During visit to the Warsan shelter, the facility was bustling with activity as potential adopters arrived in search of a pet.
A newly opened integrated pet shelter by Dubai Municipality has received an overwhelming response from residents, with nearly one cat finding a new home every hour since the facility opened earlier this week. Within just 20 hours of its launch on Monday, the centre had successfully placed 18 cats with loving families.
“We take in stray cats as well as injured, abandoned, or lost pets and work to reunite them with their owners,” said Dr Abdulla Abdullatif Alhammadi, a veterinarian at Dubai Municipality. “For animals without owners, we conduct thorough health checks, provide necessary vaccinations and medication, and then make them available for adoption.”
When visited the facility on Thursday, the Warsan centre was bustling with activity as a steady stream of prospective adopters arrived in search of a pet. The adoption area features separate cubicles equipped with cat trees and wooden benches, allowing visitors to spend time with and interact with the cats before choosing a companion.
Love at first sight
For Dubai resident Foudil Bouadda, the connection was instant. The grey, fluffy cat he met quickly warmed up to him, gently placing its face into his hand as they interacted.
“He was practically asking me to take him home,” he said with a laugh.
It was Foudil’s third trip to Warsan to visit the centre. “Every previous time, I arrived after the opening hours,” he said. “But today, I made it on time and found the companion I’m going to bring home.”
Foudil, who had always owned a cat in his home country, had been without one since relocating to Dubai. “I wanted to adopt, but many listings on Facebook seemed suspicious,” he explained. “Some appeared to be from breeders, while others involved people who were not treating the cats properly. When I learned about a Dubai Municipality-run shelter, I felt it was the right and safest place to adopt from.”
“I was confident that anything run by Dubai Municipality would be of a high standard, but this centre exceeded my expectations in every way,” Foudil said. “The animals are clearly well cared for, the adoption process is smooth, and the entire facility is managed exceptionally well.”
State-of-the-art centre
Situated in Warsan 3, the shelter can accommodate around 200 cats at a time. Each cat undergoes a thorough medical examination to ensure it is healthy and free from illnesses before being made available for adoption. Cats that require further care or are not yet ready for adoption are housed in a separate area away from public access.
Once a cat is deemed ready for adoption, it is issued a passport containing details of its medical history and vaccination records. “Ensuring that our cats are healthy and in good condition before they are adopted is a priority,” said Dr Abdulla. Currently, the shelter does not accept cats directly from rescuers or foster carers.
The centre houses cats of various ages, from newborn kittens to older felines. Little Bear, one of the shelter’s most affectionate residents, has been waiting the longest for a permanent home. “He is a very sweet and cuddly cat, but he has been here for four days and is still waiting for his forever family,” Dr Abdulla said. “Hopefully, he will find one soon.”
Those interested in adopting a cat must provide proof that they have a suitable living environment for a pet. While adoption is free, residents are required to pay a Dh230 service fee. The centre operates from 10am to 3pm, Monday through Thursday.
Careful consideration
Dr Abdulla said the shelter takes several measures to ensure adopters are paired with cats that match their lifestyles and expectations. “Our website provides detailed information about each cat, including descriptions of their personalities,” he said. “We mention whether a cat is energetic, calm, or affectionate, so potential adopters can choose a pet that best suits their needs.”
He also urged visitors to carefully consider the responsibility of adopting a pet. “Whenever someone comes to adopt, I encourage them to think deeply about the decision,” Dr Abdulla said. “It should never be an impulsive choice. A pet is not a toy; it is a long-term commitment that requires care and responsibility.”
