The British are a nation of animal lovers and it’s clear that British mums are no exception to that. Most of us have been well accustomed to our little ones pleading for their own pets but where do you start looking? 

Dubai and all the Emirates have quite a problem with stray animals, particularly at the time of year when expats typically leave the country so we always strongly encourage the adoption of animals in need, rather than purchasing from pet shops. There are so many places where you can adopt a fur baby across the Emirates, and some wonderful varieties at that – so we’ve put together a list of places you can start your search to adopt the pet that’s going to make the perfect addition to your family.

PARA UAE – Protection of Animal Rights UAE

Protection of Animal Rights Association (PARA) UAE is an Emirati organisation, founded in 2014, that rescues animals after they have been surrendered, abused or neglected and finds them loving, forever homes. You can visit their website, or email them at paraofuae@gmail.com.

K9 Friends Dubai

K9 Friends has been in operation since 1989 and their main aim has always been to rescue and rehome stray and abandoned dogs. As a volunteer run organisation, they take in dogs and care for them until new homes can be found; giving them shelter and high standards of kennelling and veterinary care. They also help reunite lost dogs with their owners, offer help and advice to new pet owners. Click here to view some of their dogs that are available for adoption. You can visit their website, or email them at info@k9friends.com.

The Woof House Dubai

The Woof House, launched in 2015, is focusing in encouraging people to adopt dogs when looking for a new best friend. You can visit their website, make a reservation here, or call them on 050 273 1570.

38Smiles

38Smiles started in 2011 to save stray animals in Dubai. Since then it has grown into a group of like-minded people determined to help as many stray animals as possible to find their forever homes. You can visit their website, that lists and shows picture of all the animals needing new homes and you can contact them via Facebook or email them at info@38smiles.com.

Animal Action

Formed in 2010, Animal Action is made up of a group of volunteers dedicated to helping the animals in the UAE. If you are looking to adopt a pet, you can email them at animal.action@hotmail.com. Alternatively, you can contact them via their Facebook page.

SNIFF

SNIFF stands for Strays Needing Interim or Furever Friends. They are a voluntary group which aims to re-home the UAE’s stray and abandoned animals. Their rescues are mainly dogs, cats and the occasional bird too! You can email them at sniff.ae@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page. 

The Bin Kitty Collective

The Bin Kitty Collective was set up to help and rehome the stray cats in Dubai. They often collaborate with Dubai Garden Centre who host adoption days for them.  If you are looking to adopt a cat, you can contact them via their website, email them at binkittycollective@gmail.com or connect with them on Facebook.  

Friends of Animals Dubai

Friends of Animals Dubai place emphasis on animal awareness so individuals, like us, can get involved and help animals in need. They hope to educate people and encourage them to report any matters of animal abuse. For more information, you can visit their website or email them at admin@friendsofanimalsdxb.com or info@friendsofanimalsdxb.com. 

Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter

The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter was established in 2010 to home stray cats and dogs. They also offer neutering of stray cats too.  You can contact them on 02 575 5155 or email them at info@abudhabianimalshelter.com. You can also visit their website or connect with them on Facebook.  

Ras Al Kaimah Animal Welfare Centre

Ras Al Kaimah Animal Welfare Centre offers courses on behavioral training for your pets as well as a wide variety of pets for adoption. They welcome visitors who want to volunteer to walk their animals and you can visit their website or connect with them on Facebook here.

Rescue Animals in Need UAE

Rescue Animals in Need UAE based in Umm Al Quwain have lots of dogs and cats that require fostering and adoption and they regularly hold adoption days in JVT. Contact them on Facebook or their website.

Little Angels Animal Rescue League UAE

This public group is also run by volunteers who work extremely hard to rehome a wide variety of animals. You can contact them on Facebook here.

Kittysnip

Kittysnip is a cat and kitten group, registered under EAWS and have been active in Dubai for the last 12 years.  They hold regular adoption days at The Garden Centre and The Pet Shop and all cats are assessed in the home environment before adoption is processed. For information on adoption or fostering, please visit their instagram, Facebook or contact kittysnipadoption@gmail.com.

Stray Dogs Center Umm Al Quwain

This adoption centre welcomes volunteers to walk and play with the dogs looking for new homes. They have regular adoption days held around Dubai in places like the Marina and you can contact them through their Facebook page of the same name here.

There are countless more organisations offering animals – large and small, for rehoming across the UAE. These are each made up of the generous volunteers who give up their time to help the many animals in need here. We are sorry that we couldn’t feature more here, but we’d love you to comment below if you have any other organisations that you’d like to share that offer fostering or adoption of animals. 

Read more:

Things to consider before having a pet in Dubai 

The best places to take your dog for a walk in Dubai