FAQ
What is the Veterinary Control and Services Section (VCSS)?
VCSS, under the Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, is the competent authority for veterinary and animal-related regulatory matters in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
In which situations should I contact VCSS?
For veterinary establishment licensing and inspection; veterinary health certificates; product registration; vehicle approvals; shipment inspection and release at ports; slaughterhouse services; laboratory testing; suspected animal disease or other animal health concerns; unlicensed veterinary practice; unsafe or unlicensed slaughter; and any matter relating to the production, trade, or supply of fish, animal feed, or veterinary products and equipment.
How can I contact VCSS or submit a report or service request?
Website: www.rak.ae (services) and https://mun.rak.ae/ (information); Email: public.h@mun.rak.ae; Phone: 072281222 or contact the technical support team via email customerservice.mun@mun.rak.ae or the call center at 800661.
When must a suspected animal disease be reported?
Immediately upon noticing, suspecting, or being notified of a disease listed as notifiable under Law No. (8) of 2026 Concerning the Veterinary Control and Services of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, or in the event of an abnormal mortality rate or any unusual change in animal behaviour.
Who is legally required to report a suspected notifiable disease?
The animal owner, the examining veterinarian, and the veterinary clinic or laboratory handling the case are each legally required to notify the Veterinary Control and Services Section of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), or the nearest police station (Veterinary Control and Services Law No. (8) of 2026 of Ras Al Khaimah).
Can I request an inspection or consultation to clarify my compliance obligations?
Yes. Businesses may request a formal inspection or consultation service from VCSS through the RAK Digital platform to better understand their regulatory obligations before or during operation.
What is a Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) and when do I need one?
A Veterinary Health Certificate is required for the movement or trade of live animals, animal products, or fish within or from the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah — for example, before sale at a livestock or fish market, or before animals are transported out of the Emirate. It is also issued at slaughterhouses to certify meat safety, and at border crossings to verify the safety and compliance of live animals and imported food products.
How can I verify that a veterinary clinic or veterinarian is licensed?
The clinic and veterinarian's license must be displayed at the premises in a place visible to clients. No public online register is currently available.
What happens when a consignment of animals or animal products arrives at a RAK border or airport?
VCSS inspectors conduct a border inspection covering documentary review, physical inspection, and sampling as required, and issue a release decision based on the outcome.
Where are the slaughterhouses approved by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality located?
The Central Slaughterhouse (Al Filaya), Ras Al Khaimah Slaughterhouse, and Al Ghail Slaughterhouse are municipal slaughterhouses operated by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, serving both public/individual and commercial slaughter requirements in the Emirate.
Is it legal to slaughter animals outside an approved municipal slaughterhouse?
No. Slaughtering animals outside an approved municipal slaughterhouse is illegal in the UAE and is punishable by a fine ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000. The slaughtered animals are confiscated, and the violator is referred to the competent judicial authority (Ras Al Khaimah Local Order No. (1) of 1995 and Veterinary Control and Services Law No. (8) of 2026 of Ras Al Khaimah).
What testing services does the VCSS Veterinary Laboratory provide?
The VCSS Veterinary Laboratory provides animal blood sample collection and testing — including molecular, serological, haematological, and rapid diagnostic testing for disease screening — in birds and animals, including companion animals. The laboratory also conducts quality analyses, meat safety analyses, and antibiotic residue detection.