Veterinary Сlinics for Tourists with Pets

From 24/7 emergency care to Russian-speaking specialists, everything you need to know about veterinary care for your pet in the emirate.

Take your beloved dog or cat with you to Dubai? Not so long ago, this idea would have seemed downright crazy. But today, the emirate, known for its skyscrapers and luxury shopping, is actively developing pet-friendly infrastructure, opening its doors to those who can’t imagine traveling without their four-legged companions.

However, if you’ve already completed all the bureaucratic procedures or live in Dubai with your pet, this guide will become your main ally. We’ll break down the best clinics in the emirate for three different situations: when round-the-clock assistance is needed, when a Russian-speaking veterinarian is important, and when you want to avoid the stress of a trip. Then we’ll move on to practical advice: from mandatory registration to calling a pet taxi and understanding local prices. Our goal is to give you confidence in any situation.

Choosing a clinic in Dubai: Three scenarios for tourists

Dubai has dozens of veterinary clinics, but in a moment of panic or time pressure, you don’t need to study them all. The key is to clearly understand your needs. We’ve broken down the selection into three of the most common scenarios faced by tourists. Just find the one that matches your situation and you’ll get a ready-made solution.

Scenario 1: Need for 24/7 emergency assistance - modern veterinary clinic

If your pet falls ill or gets into an emergency, especially at night or on a weekend, your top choice should be Modern Veterinary Clinic. This is one of the oldest and most reputable veterinary networks in Dubai, operating since 1995. The clinics in the network are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic, surgical, and intensive care facilities, enabling them to provide assistance in even the most complex and urgent cases. What makes Modern Vet the number-one choice in emergency situations? Their round-the-clock service. Branches located in key areas, such as Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), are ready to receive patients 24/7 without the need for an appointment. The JLT branch is easily accessible: it’s a 12–15 minute walk from the DMCC metro station (Red Line). A taxi ride from Dubai Marina or JBR takes about 10 minutes. For those traveling by car, the Fortune Tower building housing the clinic offers convenient multi-level parking.

Scenario 2: Importance of communication in Russian — winterfell veterinary clinic

For many pet owners, the ability to discuss symptoms in detail and receive recommendations in their native language is a critical factor. Winterfell Veterinary Clinic, opened in 2018, became the first clinic in Dubai focused on serving the Russian-speaking community. Let's face it: in a stressful situation, trying to explain in English that your pet has "a different" look or "strange" appetite can be quite challenging. Being able to speak with the vet in the same language is not a luxury, it's a crucial factor for an accurate diagnosis and your peace of mind.

Scenario 3: Stress-free routine visits — Mobile services using Sand Vet as an example

Dragging a frightened animal through the heat to an unfamiliar clinic is stressful for everyone. For routine procedures such as check-ups, vaccinations, or microchipping, there is a convenient alternative in Dubai—calling a veterinarian to your home. Clinics like Sand Vet offer a wide range of mobile services. The veterinarian will come to your hotel or apartment, perform all necessary procedures in the pet's familiar environment, and assist with paperwork, such as registration with the municipality. This is an ideal solution to minimize the animal's stress and save you time.

Reviews and reputation: common themes across all clinics

What do tourists and expats say? Reviews of Dubai's veterinary clinics are generally very positive, and several common themes emerge that almost everyone highlights.

What travelers praise:

• The high level of professionalism of the veterinarians and the use of advanced equipment.
• Round-the-clock availability of care at leading clinics.
• Multilingual service, which eliminates any communication barriers.

Things to keep in mind:

• The cost of services may be significantly higher than what you're used to in your home country. This reflects the highest level of service, 24/7 accessibility, and international quality standards.

Practical guide: What to do once you arrive in Dubai

You have successfully completed all preparation steps and arrived in Dubai with your pet. Congratulations! Now there are a few important practical steps you need to take to ensure your stay is comfortable and compliant with local laws.

Practical steps upon arrival

1. Registration with the municipality: your first and most important quest. Forget unpacking your suitcases this needs to be done first. By law, every pet in Dubai must wear a special municipal tag on its collar. You can obtain this tag at any accredited veterinary clinic. Don’t treat this as a mere formality: walking your pet without a tag can result in a fine of up to AED 5,000, which can quickly spoil your entire trip.
2. Transportation: The most convenient way to get around the city with your pet is by using a specialized pet taxi service (such as Pet Taxis Dubai). Regular taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber/Careem generally refuse to transport pets, so it’s best to find and save the contact details of a licensed service in advance.
3. Making an appointment: For a routine visit to the clinic, you must book an appointment in advance by phone or through the online form on the clinic’s website. If you require emergency care, simply head to a clinic that operates 24/7—they will see you without an appointment.

How much do veterinary services cost?

Now for the money. Let’s be honest: veterinary care in Dubai is expensive. The standards here are among the best in the world, but the prices reflect that as well. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, here’s an approximate price list. Keep in mind that this is only a starting point, you should always confirm the exact cost with the clinic before your visit.

Rules and etiquette for pet owners

Dubai is a city with strict rules, and adhering to them will make your stay with your pet pleasant and hassle-free.

• Leash and muzzle: In public places, dogs must always be on a leash. A muzzle may be required for large breeds.
• Prohibited areas: Remember that animals are not allowed on public beaches, in parks (except for designated pet-friendly areas), shopping malls, and most restaurants.
• Cleaning up: Be sure to clean up after your pet. Fines for non-compliance with this rule can be quite substantial.
• An important cultural nuance: Veterinary clinics in Dubai are a realm of medicine in its purest form. Everything here is geared toward one goal: the health and comfort of the animal. Therefore, do not be surprised by the lack of cozy cafes for owners or areas with free Wi-Fi. The focus is 100% on providing effective care for the pet, rather than on entertaining the owner.

Preparedness is the key to peace of mind

So is it worth it? The answer is clear: Dubai’s veterinary system is ready to receive your pet at the highest global standard. Animal healthcare here runs like a Swiss watch: professional, technologically advanced, and available around the clock. However, as we’ve already seen, the main challenge for tourists isn’t finding a clinic on-site, but overcoming the complex and costly barriers to entry into the country.

Final pros and cons:

• Key Pros: arguments in favor of travel
  • Access to top veterinarians and cutting-edge technologies 24/7.
  • No language barrier when choosing the right clinic.
  • Complete confidence in your pet’s safety and health.
• Key Cons: what might deter you
  • High cost of veterinary services and associated expenses.
  • Complex bureaucracy and strict requirements for importing an animal.
  • Strict rules of conduct and restrictions on moving around the city with your pet.

If you’re prepared for these challenges, Dubai will welcome you and your four-legged friend with service of the highest caliber, ensuring peace of mind and safety throughout your trip.