Looking for a new furry friend to add to the family? Before looking for a pet shop or breeder, consider adopting one of the many animals looking for their forever homes in the UAE.
If you're not sure where to start, many rescue operations host adoption days where you can meet prospective pets.
Scroll through the gallery above for animals recently available for adoption
“Apart from aiming to find a happy home for these cats and kittens, we hope the adoption days will help create awareness among those who don’t know how many pets desperately need a home,” says Carol Geldenhuys, founder of Kittysnip.
Why you should adopt and not shop
In 2018, a pet shop in Sharjah was fined Dh3,000 after complaints over the conditions in which the animals were kept in. A couple filmed a long-haired cat laying on its side, heat-stricken and heavily panting, prompting many on social media to lodge a complaint with the Sharjah Municipality.
Another shop in Dubai had its animal licence suspended and eventually closed because it sold sick puppies that were ill with parvovirus because they were never vaccinated. Some of the dogs died, while other pet owners had to pay thousands of dirhams in vet bills for treatment.
Meanwhile, at adoption days, all pets that are old enough will be microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed and spayed/neutered ensuring that they are healthy. Younger kittens and puppies will also undergo the same process, with the money being used from the adoption fees.
"Adopt don't shop," says Daniela Rauso. "You cannot buy unconditional love."
Healthy cats and dogs have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, which is why people need to be sure they are ready for such a long-term commitment. “We not only want to inform people about the multiple benefits of adoption but also the commitment involved when taking on an abandoned or neglected cat or kitten,” Geldenhuys says.
Your guide to adopting a cat or dog in the UAE
Here’s a list of organisations that host adoption days. However, due to the coronavirus, it is better to get directly in touch with an organisation.
Kittysnip Adoption Days
What: Kittens and cats
Where: Dubai Garden Centre, Dubai
When: Fridays, 11am to 5pm
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Animal Specialist Clinic
What: Kittens and cats
Where: Animal Specialist Clinic, Dubai
When: Inquire on their Facebook page
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K9 Friends Dubai
What: Puppies and dogs
Where: Shelter in Jebel Ali, Dubai
When: Call for an appointment, 04 887 8739 (open Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 1pm)
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Pet Adoptions - JVC
What: Kittens and cats
Where: Furry Friends in Jumeirah Village Circle
When: Fridays, 1pm to 7pm. Inquire on their Facebook page
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Adopt-a-Cat UAE
What: Kittens and cats
Where: FitLifeVet, Abu Dhabi
When: Second Friday of the month
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Rescue of Abu Dhabi
What: Kittens and cats
Where: Pet Oasis Abu Dhabi
When: January 4, 2pm to 5pm
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Amanda's Animal Rescue UAE
What: Puppies and dogs
Where: Paws and Whiskers, Al Quoz 4, Dubai
When: Inquire on Facebook page
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Red Paw Foundation
What: Kittens, cats and dogs
Where: Thejamjar, Al Serkal Avenue and House of Paws, Al Quoz Industrial Area
When: Check dates and timings on Facebook and Instagram
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Stray Dogs Center UAQ
What: Puppies and dogs
Where: Inquire on their Facebook page
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38 Smiles
What: Dogs and cats
Where: Inquire on their Facebook page
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SNIFF
What: Puppies, dogs, cats and kittens
Where: K9 Central Kennels, Dubai Investment Park
When: Inquire on their Facebook page
Why street animals need TNR
Getting a pet spayed or neutered is also of utmost importance. The UAE has an abundance of animals and, unfortunately, there are not enough homes for all of them.
"Sadly, for every cat we rescue at least another 100 suffer or die on the streets," says Geldenhuys.
Read more: The long read: the UAE's street cat epidemic
For a lot of welfare groups, TNR (trap, neuter and return) is top priority because it stops street animals from multiplying further.
“It’s no secret that there are more cats in Dubai than we know what to do with. An average female cat will have between two and three litters a year, of four to six kittens per litter,” she adds.
“In a bid to reduce the street cat population, we are continuously working to trap stray cats, have them neutered/spayed, treated for wounds and either adopted or released."
