The UAE is a lively, bustling region where pet communities continue to grow every day. There's no shortage of pet services in the country. Grooming salons, boarding facilities, and pet shops continue to fill the cities, especially in Dubai.
But not every animal has it easy. Many face neglect and abandonment. That’s why compassionate people have founded various animal shelters in Dubai and the UAE.
These shelters and rescue groups work tirelessly to offer cats and dogs in need a second chance at life. They give homeless animals a safe place to stay until they find their forever homes.
While this list doesn’t cover every shelter in the UAE, the dedication and passion of these listed organizations and their volunteers make a huge difference for animals in need.
If you’re thinking about adopting, here’s a guide to some of the best animal shelters in Dubai and the UAE.
Before you donate or pay an adoption fee, it's worth doing a quick check. UAE law regulates who can legally request donations or charity fundraising. A legitimate rescue group will usually be registered under a recognised body, such as the Emirates Animal Welfare Society (EAWS), a Department of Economy licence, or direct government registration, and most are happy to share this when asked. It only takes a moment, and it helps make sure your support reaches the animals it's meant for.
And if you do adopt, we'd love to support you. We offer a free wellness consultation and checkup for any cat or dog adopted from a licensed shelter, valid within 30 days of adoption. It's our way of helping your new pet get off to a strong start.
38 Smiles
38 Smiles started with a small act of kindness, a search for a few stray cats. Now, they have grown to be one of Dubai’s most dedicated rescue groups.
Founded in 2011 by Kremena Ivanova, 38 Smiles doesn’t have a physical shelter instead, they rely on foster homes to give rescue animals a safe space to heal before getting adopted.
One of their biggest efforts is the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. This aims to reduce the stray population humanely. Instead of letting cats multiply on the streets, they trap them, get them neutered, and release them back into safe areas.
Because 38 Smiles is a small, volunteer-run rescue group, they continue to operate with the support and donations of the community.
How to Get in Touch
Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter
Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter (ADAS) has been a rescue for abandoned and stray cats and dogs across the UAE.
ADAS was established in 2010 under the guidance of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and supported by the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. They not only operate in Abu Dhabi. Their efforts also reach other parts of the Emirates, including Dubai.
The shelter is fully equipped to care for the animals they rescue. Every dog and cat receives the vet medical procedures they need, like vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering. ADAS also runs a specialised laboratory where animals are treated for skin conditions and parasites.
How to Get in Touch
Phone: +97128858100
Website: www.abudhabianimalshelter.com
Instagram: @abudhabianimalshelter
Al Mayya K9 Adoptions UAE
Al Mayya K9 Adoptions is not just about rescuing dogs. The group is all about giving them the life they’ve always deserved. This group rescues dogs from the streets and puppy mills that have been through a lot. But Al Mayya makes sure they get a fresh start by helping them find a forever home.
Their adoption process is thoughtful and thorough. After filling out a questionnaire to help match your lifestyle with the dog’s needs, you’ll get a chance to meet the adorable pups who are waiting to be brought home.
Al Mayya also partners with vet clinics and pet-focused businesses, such as Noble Veterinary Clinics, which host adoption days. Through these events, the group is able to reach more potential adopters with their rescue dogs.
Al Mayya K9 Adoptions not only operates throughout the UAE. They also rescue and rehome dogs in the UK.
How to Get in Touch
Phone: +971 56 687 2900
Website: www.almayyak9adoptions.com
Instagram: @almayyak9.uae
Amanda’s Animal Rescue
Amanda’s Animal Rescue was founded by Amanda Stevens and Dora Tokai. This rescue organisation focuses on providing lost dogs with a second chance at a loving home. They also help educate the public about proper pet care.
Instead of having physical animal shelter locations, they operate through a network of compassionate foster homes. They primarily use social media to connect their rescued dogs with potential pet owners.
Amanda’s Animal Rescue also hosts special events in collaboration with dog shelters and other establishments to give people the chance to meet the dogs and find perfect matches. They mainly work with shelters in Dubai, but their online presence reaches a wider audience.
How to Get in Touch
Facebook: Amanda's Animal Rescue UAE - AAR
Instagram: @amandasanimalrescue
Animal Rescue UAE Adoption
For abandoned cats and dogs in Dubai, Animal Rescue UAE Adoption offers a chance to find a new home with loving owners. This dedicated rescue organisation is committed to helping animals from the streets and unsafe environments.
