19 Animal Shelters in Dubai & UAE (2026): Adoption Guide

The 2026 guide to dog and cat shelters across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the UAE. Find your perfect rescue companion from organizations like Stray Dogs Center, K9 Friends, and more.

19 Animal Shelters in Dubai & UAE (2026): Your Complete Guide to Pet Adoption

The UAE has a vibrant and growing pet community, but not every animal has it easy. Many face neglect and abandonment. That's why compassionate people have founded various animal shelters across Dubai and the UAE to give homeless cats and dogs a second chance at life.

Whether you're looking to adopt a dog, cat, or simply want to support the rescue community, this comprehensive guide covers the best shelters and rescue organizations in the Emirates.

Why Adopt From a Shelter?

Adopting a rescue animal is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make:

Save a life: Every adoption creates space for another animal to be rescued
Break the cycle: Reduce demand for puppy mills and unethical breeding
Get a grateful companion: Rescue animals often form incredibly strong bonds with their adopters
Complete care: Most shelters provide vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering before adoption
Support the community: Your adoption fee helps fund future rescues

Weekly Adoption Events in Dubai

Looking to meet rescue dogs in person? The Stray Dogs Center UAE hosts weekly adoption events every Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM at The Pet Shop Megastore in Dubai Investment Park (DIP). They bring around 15 adult dogs and 10 puppies each week—no two events are the same, so keep visiting!

---

Dubai & UAE Dog Shelters

1. K9 Friends Dubai

K9 Friends has been rescuing dogs since 1989, making them one of the longest-running rescue organizations in Dubai. They're a government-supported shelter that cares for over 100 dogs at any time.

What they offer:

Full medical care including vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering
Rehabilitation for traumatized or injured dogs
Forever care for dogs who can't be rehomed

Contact:

📞 Phone: +971 4 887 8739 / +971 50 274 1949
📧 Email: info@k9friends.com
🌐 Website: <a href="https://www.k9friends.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">k9friends.com</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/k9friendsdubai" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@k9friendsdubai</a>

---

2. Stray Dogs Center UAE

Following a strict "no-kill" policy, Stray Dogs Center UAE believes "Every Life Counts." Established in 2013, they provide long-term care at their shelter in Umm Al Quwain, housing over 1,500 rescued dogs.

What makes them special:

Weekly adoption events at Pet Shop DIP every Saturday
Accept dogs in critical condition from across the UAE
Volunteer opportunities: walking, grooming, and training
Foster program for those who can't adopt permanently

Contact:

📞 Phone: +971 6 579 5997
📧 Email: operations@sdc-uaq.com
🌐 Website: <a href="https://www.straydogscenteruae.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">straydogscenteruae.com</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/straydogscenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@straydogscenter</a>

---

3. Al Mayya K9 Adoptions UAE

Al Mayya specializes in rescuing dogs from streets and puppy mills, giving them a fresh start with loving families. They have a thorough matching process to ensure each dog finds the right home.

Adoption process:

Fill out a questionnaire about your lifestyle
Get matched with compatible dogs
Meet and greet with potential companions
Home check and adoption finalization

Contact:

📞 Phone: +971 56 687 2900
📧 Email: almayyak9.uae@gmail.com
🌐 Website: <a href="https://www.almayyak9adoptions.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">almayyak9adoptions.com</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/almayyak9.uae" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@almayyak9.uae</a>

---

4. Amanda's Animal Rescue

Founded by Amanda Stevens and Dora Tokai, this organization operates through a network of foster homes rather than a physical shelter. They actively use social media to connect rescue dogs with adopters.

Contact:

📱 Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/supportpaws" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Amanda's Animal Rescue UAE - AAR</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/amandasanimalrescue" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@amandasanimalrescue</a>

---

5. Easy Adopt Dubai

This platform simplifies the adoption process by connecting potential adopters with trusted shelters. Founded by Akshaj Harihar, they focus on five core missions:

Matching dogs with the right families
Promoting responsible pet ownership
Building a compassionate community
Elevating animal welfare
Simplifying the adoption journey

Contact:

📞 Phone: +971 54 749 3951
📧 Email: info@easyadoptdubai.org
🌐 Website: <a href="https://easyadoptdubai.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">easyadoptdubai.com</a>

---

6. Yanni Animal Welfare

One of Dubai's first non-profit animal rescues, registered with the Government of Dubai. They thoroughly screen adopters through interviews and home checks.

Services:

Rescue of injured, abandoned, and neglected animals
Complete medical treatment and rehabilitation
Foster care while awaiting adoption
Detailed adoption screening process

Contact:

📧 Email: info@yawdubai.com
🌐 Website: <a href="https://yawdubai.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">yawdubai.com</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/yawdubai" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@yawdubai</a>

---

7. Red Paw Foundation

Operating under the Emirates Animal Welfare Society (EAWS), Red Paw is a volunteer-run organization focusing on emergency aid for injured animals.

What they provide:

Emergency medical care
Vaccinations and microchipping
Neutering
Regular adoption events

Contact:

📱 Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/people/Red-Paw/61550313907962/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Red Paw</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/redpawcsr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@redpawcsr</a>

---

8. 38 Smiles

Starting with feeding a few stray cats, 38 Smiles has grown into one of Dubai's most dedicated rescue groups since 2011. They operate through foster homes and run an active Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.

Contact:

📞 Phone: 050 534 6741
📧 Email: info38smiles@gmail.com
🌐 Website: <a href="https://38smiles.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">38smiles.com</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/38smiles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@38smiles</a>

---

9. Animal Rescue UAE Adoption

Dedicated to rescuing cats and dogs from streets and unsafe environments. They provide vaccinations, neutering, and rehabilitation before matching animals with families.

