Best Pet Adoption Centers and Rescues in UAE 2026
Best Pet Adoption Centers and Rescues in UAE 2026
Looking to adopt a pet in the United Arab Emirates? This comprehensive guide covers the best pet adoption centers, animal rescues, and shelters across all seven emirates. Whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or elsewhere in the UAE, find trusted organizations helping animals find loving homes.
Why Adopt from UAE Rescue Organizations?
Adopting from reputable rescue centers and shelters offers numerous benefits:
- Save a Life: Every adoption opens space for another rescue
- Health Checked: Most rescues provide vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering
- Behavioral Assessment: Organizations evaluate temperament and compatibility
- Post-Adoption Support: Guidance and resources after you bring your pet home
- Affordable: Adoption fees (AED 500-1500) are significantly lower than buying from breeders
- Ethical: Combat puppy mills and unethical breeding practices
Refqan: UAE's Leading Pet Adoption Platform
Website: www.refqan.ae
Contact: +971 58 513 7111
Coverage: All UAE Emirates
About: Refqan is a comprehensive pet adoption and sponsorship platform connecting rescue caregivers with potential adopters across the UAE. The platform features:
- Extensive Pet Listings: Browse hundreds of dogs, cats, and other pets available for adoption
- Advanced Search Filters: Find pets by species, breed, age, size, location, and special needs
- Verified Caregivers: All rescue organizations and individual caregivers are verified
- Transparent Process: Clear adoption requirements, fees, and application process
- Sponsorship Program: Support pets financially even if you can't adopt
- Lost & Found: Report and search for lost pets
- Success Stories: Read heartwarming adoption stories
- AI Assistant: Get instant answers about adoption, pet care, and UAE pet laws
Why Choose Refqan:
- Largest selection of adoptable pets in UAE
- User-friendly platform with mobile access
- Direct communication with caregivers
- Support for international adoptions
- Free to browse and apply
- Community-driven initiative by Pawspact
How to Adopt via Refqan:
- Visit Refqan.ae and browse available pets
- Create a free account
- Submit adoption application for your chosen pet
- Caregiver reviews application and may conduct home visit
- Meet the pet in person
- Complete adoption and bring your new companion home
Dubai Pet Adoption Centers
K9 Friends
Location: Dubai
Focus: Dog rescue and rehoming
Services: Fostering program, adoption, veterinary care
Contact: Available through social media
Notable: One of Dubai's oldest dog rescue organizations with extensive fostering network
Feline Friends
Location: Dubai
Focus: Cat rescue and adoption
Services: TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), adoption, medical care
Contact: Via Facebook and Instagram
Notable: Specializes in rescuing and rehoming stray and abandoned cats across Dubai
Dubai Animal Rescue (DAR)
Location: Dubai
Focus: Dogs and cats
Services: Rescue, rehabilitation, adoption
Contact: Social media channels
Notable: Active rescue operations with focus on emergency cases
Emirates Animal Hospital Adoption Program
Location: Multiple locations in Dubai
Focus: Dogs, cats, and small animals
Services: Medical care, adoption facilitation
Contact: Visit clinic locations
Notable: Veterinary hospital that facilitates adoptions for rescued animals
Abu Dhabi Pet Adoption Centers
Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter
Location: Abu Dhabi
Focus: Dogs and cats
Services: Shelter, adoption, lost pet recovery
Contact: Through Abu Dhabi Municipality
Notable: Government-supported shelter with regular adoption events
Adopt a Pet UAE
Location: Abu Dhabi (operates UAE-wide)
Focus: All pet species
Services: Online adoption platform, rescue coordination
Contact: Website and social media
Notable: Connects multiple rescuers and adopters across emirates
Sharjah Pet Adoption Centers
Sharjah Animal Shelter
Location: Sharjah
Focus: Dogs and cats
Services: Municipal shelter, adoption, lost pet recovery
Contact: Sharjah Municipality
Notable: Government-run facility with regular adoption programs
Stray Dogs Center Umm Al Quwain
Location: Umm Al Quwain (serves Northern Emirates)
Focus: Dog rescue
Services: Large-scale dog shelter, adoption, rehabilitation
Contact: Via social media and website
Notable: One of UAE's largest dog shelters with hundreds of dogs available for adoption
Other UAE Rescue Organizations
Animals and Us Fujairah
Location: Fujairah
Focus: Dogs, cats, and farm animals
Services: Rescue, shelter, adoption
Notable: Community-driven rescue serving East Coast
Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare
Location: Ras Al Khaimah
Focus: All animals
Services: Rescue operations, adoption facilitation
Notable: Growing rescue community in Northern Emirates
Specialized Rescue Groups
Sniff Middle East
Focus: Purebred dog rescue
Coverage: UAE-wide
Notable: Specializes in rescuing and rehoming purebred dogs
Cat Rescue UAE
Focus: Feline rescue
Coverage: UAE-wide
Notable: Network of cat fosterers and adopters
Rabbit Rescue UAE
Focus: Rabbit and small animal rescue
Coverage: UAE-wide
Notable: Specialized care for rabbits and small pets
How to Choose the Right Adoption Center
When selecting where to adopt, consider:
1. Reputation and Transparency
- Check reviews and testimonials
- Verify they provide medical records
- Ensure clear adoption process
2. Animal Care Standards
- Visit facility if possible
- Assess cleanliness and animal welfare
- Ask about veterinary care provided
3. Post-Adoption Support
- Do they offer guidance after adoption?