Animal Rescue UAE Adoption provides essential treatments to rescued cats and dogs. These include vaccinations, neutering, and rehabilitation. The animal shelter makes sure that all animals are physically healthy and emotionally ready for adoption.
They have a transparent and straightforward approach to their adoption process, with a focus on perfectly matching each animal with the right family. You can visit their social media platforms to find stories of their rescued cats and dogs.
How to Get in Touch
Facebook: UaeAdoption
Instagram: @uaeadoption
Animals & Us Fujairah
Animals & Us Fujairah was founded in 2006 by Michelle Mathanda Francis, and has been officially licensed by the government since September 2017. After moving from Kolkata to Fujairah in 2003 for a teaching career, Michelle encountered repeated cases of animal abuse and neglect and decided to help. That decision grew into a shelter now caring for over 400 dogs and 90 cats.
They have a strong presence in Fujairah and outreach in Dubai, where they operate to provide medical care and rehabilitation for their rescue animals. They've fostered and rehomed hundreds of dogs and cats with their detailed process of assessing potential adopters.
Animals & Us is one of the many groups that support the TNR program as part of their initiative to reduce the number of strays. They also run feeding stations and community outreach programs to make a difference in the lives of more animals in need.
How to Get in Touch
Website: aauf.ae
Facebook: Animals and Us
Instagram: @animalsandusfuj
Easy Adopt Dubai
Easy Adopt Dubai, founded by Akshaj Harihar, serves as a platform that connects potential adopters with trusted dog shelters. Their goal is to simplify the process of pet owners adopting rescue dogs and help these homeless animals find a responsible and loving home.
They have five core missions:
Matching dogs with the right families
Promoting responsible pet ownership
Building a compassionate community
Elevating animal welfare
Simplifying the adoption journey
Easy Adopt Dubai also ensures that new pet owners are well-informed on the responsibilities of having a dog. Through their website, they provide resources and guides on dog behaviour and proper care.
How to Get in Touch
Phone: +971 54 749 3951
Website: easyadoptdubai.com
K9 Friends
Since 1989, K9 Friends has become a well-respected animal rescue organisation in Dubai. They’re dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray and abandoned dogs.
K9 Friends cares for more than a hundred dogs at any given time. They provide these pups with medical care while waiting to be adopted. The group makes sure that every rescue receives pet vaccinations, microchipping, neutering (at the right age), and rehabilitation.
K9 Friends is run by volunteers and with the support of the government, so they can continue their mission year after year.
How to Get in Touch
Phone: 04 887 8739
Website: www.k9friends.com
Instagram: @k9friendsdubai
Meow Meow Rescue
Meow Meow Rescue is another volunteer-run, non-profit animal rescue organisation that helps rehome rescued cats in Dubai. Their journey began with the rescue of a cat named Meow, who was cruelly stolen from their lead rescuer’s home.
While Meow has never been found, this has sparked the group’s mission to save as many abandoned and abused cats as they can. The group’s mission has ever since become focused on helping helpless animals, especially those that have been neglected, to get a chance at a better life.
Meow Meow Rescue has a strict indoor adoption policy. This means that all their rescued cats are only rehomed as indoor pets for their safety.
How to Get in Touch
Website: www.meowmeowrescue.com
Instagram: @meow.meow.rescuing
Nine Lives
Nine Lives UAE's goal is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray and abandoned cats. They are focused on saving cats from unsafe environments and providing them with the medical care they need.
Nine Lives prioritises foster homes over a central shelter. Their team has found a way to help cats, even with limited resources, through volunteers. They also hold adoption events to connect rescued cats with families who are looking into adopting a new pet.
Those who cannot adopt or foster can support Nine Lives UAE through donations or by volunteering in their rescue efforts.
How to Get in Touch
WhatsApp: +971 56 351 1057
Website: www.ninelives.ae
Instagram: @9livesadoption
Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre
The Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre (RAK AWC) is one of the biggest cat and dog shelters in the UAE. They offer safe spaces for rescued strays and pets. They have a centre that spans 20,000 square metres with a dog park, indoor kennels, catteries, and more.
