Adopt a pet from the best animal shelters in the UAE
Have you been thinking about bringing home a furry friend? Animal shelters in the UAE provide specialist care, shelter and a brighter future for abandoned and stray animals. If you want to adopt a pet or volunteer your time or money, contact these shelters and rescue centres in the country.
ANIMAL SHELTERS IN DUBAI
K9 FRIENDS
K9 Friends runs a dedicated animal shelter in the UAE. The team works on locating, trapping and accessing the health of abandoned or stray dogs. Mainly, K9 Friends caters to dogs abandoned or surrendered by owners. This animal rescue and shelter in Dubai follows a foster care system. Please visit their official website for more information.
Membership plans start from AED 500 per year.
- Contact: +971-4-887-8739 | +971-50-274-1949
YANNI ANIMAL WELFARE
Yanni Animal Welfare, licenced by the Government of Dubai, offers animal shelter and welfare services for cats and dogs. The organisation assists injured, strays and abandoned pets and fosters them.
Yanni Welfare organises campaigns to raise awareness among the masses regarding animal care. You can also adopt a pet from the organisation.
- Contact: +971-4-242-0660
38 SMILES
38 Smiles is one of the popular animal shelters in the UAE. This animal rescue organisation in Dubai is registered under the EAWS and rescues and rehabilitates stray and abandoned animals.
The medical expenses of each rescued animal are covered by the shelter. The organisation is also known to follow the trap-neuter-release (TNR) campaign to help curb the stray cat and dog population.
- Contact: info@38smiles.com
NINE LIVES
Nine Lives is next on our list of animal shelters in the UAE. This Dubai animal rescue centre is UAE’s largest cat adoption organisation. It is a group of all-volunteer animal re-homers in Dubai who rescue cats and kittens to find them ‘forever’ homes.
To facilitate the adoption process, Nine Lives, with the assistance of veterinary clinics, completes a 7-step health protocol on the cat that you choose to adopt so that you bring a healthy and beautiful pet to your home!
The organisation is not government-funded and is run on the kindness and generosity of community-minded veterinarians, supportive organisations and individuals. You can visit Nine Lives’ official website and social media pages for more information.
- Contact: +971-56-351-1057
SALUKI RESCUE ARABIA
Head to the Saluki Rescue Arabia Dubai to learn more about the majestic Arabian Saluki. This centre fosters and cares for Arabian Saluki – a native dog breed known for hunting skills and agility. You can adopt a Saluki here or sponsor its foster care. With the correct procedures and paperwork, Salukis are also sent for overseas adoption.
- Contact: salukirescueuae@gmail.com
ANIMAL SHELTERS IN ABU DHABI
The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter
The Abu Dhabi Executive Council established the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter on 15 April 2010. The facility has a kitten and puppy nursery to offer food, care and protection for the most vulnerable fur babies.
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital manages the shelter and has all the facilities to help rehome and protect stray and unwanted pets. It is one of the most popular animal rescues in Abu Dhabi.
All stray animals brought into the facility undergo a primary consultation through a vet, after which they receive the necessary healthcare services.
The centre has many cats and dogs that need homes. If you want to adopt one, visit and help an abandoned cat or dog find a loving new home.
- Contact: +971-2-885-8100
Strays of Abu Dhabi (SAD)
Strays of Abu Dhabi (SAD) is an animal rescue group in the UAE that rescues stray animals. The group’s online volunteer community donates time and resources to rehabilitate abandoned pets and strays.
The group follows TNR (trap-neuter-return) to help strays and pets from ending up in a puppy or kitten mill. So far, the welfare centre has successfully helped over 600 cats. The daily consumption of cat food at the centre is around 180kg. For more information, please visit the Strays of Abu Dhabi (SAD) official Facebook page. It is one of the most talked-about animal rescue services in Abu Dhabi.
ANIMALIA
This Abu Dhabi animal shelter is making waves in the community for its unique approach towards animal protection and adoption. Animalia is providing a new community-centric clinic model for animal welfare by bringing together veterinary care, community engagement and corporate solutions
The rescue centre arranges various educational workshops and events and general pet advice to promote the humane treatment of animals. Similarly, Animalia is a veterinary clinic offering pet care services and treatments. The rescue centre also collaborates with corporations to provide sustainable programs and sterilisation packages with customised levels of support and employee engagement.
- Contact: +971-54-442-4987
ANIMAL RESCUE AND SHELTERS IN SHARJAH
The Sharjah Cat and Dog Shelter (SCADS)
The Sharjah Cat and Dog Shelter (SCADS) is a government organisation that rehabilitates, fosters and cares for strays and abandoned animals in the emirate. They have an elaborate adoption process as well. These efforts by The Sharjah Centre have highlighted it as one of the best pet shops in Sharjah. So, if you have plans to bring a pet home, try adopting from SCADS.
- Contact: +971-56-118-7663
ANIMAL SHELTER IN RAS AL KHAIMAH
The Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre (RAK AWC)
The Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre (RAK AWC) is a non-profit organisation that works with the government to rescue needy animals. Established in 2010, the centre has a full-fledged veterinary hospital and doctors to care for abandoned rescued pets.
Other facilities at the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre include a dog park, educational and training programs and a TNR program for rehabilitation and adoption services.
- Contact: +971-7-243-3184 |+971-56-357-6908
ANIMAL SHELTERS IN FUJAIRAH
Animals and Us Fujairah
Animals and Us Fujairah is an animal shelter which homes over 300 animals. Their dedicated team of volunteers ensures that all the rescued animals are properly fed, cared for and treated by an experienced vet when needed.
Michelle Francis, a former school teacher and an animal lover, started the animal welfare organisation in 2006 to assist strays and abandoned pets. Besides cats and dogs, the shelter is also home to a group of donkeys. Animals and Us Fujairah hold awareness campaigns and dog and puppy adoption days to help rehome abandoned pets.
Animal Shelter in Umm Al Quwain
Stray Dogs Centre
The Stray Dogs Center at Umm Al Quwain is a private animal welfare centre in the UAE that rescues stray dogs in the emirate. The shelter, now managed by Amirah Williams, Mohammad Naveed, Fiona Myers Watson and Abilash Tripakkal, was launched in 2013. Each member plays a significant role in locating, rescuing and rehabilitating stray dogs.
The Stray Dog Center has an array of well-behaved dogs ready for their forever home. Become a supporter today and get a chance to get a discount on adoption fees.
- Contact: +971-50-235-2616
FAQs
DO ANIMAL SHELTERS IN THE UAE ALLOW ADOPTIONS?
Yes, animal shelters allow adoption. However, the process and paperwork may vary depending on the terms and conditions, the animal breed, permits and other conditions. You may be required to pay an adoption fee as well. Remember, you also have to complete pet registration in Dubai.
CAN I ADOPT A SALUKI IN THE UAE?
You can adopt a Saluki in the UAE, given that you have all the necessary permits and an accommodation that aptly suits this breed. You must visit animal welfare organisations in UAE that specialises in Saluki dogs. For instance, you can visit Saluki Rescue Arabia Dubai.
That’s all for our roundup of the leading animal shelters in the UAE. These shelters are spread across the country. Similarly, there are many pet adoption centres in Dubai where you can explore and find a new fur baby.
The UAE is a pet-friendly country, and there are several pet-friendly places in Dubai where you can go with your furry friend. You can visit Dubai’s popular dog-friendly restaurants to enjoy a meal with your pup. Similarly, there are several pet-friendly places in Abu Dhabi where your four-legged friend can accompany you.