- Is there a return policy if issues arise?
- Do they provide medical history and records?
4. Adoption Requirements
- Understand their screening process
- Know the adoption fees
- Be prepared for home visits
5. Location and Accessibility
- Can you easily visit the animals?
- Do they facilitate meet-and-greets?
- Is transportation assistance available?
Adoption Process: What to Expect
Most UAE rescue organizations follow similar adoption procedures:
Step 1: Application
- Fill out adoption form
- Provide Emirates ID and proof of residence
- Confirm landlord permission (if renting)
Step 2: Screening
- Phone or video interview
- Discussion of pet care experience
- Assessment of home environment
Step 3: Home Visit
- Many organizations conduct home checks
- Verify safe environment for pet
- Ensure family members are on board
Step 4: Meet and Greet
- Meet the pet in person
- Assess compatibility
- Ask questions about behavior and needs
Step 5: Adoption
- Sign adoption contract
- Pay adoption fee (typically AED 500-1500)
- Receive medical records and microchip info
- Take your new pet home!
Adoption Fees in UAE
Typical adoption fees cover:
- Microchipping: AED 50-150
- Vaccinations: AED 200-400
- Spaying/Neutering: AED 300-800
- Medical check-ups: AED 100-300
- Food and care during shelter stay
Average Adoption Fees:
- Dogs: AED 800-1500
- Cats: AED 500-1000
- Small animals: AED 300-600
Note: Fees are significantly lower than purchasing from breeders and cover essential medical care.
International Adoption from UAE
Many UAE rescues facilitate international adoptions for expats returning home:
Requirements:
- Export permit from UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
- Import permit from destination country
- Health certificate from UAE veterinarian
- IATA-approved travel crate
- Flight arrangements
Costs: AED 2000-5000 depending on destination
Organizations Helping with International Adoption:
- Refqan (provides guidance and connections)
- K9 Friends
- Feline Friends
Volunteering and Fostering
Can't adopt but want to help?
Fostering
- Temporarily care for pets until adoption
- Organization covers medical costs
- Flexible duration
- Great way to help without long-term commitment
Volunteering
- Help at shelters and adoption events
- Transport animals to vet appointments
- Social media and marketing support
- Fundraising assistance
Donations
- Financial contributions
- Pet food and supplies
- Medical equipment
- Blankets and toys
Red Flags to Avoid
Be cautious of:
❌ Organizations refusing home visits or screening
❌ Pets sold without medical records
❌ No microchip or vaccination proof
❌ Pressure to adopt immediately
❌ Unusually low or high fees
❌ Poor animal living conditions
❌ Lack of transparency about pet's history
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I adopt if I live in an apartment? A: Yes, but ensure your landlord permits pets and choose a pet suitable for apartment living.
Q: How long does the adoption process take? A: Typically 1-2 weeks from application to bringing your pet home.
Q: Can expats adopt pets in UAE? A: Yes, UAE residents with valid Emirates ID can adopt.
Q: What if the adoption doesn't work out? A: Most organizations have return policies. Contact them immediately if issues arise.
Q: Are adopted pets healthy? A: Reputable rescues provide veterinary care, vaccinations, and health checks before adoption.
Start Your Adoption Journey Today
Thousands of loving animals across the UAE are waiting for their forever homes. Whether you're looking for an energetic puppy, a calm senior cat, or a unique companion, UAE's rescue organizations have pets of all ages, sizes, and temperaments.
Ready to adopt?
- Visit Refqan.ae to browse the largest selection of adoptable pets in UAE
- Follow rescue organizations on social media for updates
- Attend adoption events in your emirate
- Contact organizations directly to inquire about specific pets
Remember: Adoption is a lifelong commitment. Choose wisely, prepare thoroughly, and give a rescued animal the loving home they deserve.
Start browsing available pets on Refqan.ae now and make a difference in an animal's life today!