This non-profit organisation was founded in 2010 and has been dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned pets in Ras Al Khaimah. They promote responsible pet ownership to ensure the families who adopt their rescues can care for them properly.
RAK AWC collaborates with other cat and dog rescue groups, offering veterinary care, adoption support, and housing.
How to Get in Touch
Phone: +971 56 357 6908
Website: rakawc.com
Instagram: @rakawc
Red Paw Foundation
The Red Paw Foundation is another non-profit based in Dubai that’s operating under the Emirates Animal Welfare Society (EAWS). It’s entirely run by volunteers who are dedicated to rescuing abused and injured cats and dogs.
Every animal they rescue receives vaccinations, pet microchipping, neutering, and any medical care needed. They focus on providing emergency aid for rescued cats and dogs that are injured or ill to make sure they are well enough before adoption.
Red Paw organises adoption days and rescue events regularly to give their rescues loving homes. They also utilise social media to raise awareness about animals that need help in hopes that compassionate adopters will give them a second chance at better lives.
How to Get in Touch
Facebook: Red Paw
Instagram: @redpawcsrv
Sharjah Cat & Dog Shelter
Sharjah Cat & Dog Shelter (SCADS) is well-known in Sharjah as an active cat and dog rescue organization. They focus their efforts on adoption programs, rescuing strays and abandoned dogs, and educating the community.
SCADS’s adoption programs include veterinary medical care for their rescues, including vaccinations, health check-ups, and neutering. This ensures that the rescue animals are ready for adoption.
SCADS also hosts adoption events wherein potential adopters can meet and greet the cats and dogs in their shelter.
How to Get in Touch
Phone: +971 6 545 3054
Instagram: @sharjahcds
Stray Dogs Center UAE
Stray Dogs Center UAE believes that “Every Life Counts.” This non-profit organization was established in 2013. They follow a strict “no-kill” policy and provide long-term care for dogs even when they aren’t immediately adopted.
Stray Dogs Center operates mainly in Umm Al Quwain, but they also take in dogs that are in critical condition all around the UAE. Many of their rescues arrive at the dog shelter in poor health due to abuse, malnutrition, injuries, and neglect.
They encourage compassionate dog lovers to volunteer in any way they can, including walking, grooming, and training their rescues. For those with the capability to care for dogs, they can also foster or adopt a dog. And for those who don’t have extra time on their hands, donations are also welcome.
How to Get in Touch
Phone: +971 6 579 5997
Website: www.straydogscenteruae.com
Instagram: @straydogscenter
The Mussafah Dog Project
The Mussafah Dog Project is a volunteer-run initiative in Abu Dhabi. They are dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray animals. It was founded by a group of animal lovers who focus on feeding, providing medical attention, and finding homes for vulnerable dogs in the Mussafah area.
MDP makes sure that the animals they help receive essential medical care, including vaccinations, neutering, and treatment for injuries. They conduct TNR programs to help control the stray population in the area humanely.
To support their mission, The Mussafah Dog Project relies on community donations and volunteer efforts. Those who want to help out can contribute by sponsoring an animal, donating supplies, fostering, or adopting.
How to Get in Touch
Instagram: @themussafahdogproject
Facebook: The Mussafah Dog Project
Waggy Bond
Waggy Bond is a platform that helps rescue dogs and cats find their forever homes. They collaborate with multiple cat and dog shelters and pet welfare groups to simplify the adoption process for potential adopters.
They have a centralised approach to dog and cat adoption, which helps increase the chances of rescued animals being rehomed. The platform also encourages people to adopt from reputable shelters and rescue centres across Dubai instead of purchasing from pet shops.
You can also find listings of pet care services on their website. This is their way of providing pet care resources for animal adopters.
How to Get in Touch
Website: www.waggybond.com
Yanni Animal Welfare
Yanni Animal Welfare is one of the first cat and dog rescue organizations in Dubai. They’re also the first non-profit of its kind that’s registered with the Government of Dubai, making them a trusted name in saving, fostering, and rehoming abandoned animals.
Yanni Animal Welfare specializes in rescuing injured, abandoned, and neglected cats and dogs. They provide medical treatments, nourishment, and care to help their rescues recover quickly. The organization also provides foster care while the rescued cats and dogs wait to be adopted.
