How to Get a Pet Salon License in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
July 26, 2022
September 23, 2025
June 19, 2025
September 23, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Conduct Thorough Market Research and Business Planning
Before applying for a pet salon licence, ensure you have a well-structured business plan that outlines your services, target market, and financial projections. Understanding the local demand and competition within Dubai’s pet grooming industry is essential for a successful venture.
2. Choose the Appropriate Business Activity and Trade Name
Register your business under the correct classification related to pet grooming and salon services. Select a trade name that complies with Dubai’s regulations — it should be unique, not offensive, and must clearly represent your business activity.
3. Submit an Application to Meydan Free Zone Authority
Apply directly through the Meydan Free Zone Authority, which offers streamlined processes for licensing. Provide all necessary documentation including passport copies, business plan, proof of address, and completed application forms. This free zone offers a strategic location with benefits such as 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions.
4. Secure a Physical Office or Salon Space
Meydan Free Zone requires businesses to have a physical presence. Lease or purchase a commercial space suitable for a pet salon that complies with the health and safety standards, ensuring a hygienic and secure environment for pets.
5. Obtain Approvals and Licences from Relevant Authorities
After the Meydan Free Zone Authority grants initial approval, secure final permits from Dubai Municipality’s Veterinary Services Department. This includes meeting specific guidelines on pet handling, grooming equipment, and sanitation protocols critical for operating a licensed pet salon.
Have you ever dreamt of combining your love for animals and grooming, to run a luxurious pet spa — without all the unnecessary fluff involved?
In Dubai, that dream is already grooming itself into reality. Pet salons, which were once niche, are now booming as pet ownership triples and owners seek premium care for their four-legged companions.
So, if you’re thinking of getting a pet salon license in Dubai, you’re tapping into one of the region’s fastest growing markets forecasted to reach $2 billion by 2025, where pets are pampered and the demand for professional grooming services are soaring sky-level high.
This is business, for pet lovers. And a lifestyle economy waiting to be tapped into, in Dubai.
Why Dubai is the Perfect Spot for a Pet Salon
From designer grooming lounges to mobile spa vans, people are spending more than ever on their pets. In fact, the UAE’s pet care market is growing at over 7% a year, with grooming services taking the top spot.
Higher demand calls for tighter regulations. With strict pet welfare laws in place, customers want pet salons in Dubai that are clean, certified, and licensed. After all, customer trust is key.
That’s where you come in.
The Business Activities You Can Choose For Your Pet Salon in Dubai
At Meydan Free Zone, we don’t just help you start, we help you start smart.
When getting a pet grooming license in Dubai, your license needs to reflect what you actually do — whether it’s opening a boutique grooming spa, expanding into boarding and training pets, or even offering home pickups. At Meydan Free Zone, we make
it easy to choose the right combination — so you're set up to operate legally, grow confidently, and stay focused on what you do best.
Here’s what’s usually allowed under this category of business activities:
- Bathing, trimming, and styling pets
- Pet sitting and boarding while owners are away
- Basic obedience training or behavioural support
- Helping move pets safely across borders — including handling transport and paperwork
What’s not included:
- Breeding animals or importing/exporting live pets
- Medical care or veterinary services (you’ll need a separate license for that)
- Selling pet food, toys, or other retail products
We can help you get licensed with the right activity — so you can start, scale, and stay compliant from day one. Your pet license in
Dubai starts here.
What It Costs to Set Up a Pet Salon at Meydan Free Zone
One of the biggest perks of launching a pet salon through Meydan Free Zone? You can skip the long setup delays and get straight to business with full ownership, digital licensing, and everything handled under one roof.
Here’s what pet salon license cost might look like:
- Pet salon business license - Costs AED 12,500/year: This includes your trade license with up to 3 business activity groups, 100% foreign ownership, and an end to-end digital setup. And if you want to go live instantly? The Fawri business license at AED 15,000 gets you licensed and go to market in under 60 minutes.
- Visa allocation and residency costs - AED 3,750 to AED 5,000 per visa: Do you need a visa for yourself and more for staff? Add a visa allocation to your package and we’ll handle everything from there — your Establishment Card to Emirates ID and visa stamping approval.
- Facility costs - Varies depending on your setup: If you’re opening up a physical salon, you’ll need location approval from the Dubai Municipality. Rental costs can vary depending on salon area and size, starting around AED 5,000/month for smaller spaces. And if you’re deciding on running a mobile grooming service? You’ll have to get a custom fitted van that meets hygiene and safety standards strictly.
Why Meydan Free Zone Is the Smartest Way to Start Your Pet Salon
Pets salons aren’t just about grooming. Trust, service, support — all account to running a tight, efficient business. And that’s exactly what Meydan Free Zone is built to support. Here’s why as a pet entrepreneur, you should start here:
- Low setup costs: Forget massive retail fit-outs or storefronts. With Meydan, your licensing is digital, approvals are streamlined, and your launch costs? Stay clean without cutting corners on upholding compliance.
- Room to grow: Grooming today, pet sitting or training tomorrow? No problem. You can choose up to 3 activity groups under one license. Feel free to add services as your pet brand expands, without redoing everything from scratch.
- Faster time to market: Most traditional setups take weeks of back-and-forth. With Meydan Free Zone, you can get your pet salon license and go live in under an hour. From luxurious pet spa to mobile grooming vans, we cut off the friction so that you can start making sales fast.
- Built-in business support: At Meydan Free Zone, we don’t just stop at licensing. We help you set up a bank account, guide you through visa allocations, and handle all paperwork, within one point of digital contact, and zero confusion.
In Conclusion
Dubai’s pet care market is growing fast, and your salon could be the next big thing.
With Meydan Free Zone, you get the speed, flexibility, and support to launch smart and grow your business with confidence.
Let’s turn your pet business passion into a licensed business today.
FAQs
1. Do I need a Dubai Municipality approval for my pet salon?
Yes! If you’re opening a physical location or mobile grooming van, your facility must be approved by Dubai Municipality to meet hygiene, safety, and pet welfare standards.
2. How long does it take to get my pet salon license with Meydan Free Zone?
With Meydan Free Zone, you can get licensed in under 60 minutes of application. Our Fawri license allows instant setup, 100% online. There’s no paperwork, no in-person visits, and the best part? No delays.
3. Can I have a mobile pet grooming business with this license?
Absolutely. You can choose it as one of your licensed activities. Just make sure your van meets the required cleanliness, safety, and design standards for the Dubai Municipality approval.
4. Can I combine different activities under one license?
Yes! You can choose up to 3 activity groups under one Meydan Free Zone license. Whether it’s grooming, boarding, or training (which are popular combinations), you can kickstart your business today.
5. What’s the total cost to set up a pet salon in Dubai?
Your pet salon license cost starts at AED 12,500. Add AED 3,750– AED 5,000 per visa, and around AED 5,000/month for a physical space. Costs may vary depending on your setup type and services offered. Speak to one of our experts to learn more.
6. Can I apply for a UAE visa through my pet salon business?
Yes. You can add visa allocation to your package for yourself or your staff. We’ll handle the full process—from Establishment Card to Emirates ID and visa stamping.
7. Is Meydan Free Zone the right choice if I’m just starting out?
Definitely. Whether you’re a solo groomer or launching a full pet spa, Meydan Free Zone’s digital setup, flexible licensing, and cost-effective plans make it easy to start smart and scale as you grow.
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