How to Start a Veterinary Clinic in Dubai 

Do you know that Dubai ranks among the top in developing pet clinics?   

Many families love their dogs, cats, and birds. This means more people need good vet care. If you want to start a veterinary clinic in Dubai, now is a great time. Pet owners here spend a lot on health care for their animals. In this guide, we will show you every step. This guide is based on real information and the official rules for 2026. But make sure to check the official government portals to verify the information before applying. Let’s learn how to open a vet clinic in Dubai the right way.  

Why Start a Veterinary Clinic in Dubai?  

Dubai grows fast. Pet ownership rises by 7% each year. Expats and locals treat pets like family. They pay well for shots, check-ups, and surgery. An animal healthcare business Dubai can make good money. The city has clear rules from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai Municipality (DM), and Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). These rules build trust. You can serve areas such as Jumeirah or Dubai Marina, where pet owners live. A small clinic or a big veterinary hospital license Dubai work well. Demand stays high all year.

The UAE pet market will grow more in 2026. People want clean clinics with kind staff. Government support helps new businesses. You can even link this to a Golden Visa if you invest enough. Start small with check-ups. Grow to labs and X-rays later. This path gives steady work and happy clients.  

Vet Clinic License Dubai: What You Need  

To get a vet clinic license Dubai, you need approvals from DET, MOCCAE, and Dubai Municipality. This license lets you legally run check-ups, treatments, and pet care. Rules keep animals safe and clinics clean. Here is what you need in 2026. Always check official sites for updates.  

Types of Licenses Required  

• Trade License: From the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Covers activity code 7500.94 for veterinary clinic work. Costs AED 10,000-30,000 yearly.  

• Veterinary Establishment License: From MOCCAE. Allows your clinic to operate. Includes facility standards.  

• Facility Approval: From Dubai Municipality (DM). Check your building after fit-out.    

Key Requirements  

Meet these basics:  

• Business on the mainland or in a free zone (e.g., Meydan).  

• Space at least 100 sqm with an exam room, surgery area, pharmacy, and waste disposal.  

• One licensed vet minimum.  

• No sponsor needed in free zones.  

Get initial approval from DET first. Submit your plan and ID. No license without these steps. Rules keep animals safe and clinics clean.  

Veterinary Clinic License Cost Dubai Breakdown  

Costs add up quickly. Plan for AED 150,000 to 1,000,000 to start. This covers all. Here is a clear table with the veterinary clinic license cost Dubai details:

Ejari for clinic costs about AED 200. It proves your lease is real. Add 5% VAT on most fees. Save by starting in a free zone. Renew licenses yearly to avoid fines. Talk to pros to cut costs.  

How to Open a Vet Clinic in Dubai: Step-by-Step  

Follow these 9 easy steps for how to open a vet clinic in Dubai. Each takes time but leads to success. Do them in order.  

1. Pick Your Business Type. Mainland or free zone? Mainland needs a local sponsor sometimes. Free zone is 100% yours.  
2. Reserve Trade Name. Go to the DET site. Pick names like “Dubai Pet Care Clinic.” Free check.   
3. Get Initial Approval. Send passport, visa, and plan to DET and MOCCAE. They say yes or no in days.  
4. Sign the lease and get Ejari. Find space in pet-friendly areas. Min 100 sqm. Register Ejari for clinic at Dubai Land Department.  
5. Plan Pet Clinic Setup Requirements. Draw rooms: reception, exam, surgery, pharmacy, waste area. Follow DM rules for vents and lights.   
6. Fit-Out the Clinic. Build safe. Add easy-to-clean sinks and floors. No corners for germs.  
7. Pass Veterinary Facility Inspection Dubai. DM and MOCCAE visit. Check hygiene and layout. Fix issues fast.  
8. Hire Staff with a Professional License for Veterinarian UAE. Vets need a degree, 5 years of experience, and the MOCCAE exam. Add techs and cleaners.  
9. Get Final Licenses and Open. Pay fees. Start work. Renew every year.  

This takes 2-6 months. Use experts to speed up.  

MOCCAE Approval for Veterinary Clinic Process  

MOCCAE approval for the veterinary clinic is key. They license vets and clinics. Steps: Submit degree copies, exp proof, and clinic plans. Pay the fee. Pass the exam if new. For the veterinary hospital license Dubai, add surgery proof. Time: 2-4 weeks. List gear like X-ray. They inspect too. No approval, no open. Check moccae.gov.ae for forms.  

Vets must renew their pro license yearly. Fines for fake papers. This keeps care high quality.  

Pet Clinic Setup Requirements and Facility Rules  

Your clinic must meet strict pet clinic setup requirements. Min size: 100-200 sqm. Key rooms:  

• Reception and wait area (clean seats).  

• Exam room (table, tools).  

• Treatment/surgery (sterilize gear).  

