Dog Adoption in Dubai: Everything You Need to Know
Adopting a dog is an experience that can change anyone’s life. While studies show that owning pets can have health benefits for owners, pet adoption can also change a dog’s life, especially one that’s been abandoned.
If you’re looking into owning a pet, consider dog adoption in Dubai. There are many rescued dogs in need of loving homes. If you’re considering adoption, here are the steps and things to expect when adopting a dog.
Why Adopt a Dog in Dubai?
Pet abandonment is a severe problem in Dubai. It becomes more problematic during the summer when owners leave their pets behind as they go on vacations or move abroad.Â
Many pet owners are also unprepared because they didn’t expect that owning a pet is a big responsibility. For this reason, many unprepared owners abandon their pets on the streets of Dubai without anyone to care for them. These strays become at risk of many health issues and accidents.
Adopting even a single rescued dog is a big step toward solving pet abandonment issues in Dubai. It gives homeless puppies and senior dogs a second chance to experience love from an owner who cares. Pet adoption also helps animal shelters deal with overpopulation.
The Step-by-Step Process of Dog Adoption in Dubai
The steps to adopting a dog in Dubai might not be a quick process compared to buying from pet shops or breeds. However, all your hard work and patience will pay off once you take your new companion home.
Dog shelters may have different adoption processes, but here’s how the process usually goes.
Step 1: Choose a Dog You Want to Adopt, Dog Adoption in Dubai
Most animal shelters have websites or social media pages where they post the dogs for adoption in Dubai. You can find the dogs’ images, profiles, and backgrounds and see which would be a good match for you and your lifestyle.
You may also visit the shelters to see the dogs available for adoption in person. This is an excellent way to choose a dog since you can assess its behaviour and personality.
Step 2: Fill Out the Adoption Forms
Once you have chosen a dog to adopt or if the shelter has matched you with the perfect dog, you can start with the paperwork. These are documents that you need to fill out with information including your work, lifestyle, experience with pets, and home environment.
Some shelters also include a home check protocol to determine whether your house is suitable for your chosen dog to adopt.
Step 3: Pay the Adoption Fees
The next step is to pay the adoption fees, which typically range from AED 500 to AED 1,500, depending on the shelter you have chosen.Â
The fees will cover the initial expenses of the dog, including vaccinations, microchipping, spaying or neutering, deworming, and health check-ups. Your payment to the shelters will be used for another dog they will rescue.
Step 4: Finalise the Adoption and Take Your New Pet Home
Once all the paperwork and fees are cleared, you can take your new pet dog home. Be prepared to transport your pet to your house with a carrier or crate to keep it safe while you travel.Â
It’s also a good idea to ask the shelter about their partner vet clinic in Dubai to schedule your new pet’s following consultations and vaccinations.
Important Considerations Before Adoption
Before you go through choosing dogs or puppies for adoption in Dubai, you should consider a few things to ensure you’re ready to be a pet owner in Dubai.
- Pet-proof your home to ensure it’s safe for a pet to live in. If you’re renting an apartment or house, review your lease contract to know if you can have a pet.
- Understand how to deal with a rescued dog to help it adjust smoothly and comfortably to its new home.
- Having a dog takes time and commitment. You should be prepared to care for the dog for its lifetime, up to 15 years or more.
- Check your community to see if it’s pet-friendly. Look for vet clinics, pet groomers, pet supply shops, and other pet-friendly establishments that are accessible to you and your future pet.
- Consider the ongoing costs you need to dedicate to your dog. These costs may include dog food, regular vet visits, vaccinations, grooming, and emergency pet services.
Once you’ve considered all the changes that adopting a dog will have on your life, daily schedule, and lifestyle, then you’re ready to be an owner of a loyal companion.
Dog Adoption Centers and Shelters in Dubai
There are many adoption centres and shelters in Dubai that rescue abandoned and stray dogs. Here are some shelters you can contact when you’re ready to adopt a dog.
- K9 Friends
- Amanda’s Animal Rescue
- Waggy Bond
- Animals and Us
- Easy Adopt Dubai
- 38 Smiles
- Yanni Animal Welfare
- Stray Dogs Center
- Protection of Animal Rights Association
- Animal Action UAE
Visit an Animal Shelter and Adopt a Dog
Dog adoption in Dubai has many benefits, not only for the adopted dog but also for the adopter. But before you adopt any dog, ensure you are ready to take on the responsibility of owning one.
You will have obligations as a pet owner in Dubai, such as ensuring your dog is microchipped and has updated vaccine shots.Â
Also, finding the right vet for your adopted dog is one of the critical decisions you must make. Ensure that the vet you choose has compassion and the expertise to provide the best care for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Adoption in Dubai
Does Dubai have animal shelters?
Yes, Dubai has many animal shelters dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned and stray cats and dogs.
How to adopt a dog in Dubai?
Adopting a dog in Dubai involves looking for an adoption centre and completing the requirements and fees before taking your new pet home.
Where can I adopt a dog in Dubai?
You can adopt a dog in Dubai from various animal shelters and organisations that rescue homeless animals. You may also directly adopt a dog from other pet owners, but they aren’t allowed to ask for adoption fees.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Dubai?
Adopting a dog in Dubai involves fees ranging from AED 500 to AED 1,500. These fees will cover the initial procedures and treatments of the dog you want to adopt.
Is it expensive to own a pet dog?
Owning a dog in Dubai will have varying costs depending on your dog’s needs based on its breed, size, age, and lifestyle. But your pet’s essential needs will include food, vet care, and grooming.
