Pet ownership in Dubai has jumped over the past few years, especially since the pandemic. There are now more than two million pets in the city, most of them cats and dogs, and that number keeps climbing. As you’d expect, demand for proper vet care is growing alongside it.
The local market has responded. Right now, the UAE’s pet industry is worth around $300 million, with estimates suggesting it could hit $2 billion by 2025. New clinics are opening to keep up, and the government is backing the sector with visible support. Events like Pet World Arabia are getting official attention, and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is playing an active role.
So, if you’re thinking about opening a clinic in Dubai, the conditions are right. It’s a growing sector with room to build something long-term.
Permits required to open a veterinary clinic in Dubai
Before anything else, you’ll need to get permission to set up. The first step is initial approval from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). This tells them what type of clinic you’re planning—general, specialist or mobile—and gives you the go-ahead to start.
You’ll also need a trade license. That comes through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and officially registers your business as a veterinary clinic.
Once the clinic’s fitted out and ready, MOCCAE will send an inspector to check it meets the rules—cleaning systems, waste disposal, proper rooms, licensed staff and so on.
If you’ll be using X-ray equipment, there’s a separate license for that from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
You’ll also have to register your veterinary team. Every vet must hold a recognised degree and an official UAE license from MOCCAE. Once you’ve cleared all that, you’ll get your clinic license. It lasts for one year and has to be renewed annually.
How to open a veterinary clinic in Dubai: Step-by-step
Work out your format
Decide what kind of clinic you want to run. Will you offer general care or focus on a specific area? Will you treat all animals or stick to cats and dogs? Your answers shape the whole plan, what to budget, who to hire and how to design the space.
Register your name and lock in your space
Pick and register a trade name, then secure a location that meets the city’s zoning and health rules. The space must have separate areas for treatment, operations and waiting, plus an accessible entrance for pets.
Get your first approval
Once you’ve secured the space, you’ll need to apply to MOCCAE for initial approval. This step confirms your setup plan is on track. You’ll need to send in your lease and a basic site layout.
Fit it out properly
Once approved, start building out the clinic. That includes treatment rooms, storage, a pharmacy and—if needed—surgery and recovery space. Make sure the ventilation, lighting and hygiene setup meet local requirements.
Apply for inspection
When the clinic’s ready, submit your final documents and request a site check. If everything looks good, you’ll get your veterinary establishment license.
Sort your staffing
Any vet working at your clinic must be licensed by MOCCAE. Depending on what your clinic offers, you may also need to register assistants or technicians.
Get any extra permits
If your services include X-rays, you’ll need clearance from FANR. In some cases, you may also need to show environmental approvals.
After the inspection and registration are sorted, you can apply for your operating license. That’s issued online and typically takes a few working days. The full process usually runs between two and six months, depending on how prepared you are.
Documents required to open a veterinary clinic in Dubai
To move through the licensing steps, you’ll need to gather the right paperwork.
Start with proof of your trade name and a signed lease or ownership document for the space. If you’re planning a larger setup like a hospital or a commercial farm, you’ll need to include an environmental permit, a full site plan and possibly detailed drawings from a certified engineering firm.
At the final licensing stage, you’ll need your trade license, layout plans, proof of veterinary qualifications and any relevant external permits—such as FANR approval if you’re offering radiology.
Everything needs to be clear, up to date and consistent with what’s in your application. Small errors can slow things down, so double-check the checklist before submitting.
Benefits of opening a veterinary clinic in Dubai
The demand is there
More pets means more need for regular check-ups, vaccines and treatments. People are spending more on care, and that’s not slowing down.
Clear rules and structure
The UAE has put a solid system in place. It’s formal, but not unclear. Once you know the process, you can move through it step by step without too many surprises.
A mix of customers
With such a wide range of nationalities living in the city, there’s a varied client base. Some want basic care, others want premium packages. You can tailor your clinic to suit the kind of service you enjoy offering.
Plenty of pet culture
Events, parks and social spaces for pets are common in Dubai. This makes it easier to promote your clinic and build community links.
High standards and good returns
People in Dubai often expect top-level service and they’re willing to pay for it. If you offer reliable care and clear communication, you’ll build loyalty fast.
How to scale a veterinary clinic in Dubai
Add extra services
Grooming, dental work and diagnostics are all in demand and easy to add once you have a solid base.
Create referral links
Team up with local pet shops or grooming salons. These places already know your audience and can send them your way.
Keep your team sharp
Good training means smoother operations and fewer mistakes. It also helps with retention.
Use simple digital tools
Let clients book online, get reminders and pay easily. It saves time and improves their experience.
Watch your numbers
Track what works, from services to staff schedules. Use that info to shape your next steps.
Start your veterinary clinic in Dubai with Creative Zone
If you’re serious about opening a veterinary clinic in Dubai, Creative Zone can help you get everything set up. We’ve been helping entrepreneurs since 2010 and have supported over 75,000 business setups across the UAE.
We’ll guide you through the process—from name registration to license approval, inspections and beyond. Our team has done this before, so we know where hold-ups happen and how to avoid them.
We can also help with visas, tax registration and other admin that pops up once your clinic is open.
Get in touch to speak with an advisor or head to our homepage to start your business setup in Dubai.
