Dubai Opens New Animal Shelter to Address Pet Abandonment

Dr. Aysha Bin Ghelaita, Senior Veterinary Doctor at Dubai Municipality, emphasized that the facility serves not only as a place for adoptions but also as a center for community education and animal welfare initiatives. "One of the main issues we are trying to address is animal abandonment," she stated. Many pets are unfortunately dumped rather than rehomed, and the shelter aims to provide a second chance for these animals.

Located within the Birds and Pets Market, this shelter is the second dedicated adoption facility from Dubai Municipality. It is part of a larger strategy to promote responsible pet ownership, reduce the number of stray animals, and support lost and abandoned pets. While dogs are currently housed at the original facility at Al Khawaneej Veterinary Clinic, plans for a larger joint shelter for dogs and cats are in development.

In addition to serving as an adoption center, the shelter plays a critical role in the municipality's Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, which addresses community cat populations. Stray cats are humanely trapped, sterilized, treated, and returned to their original locations. Dr. Bin Ghelaita encouraged residents to report any stray or injured cats they encounter to the municipal helpline.

Each cat at the shelter receives comprehensive veterinary care, which includes health screenings, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and sterilization prior to adoption. The facility includes an equipped veterinary clinic and surgical theatre to ensure quality care.

The shelter also promotes responsible pet ownership, highlighting the importance of neutering pets to prevent unwanted litters and associated health issues. Prospective adopters can interact with the animals in designated rooms before applying through the DubaiNow app or the municipality website. An assessment process ensures applicants understand the responsibilities involved in pet ownership.

Adoption fees are set at approximately Dh230 for cats and Dh260 for dogs, covering various veterinary procedures and administrative costs. Dr. Bin Ghelaita reiterated that the shelter's ultimate goal is not just to rehome animals but to foster a culture where adoption is seen as the primary option for pet acquisition, thereby giving animals that have faced adversity a chance at a loving home.