Contact:

📱 Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/uaeadoption" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UaeAdoption</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/uaeadoption" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@uaeadoption</a>

---

10. Waggy Bond

A centralized platform that collaborates with multiple shelters to increase adoption success. They encourage adopting from reputable shelters instead of purchasing from pet shops.

Contact:

🌐 Website: <a href="https://www.waggybond.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">waggybond.com</a>

---

Abu Dhabi Shelters

11. Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter (ADAS)

Established in 2010 under the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and supported by the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, ADAS is a fully equipped shelter serving the capital and surrounding areas.

Facilities include:

Specialized laboratory for skin conditions and parasites
Full veterinary services
Microchipping and neutering
Vaccination programs

Contact:

📞 Phone: +971 2 885 8100
📧 Email: adas@adfh.ae
🌐 Website: <a href="https://www.abudhabianimalshelter.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">abudhabianimalshelter.com</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/abudhabianimalshelter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@abudhabianimalshelter</a>

---

12. The Mussafah Dog Project

A volunteer-run initiative in Abu Dhabi focusing on feeding, medical care, and rehoming stray dogs in the Mussafah industrial area.

Ways to help:

Sponsor an animal
Donate supplies
Foster or adopt
Volunteer

Contact:

📧 Email: mussafahdogproject2020@gmail.com
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/themussafahdogproject" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@themussafahdogproject</a>
📱 Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/Themussafahdogproject" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Mussafah Dog Project</a>

---

Sharjah Shelters

13. Sharjah Cat & Dog Shelter (SCADS)

An active rescue organization focusing on adoption programs, stray rescue, and community education. They host regular meet-and-greet events.

Contact:

📞 Phone: +971 6 545 3054 / +971 56 32 99669
📧 Email: scads@epaa.shj.ae
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/sharjahcds" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@sharjahcds</a>

---

Ras Al Khaimah Shelters

14. Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre (RAK AWC)

One of the largest shelters in the UAE with a 20,000 square meter facility featuring a dog park, indoor kennels, catteries, and more.

Founded in 2010, RAK AWC offers:

Comprehensive veterinary care
Adoption support
Collaboration with other rescue groups
Regular cat adoption events at The Pet Shop DIP

Contact:

📞 Phone: +971 7 243 3184 / +971 56 357 6908
📧 Email: rakawc@psd.rak.ae
🌐 Website: <a href="https://rakawc.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">rakawc.com</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/rakawc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@rakawc</a>

---

Fujairah Shelters

15. Animals & Us Fujairah

Founded in 2006 by Michelle Francis, this respected non-profit has fostered and rehomed hundreds of animals. They also support TNR programs and run feeding stations.

Contact:

📧 Email: contact@aauf.ae
🌐 Website: <a href="https://aauf.ae" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aauf.ae</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/animalsandusfuj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@animalsandusfuj</a>

---

Cat-Specific Rescues

16. Nine Lives UAE

A foster-home-based rescue dedicated to stray and abandoned cats. They hold adoption events to connect cats with families.

Contact:

📞 WhatsApp: +971 56 351 1057
📧 Email: adoptions@ninelives.ae
🌐 Website: <a href="https://www.ninelives.ae" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ninelives.ae</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/9livesadoption" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@9livesadoption</a>

---

17. Meow Meow Rescue

A volunteer-run rescue born from tragedy—their lead rescuer's cat Meow was stolen and never found. Now they rescue cats and maintain a strict indoor adoption policy for safety.

Contact:

📧 Email: contact@meowmeowrescue.com
🌐 Website: <a href="https://www.meowmeowrescue.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">meowmeowrescue.com</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/meow.meow.rescuing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@meow.meow.rescuing</a>

---

18. The Cat Cafe Dubai

A unique cafe where you can enjoy coffee while meeting adoptable rescue cats! All cats have been rescued from challenging situations.

Adoption process:

Fill out an application form
Get approved by the team
Schedule an appointment
Sign adoption form, pay fee, and take your new cat home
Receive complete pet passport, vaccination book, and food

Contact:

📞 WhatsApp: +971 55 116 5348
📧 Email: thecatcafedubai@gmail.com
🌐 Website: <a href="https://catcafedubai.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">catcafedubai.com</a>
📱 Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/thecatcafedubai" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@thecatcafedubai</a>

---

How to Prepare for Adoption

Before You Visit

Assess your living situation: Does your landlord allow pets? Do you have enough space?
Consider your lifestyle: How much time can you dedicate to a pet?
Budget for ongoing costs: Food, vet care, grooming, and supplies
Research breeds: Different dogs have different energy levels and needs

What to Bring

Valid Emirates ID
Proof of residence
Details about your living situation
Photos of your home (some shelters require this)

After Adoption

Register your pet: All dogs in the UAE must be registered with the municipality
Annual rabies vaccination: Required yearly in the UAE (not every 2-3 years like some countries)
Get your dog tag: Official tags are renewed yearly with government-designated colors
Find a vet: Establish a relationship with a local veterinary clinic

---

Can't Adopt? Other Ways to Help

Not everyone can adopt, but there are many ways to support these organizations:

Foster: Provide temporary homes for animals awaiting adoption
Donate: Financial contributions or supplies (food, blankets, toys)
Volunteer: Walk dogs, socialize cats, help at adoption events
Spread the word: Share adoption posts on social media
Sponsor: Some shelters let you sponsor a specific animal's care

---

Conclusion

Dubai and the UAE are home to a growing community of animal lovers and dedicated rescue organizations. Each shelter plays a vital role in giving animals a second chance at life.

Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, you become part of this mission to help homeless animals find the loving homes they deserve.

Ready to find your new best friend? Visit our <a href="/adoption">Adoption Directory</a> for more resources, or check out the shelters listed above. Your perfect companion might be waiting for you right now! 🐾