• Pharmacy (locked meds).  

• Lab or X-ray (if any).  

• Recovery kennels.  

• Waste room (safe disposal).  

• Isolation for sick pets.  

Ventilation, bright lights, cool temps. No carpets—easy clean tiles. DM fines for dirt. Hygiene stops germs. Add parking for cars.  

Veterinary facility inspection Dubai checks all. Pass on first try with good plans.   

Staffing for Your Clinic  

Hire the right people. Lead vet needs professional license for veterinarian UAE. Bachelor’s degree + 5 years work. Pass the MOCCAE test. Pay AED 20,000-40,000/month. Add 1-2 techs (AED 5,000-10,000). Cleaners daily. All must have health cards. Train on kindness. Background checks help build trust.  

For big veterinary hospital license Dubai, need surgeons. Staff ratio: 1 vet per 2 techs.   

Equipment and Daily Operations  

Buy key tools. Exam table (AED 5,000), ultrasound (50,000), and a shots fridge. X-ray needs FANR ok. Pharmacy stocks vaccines and flea meds. Daily: Clean all. Log treatments. Follow animal rights—no cruelty. Open 10am-8pm. Weekends busy. Use software for records.  

Marketing Your Animal Healthcare Business Dubai  

Tell pet owners about you. Make a simple website. Post cute pet pics on Instagram. Join Dubai pet fairs. Offer a first check-up discount. Google My Business for maps. Partner with pet shops. Spend AED 10,000 in the first month. SEO words like veterinary clinic in Dubai. Grow clients fast.  

Common Costs and Tips to Save  

Watch ongoing costs. Rent AED 5,000-20,000/month. Power/water 2,000. Insurance: $10,000/year. Supplies 5,000/month. Aim to break even in 6 months. Save: Lease used gear. Free zone tax breaks.  

2026 License Updates  

Rules changed in 2026 for faster digital approvals. MOCCAE now uses one online portal for vet licenses—no more paper forms. DET updated activity code 7500.94 to include mobile vet services. DM inspections went digital with app uploads. Free zones like Meydan offer startups a 20% fee reduction. Here’s a comparison table: 

Stay updated via moccae.gov.ae alerts. These speed up vet clinic license Dubai by 30%. 

Renewal Process & Penalties  

Don’t forget yearly renewals (starts Month 12):  

1. Submit audit + inspection report (AED 2k).  

1. Pay fees (50% trade license cost).  

1. The vet license exam is refreshed every 3 years.  

Penalties: Late = AED 10k/month. No Ejari for clinic renewal? Eviction. Auto-reminder via the MOCCAE app.   

You can contact Business setup experts in Dubai for more help. They are licensed Business setup consultants in Dubai with 12+ years of experience streamlining Business setup in Dubai.  

FAQs  

Q1: What is the cost of a vet clinic license Dubai?  

The trade license from DET costs AED 10,000-30,000 per year. Add MOCCAE establishment fees (AED 5,000) and pro vet licenses (AED 2,500 each). Total license fees start at AED 20,000 for a small clinic. Full startup with fit-out reaches AED 150,000-1M. Use the cost calculator table above for your exact number.  

Q2: Do I need a licensed veterinarian to get a vet clinic license Dubai?  

Yes. You must have at least one vet with a professional license for veterinarian UAE from MOCCAE. They need a degree, 5+ years of experience, and to pass the exam. No licensed vet means no approval. Hire before final inspection.  

Q3: How long does it take to get a vet clinic license Dubai in 2026?  

The full process takes 4-8 weeks. Initial approval: 1 week. Fit-out and veterinary facility inspection Dubai: 2-4 weeks. Final licenses: 1 week. Use the flowchart to speed it up. Free zones like Meydan finish in 2-4 weeks.  

Q4: What documents do I need for vet clinic license Dubai?  

Key ones include passport copies, trade name reservation, Ejari lease, clinic floor plans, business plan, and vet qualifications. See the complete checklist above. Missing Ejari or plans causes 50% of rejections. Submit via DET/MOCCAE portals.  

Q5: Do vet clinic licenses need yearly renewal in Dubai?  

Yes. Renew trade license (DET), establishment license (MOCCAE), and facility approval (DM) every year. Vets renew pro licenses, too. Late renewal fines start at AED 10,000 per month. Set reminders via the MOCCAE app. Follow the renewal process section above.  

Final Thoughts  

Getting a licence for a veterinary clinic in Dubai is easy if you follow the steps, checklists, and updates in this guide. Follow the document checklist and cost calculator and start your vet clinic in just 4-8 weeks without any hassle. You need to check regulatory updates and changes on the DET, MOCCAE, and DM.   

Are you ready to start your own animal healthcare business in Dubai? For quick approvals and no hassle, get in touch with a certified setup specialist right now. Updated February 2026. 

Contact Business setup experts in Dubai for more help!