protect public spaces while ensuring animal welfare. For renters, understanding and respecting these rules is part of settling in.
For many, the effort is worth it. Pets offer familiarity in a city built on constant movement, helping new arrivals feel at home. With the right planning and neighbourhood choice, Dubai’s rental homes are increasingly able to accommodate fish, rabbits, cats, dogs, and the people who love them.
