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How to Adopt a Dog in Abu Dhabi, UAE?
Pets are really comforting companions. Pets are known to reduce stress and anxiety, help to be more social and teach us to value true friendship and loyalty.
Adopting a dog is a big responsibility and commitment, so be sure to carefully consider the decision and make sure that you are ready for the long-term commitment of pet ownership.
It’s important to note that the UAE has strict laws and regulations regarding pet ownership, including restrictions on certain breeds and sizes of dogs. Anyone wishing to adopt should familiarize themselves with these laws and regulations.
Here is a step-by-step procedure for adopting a Dog
Step 1: Research animal shelters and rescue organizations in Abu Dhabi. Few of the most visited Animal shelters in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter
Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter for stray cats and dogs in Abu Dhabi Emirate has been established on 15th April 2010. On June 1st, 2010, Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital(ADFH) started to neuter all feral cats and dogs in the so-called TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program as the only authorized veterinary hospital for the Emirate.
The treatment of the cats and dogs at the Animal Shelter is provided by the ADFH Pet Care Center.
The decision of establishing the first Animal Shelter for the Abu Dhabi Emirate underlines the great efforts of the Abu Dhabi government to set a role model for animal welfare on a national, regional, and international level.
Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter has large kennels and catteries to accommodate dogs and cats. There are a number of dogs and cats waiting for a loving home. They are all neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and treated against fleas and worms.
[icon name = location-arrow] Address: The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter is located at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Site between Abu Dhabi International Airport and Al Shamkha.
[icon name=icon-phone] Phone: +9712575 5155
[icon name=icon-globe] Website: abudhabianimalshelter.com
[icon name=fa-map-marker] Map: View Google direction here.
Strays Of Abu Dhabi (SAD)
This rescue group mainly works with cats, but in need of support for other animals is also provided. Approximately 600 cats are now part of the network. Approximately 180 kg of cat food per day is required for the one-time per-day feeding of these cats.
Strays of Abu Dhabi is also a volunteer animal rescue in Abu Dhabi where members donate their time to improve the health and quality of life of abandoned stray dogs.
You can reach out to the group via their website or Facebook page@https://www.facebook.com/groups/667128386757255
[icon name=icon-envelope] Please Contact: StraysOfAbuDhabi@yahoo.com.
The Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi (AWAD)
AWAD is a licensed non-profit organization, founded in 2019 under the Ministry of Community Development to improve the lives of animals. AWAD works with dedicated volunteers, organizations, and individuals to improve the lives of pets and community cats and dogs in the United Arab Emirates through education, direct animal care, and lobbying for strategic change.
K9 Friend
They have been in operation since 1989 and their main aim has always been to rescue and rehome stray and abandoned dogs. 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
There are also lots of Facebook groups where to find great advice about adopting and caring for pets in the wonderful city, such as
- Pet People Abu Dhabi
- Animal Action UAE
Step 2: Contact the shelters or organizations
- Contacting the respective Shelters and organizations one is interested in and enquiring about the adoption process is the seco step.
- Some centers may even require an application or home visit, and making sure about any requirements or fees is also needed.
Step 3: Visit the shelter or organization
Getting ready to visit the shelter or organization to meet the dogs and finding one that’s a good match for our lifestyle and personality is an
important step in adoption.
Shelters often home many older pets as well as puppies. For example, for the one who doesn’t lead an active life or doesn’t have much spare
time, then adopting an older animal is suited better than a puppy who will need a lot of activity and attention!
Step 4: Adoption Procedures
Making confirmation on the pet to adopt and filling out the necessary paperwork and payment of the adoption fees ends the adoption procedure at the animal shelter.
Step 5: Pet ownership permit from the Abu Dhabi City Municipality
To obtain a pet ownership permit from the Abu Dhabi Municipality, the following documents are required.
- Proof of residence,
- A copy of your Emirates ID,
- A letter from your landlord stating that you are allowed to have a pet.
Step 6: Schedule a vet appointment for your new dog
Making note of the opening hours of the respective shelters and Schedule the appointment with the adoption.
Important note on Registration
- All cats & dogs living in Abu Dhabi must be inoculated and registered with the Abu Dhabi Municipality in order for them to be microchipped.
- If an animal is found that has not been microchipped, it is treated as a stray. Make sure to speak with the rescue center or shelter that can help you with registration.
Important Note on Vaccination
Dogs in Abu Dhabi must be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus, whilst cats have to be vaccinated against rabies, feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
Again, it’s important to check with the shelter that the animal you wish to adopt is up to date with their vaccinations, and if not you must visit a vet straight away.
Happy Note
Finally make the home ready with some decorations, pet food(for sure), toys, leashes, collars, and other accessories, and welcome the new member to your family.
