Adopting in the UAE is easier than most people think—there are reputable shelters and rescue groups across all emirates. Below you’ll find who they are, how to adopt, and how TEEF’s Adoption Visibility Project helps their animals get to loving homes faster.
Quick list (by emirate)
- Dubai: K9 Friends (dogs); 38smiles (cats).
- Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter (cats & dogs).
- Umm Al Quwain: Stray Dogs Center UAQ (dogs).
- Sharjah: Sharjah Cat & Dog Shelter (SCADS) — official pages and news updates via MOCCAE/Sharjah media.
Tip: many rescues run adoption days on Instagram—always check their latest stories/highlights before visiting.
How to adopt (overview)
- Application + meet & greet: Most orgs require a short application and a scheduled visit. K9 Friends’ adoption process is a good example: health-checked, vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered (6+ months).
- Fees & what’s included: Fees cover vet care and operations. As a reference point, Stray Dogs Center recently adjusted its fee to AED 1,900 due to rising costs.
- Abu Dhabi specifics: The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter lists adoptable pets and FAQs directly on its site.
Featured UAE adoption centers
K9 Friends (Dubai)
- Animals: Dogs
- How to adopt: Book an appointment; dogs are assessed, vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered (6+ months).
- Learn more: k9friends.com • Adoption process.
Stray Dogs Center (Umm Al Quwain)
- Animals: Dogs (largest dog shelter capacity in the UAE; “no-kill” policy).
- How to adopt: Visits by appointment; active updates via socials.
- Learn more: straydogscenteruae.com • Instagram.
38smiles (Dubai)
- Animals: Primarily cats (registered rescue; very active on social).
- How to adopt: DM via Instagram or contact through listed channels; watch for adoption days.
- Learn more: Instagram @38smiles.
Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter (Abu Dhabi)
- Animals: Cats & dogs
- How to adopt: Browse available pets and apply online; see FAQs.
- Learn more: abudhabianimalshelter.com – Adopt a Pet.
Sharjah Cat & Dog Shelter (Sharjah)
- Animals: Cats & dogs (government-affiliated facility)
- Updates/info: See MOCCAE page and recent Sharjah media coverage for location and activities.
- Learn more: MOCCAE profile • Sharjah24 update.
TEEF Adoption Visibility Project (what it is and how it helps)
At TEEF Pet Services (Dubai) we’re building a central adoption spotlight on our site to boost visibility for UAE shelters’ animals. We list summary cards (photo, age, temperament), then link directly to the shelter’s page or contact—the shelter always controls the adoption process.
- Why do this? More views → more matches. We also offer discounted pet sitting/walking for new adopters to help families settle in without stress.
- Partner with us: If you run a rescue, add a backlink to teef.ae to strengthen trust signals and cross-traffic. We’ll keep listings updated as you share new pets.
- How we support adopters: Gentle plug to services that make day-one easier: Cat Sitting in Dubai and our booking flow on teef.ae. (No extra fees for multiple pets; meet & greet included.)
Adoption tips (fast checklist)
- Home prep: Litter area/puppy area, safe room, scratchers/chew toys, and a quiet decompression plan.
- Paperwork & ID: Microchip data and registration; keep vaccination records handy.
- First weeks: Keep routines simple; use enrichment (snuffle mats, puzzle feeders); follow the shelter’s feeding guidance.
FAQs
Is pet adoption free in the UAE?
Not usually. Fees help cover vaccinations, microchipping, sterilization, food, and sheltering. Example: Stray Dogs Center lists an adoption fee (recently AED 1,900). Always check the latest fee with each organization.
What medical care is included?
Shelters commonly include health assessment, vaccinations, microchip, and sterilization for eligible ages. See K9 Friends’ process for a typical package.
Where can I see adoptable pets online?
Check each shelter’s website or Instagram highlights/pages: K9 Friends, Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter, Stray Dogs Center IG, 38smiles IG.