This animal rescue group is careful when giving their rescues for adoption. They thoroughly screen potential adopters by conducting interviews and home checks. This is their way of making sure that each rescued animal is placed in a safe and loving home and family.
How to Get in Touch
Website: yawdubai.com
Instagram: @yawdubai
Second Wags
Second Wags is a UAE-based animal rescue group focused on giving abandoned and stray animals a new chance at a loving home. They focus on adoption days and drives to help showcase the many dogs they have rescued.
The rescue relies heavily on foster homes rather than a physical shelter. By doing so, they are helping these lost animals experience what it’s like to live in a comfortable home environment. Upon rescue, Second Wags gives the dogs all the time they need to recover and recuperate.
This includes checking their mental and physical health, such as vaccinations and overall well-being. When they’re ready, these dogs are put up for adoption.
How to Get in Touch
Facebook: Second Wags
Instagram: @second_wags
Green Paws
Green Paws LLC is a privately owned company focused on rescuing and rehoming stray dogs and cats across the country. They’re licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism and began their operations in September 2022.
Even before this, they were known as SNIFF MIDDLE EAST, which operated from 2013 to 2019. Like many animal shelters and rescue groups in Dubai and the UAE, they give lost pets the opportunity to thrive and find new families through rehabilitation, care, and kindness.
They routinely check each pet’s health, preparing them for the adoption process. This includes their neutering, vaccinations, and other necessary treatments.
How to Get in Touch
Website: www.greenpawsuae.com
Instagram: @greenpawsuae
Petooti
Petooti is a UAE-based animal rescue and adoption initiative that focuses on saving abandoned pets and finding new homes for them. They also have an extensive TNR program, during which they have neutered around 2,057 stray animals.
Through the efforts of a small group of passionate animal lovers, they seek to make a difference for the lost animals of Dubai. The group works closely with volunteers and foster families, taking in injured and surrendered animals.
The organisation ensures that each animal they take care of gets the right medical attention and rehabilitation before adoption. With over 1,267 rehomed animals, Petooti continues to give stray pets a second chance at life.
How to Get in Touch
Website: www.petooti.com
Instagram: @petooti.official
Sahara Kennel Rescue
Sahara Kennel Rescue is a Dubai-based organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats. They even offer free adoption worldwide, opening their doors to volunteers and pet parents across the globe.
Each pet is fully treated with gentle care, ensuring they receive microchips, vaccinations, neutering, and other treatments needed. They also share all the details about these pets, including their health issues, experiences, and more.
Sahara Kennels Rescue wants to make sure each pet gets the home they deserve. This is why they personally have a screening process, a home assessment, a meeting, and an adoption trial period.
How to Get in Touch
Email: saharakennel@gmail.com
Instagram: @sahara_kennel_rescue
The Animal Project
The Animal Project is a UAE-wide animal rescue group and initiative with the goal of helping stray and abandoned pets. They were founded by a group of passionate animal advocates who strongly voice the importance of pet care and health.
Instead of operating a traditional animal shelter, The Animal Project relies on a network of foster homes and rescuers. They manage the medical care and adoption process. The organisation frequently posts urgent foster home requests and support through social media.
Through the help of volunteers and foster families, The Animal Project continues its mission of rescuing and rehoming animals across the UAE.
How to Get in Touch
Facebook: The Animal Project
Dubai Pet Rescue Team
Dubai Pet Rescue Team (DRPT) focuses on locating, trapping, and health-checking abandoned or stray animals across the UAE. While they help other animals where they can, their primary focus is dogs that have been surrendered or left behind by their owners.
DPRT also plays an active role in reuniting lost pets with their owners and raising awareness around responsible pet ownership. Like many rescue groups on this list, their work depends heavily on volunteers and community donations, and they're often in need of both.
How to Get in Touch
Facebook: Dubai Pet Rescue Team - DPRT
Instagram: @dubaipetrescueteam
Every Bit of Help Counts
Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer, or simply share a rescue's post with someone who's looking, every bit of support helps these organisations keep going. If you're ready to adopt, take a look at the groups above, check that they're properly registered before donating anything, and reach out directly. Most are volunteer-run, and they'll be glad to hear from you.
And when your new pet is ready for their first check-up, don't forget your free wellness consultation, valid within 30 days of adoption from a licensed shelter.
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