Three weight percent ruthenium catalysts were prepared by incipient-wet impregnation of two different zirconium oxides, and characterized by BET, XRD and TPR. Their activity was evaluated in the catalytic wet oxidation (CWO) of N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) in an autoclave reactor. Due to a better dispersion, Ru catalyst supported on a high-surface-area zirconia (Ru/ZrO 2 -A) possessed higher catalytic properties. Due to over-oxidation of Ru particles, the catalytic activity of the both catalysts decreased during successive tests. The effect of oxygen partial pressure and reaction temperature on the DMF reactivity in the CWO on Ru/ZrO 2 -A was also investigated. 98.6% of DMF conversion was obtained through hydrothermal decomposition within 300min at conditions of 200°C and 2.0MPa of nitrogen pressure. At 240°C and 2.0MPa of oxygen pressure 98.3% of DMF conversion was obtained within 150min.