Adopt Don't Buy: Cats, Kittens & Puppies in Abu Dhabi
Why Abu Dhabi Has So Many Pets Looking for Homes
Every week, dozens of cats, kittens and puppies across Abu Dhabi are surrendered, abandoned or listed for rehoming. Some are purebred animals — Scottish Folds, British Shorthairs, Ragdolls, Golden Retrievers — given up because of a move, a new baby, or simply a change of heart. Others are strays that have been cared for by kind individuals who can no longer continue. All of them are waiting for a second chance.
Abu Dhabi's pet population has grown significantly over the past decade, driven by a culture of pet ownership among both Emirati families and the expatriate community. But with growth comes responsibility — and not every pet finds a permanent home. That is where adoption comes in.
What Does "Adopt Don't Buy" Really Mean?
The phrase "adopt don't buy" is more than a slogan. It reflects a practical and ethical choice. When you adopt a pet in Abu Dhabi, you are giving a home to an animal that already exists and needs one. When you buy from a pet shop or a breeder, you are creating demand for more animals to be bred — often in conditions that prioritise profit over welfare.
Adoption does not mean settling for less. Every cat, kitten and puppy available for adoption on Refqan has been vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered or spayed before being listed. Many come with full medical histories, TAMM registration documents, and a health report from Pawspact Veterinary Clinic — a licensed veterinary clinic in Abu Dhabi. You get a healthy, fully documented pet that is ready for its new home.
_The Real Cost of Buying vs. Adopting in Abu Dhabi
A British Shorthair kitten from a pet shop in Abu Dhabi can cost between AED 2,000 and AED 6,000. A Scottish Fold may cost even more. On top of the purchase price, you will need to budget for TAMM registration (mandatory under the 2026 Abu Dhabi pet law), vaccinations, microchipping, neutering or spaying, and a veterinary health certificate.
When you adopt through Refqan, all of that is already done. Every animal listed on Refqan has been vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered or spayed by Pawspact Veterinary Clinic. A small adoption fee is charged — not for profit, but to contribute toward the cost of the animal's veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping, and welfare while in care. This fee goes entirely toward responsible pet rehoming, ensuring that every pet on Refqan receives the care it deserves before finding its forever home.
_How to Adopt a Cat, Kitten or Puppy in Abu Dhabi
The process is straightforward. Visit refqan.ae/pets and browse available animals. You can filter by species, breed, age, gender and location. Each listing includes photos, a full description, the pet's medical history, vaccination status, microchip number, and neuter/spay confirmation. When you find a pet you are interested in, you submit an adoption application directly through the platform. The caregiver reviews your application and, if approved, arranges a meet-and-greet before the adoption is confirmed.
Refqan is a community initiative by Pawspact Veterinary Clinic, built specifically to connect pets in the UAE with loving families. The adoption fee collected goes directly toward the welfare of the animals in care.
_Cats Available for Adoption in Abu Dhabi Right Now
Current listings on Refqan include a range of cats and kittens across Abu Dhabi. You will find British Shorthairs, Scottish Folds, Ragdolls, Persians, and domestic shorthairs — all looking for permanent homes. Every animal has been assessed by a veterinarian at Pawspact Veterinary Clinic, vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered or spayed.
If you are looking to adopt a kitten in Abu Dhabi, Refqan is updated regularly as new animals come into care. You can save your favourite listings and receive notifications when new pets matching your preferences are added.
_Puppies for Adoption in Abu Dhabi
Dogs are less common on Refqan than cats — reflecting the broader pet culture in the UAE — but puppies and adult dogs do appear regularly. Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and mixed-breed dogs are among the most frequently listed. All dogs on Refqan are listed by verified caregivers, have been vaccinated and microchipped, and come with full documentation.
The 2026 Abu Dhabi Pet Registration Law
As of 2026, all pet owners in Abu Dhabi are legally required to register their pets through the TAMM platform. This applies to cats, dogs and other domestic animals. Failure to register can result in fines. When you adopt through Refqan, many caregivers have already completed or initiated the TAMM registration process, making the transition easier for the new owner. Pawspact Veterinary Clinic can assist with any outstanding registration requirements.
_Start Your Adoption Journey Today
If you are ready to give a pet a permanent home, visit refqan.ae to browse available animals. Every adoption on Refqan prevents abandonment, supports responsible pet rehoming in the UAE, and gives a deserving pet the life it was always meant to have. Your adoption fee goes directly toward the care of the animals waiting for their forever homes.