From Required Documents to Adoption Timelines, Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Adopting a Cat or Dog from Dubai Municipality’s Two Shelters.
Every pet deserves a safe and caring home, and for stray or abandoned animals in the UAE, that fresh start could come through one of Dubai Municipality’s shelters.
In July, Dubai Municipality opened a new integrated shelter at the Birds and Pets Market in Warsan, providing rescued animals with a secure environment where they can recover, receive proper care and potentially find permanent homes.
Those looking to adopt a cat can visit the Warsan facility, while Dubai Municipality also operates a shelter in Al Khawaneej that houses dogs and supports their adoption into suitable homes.
The shelters form part of Dubai Municipality’s wider efforts to strengthen animal welfare and encourage responsible pet ownership. Animals receive appropriate veterinary care before being placed with suitable families for adoption.
We reached out to Dubai Municipality to learn more about where the animals in its shelters come from, how they are cared for and what prospective pet owners can expect during the adoption process. If you’re hoping to welcome a furry companion into your home, here’s what you need to know about adopting from a Dubai Municipality shelter.
1. Where do the cats and dogs at Dubai Municipality’s shelters come from? Are they rescued, stray or abandoned animals?
Cats and dogs housed at Dubai Municipality’s animal shelters come from a variety of circumstances. They primarily include stray, abandoned and rescued animals, as well as lost-and-found pets and animals surrendered by their owners.
The animals are brought in through Dubai Municipality’s Veterinary Control Section and private pest control companies that are approved and authorised by the Municipality. This forms part of its broader animal welfare initiatives and the Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programme for managing Dubai’s stray cat population.
2. What animals can be adopted from Dubai Municipality shelters? Are animals other than cats and dogs also cared for?
Dubai Municipality’s pet adoption service currently covers cats and dogs. The Animal Welfare Shelter in Warsan houses cats available for adoption, while dogs are accommodated at the existing facility at Al Khawaneej Veterinary Clinic.
Beyond operating these shelters, Dubai Municipality’s Veterinary Services Section provides preventive and curative healthcare services for livestock, along with preventive veterinary care for pet animals.
3. What facilities are available at the shelters to care for the animals?
The new Animal Welfare Shelter in Warsan is equipped with a range of facilities designed to support animal care and adoption. These include a Customer Happiness Centre, pre-adoption viewing areas, interactive adoption rooms and a fully equipped veterinary clinic for animals housed at the shelter.
The facility also features an advanced surgical operating theatre, grooming services, reception and rehabilitation areas for stray animals, as well as a dedicated service for reuniting lost pets with their owners after the necessary verification.
4. Is every animal at Dubai Municipality’s shelters available for adoption?
No. Animals entering Dubai Municipality’s care are first assessed for their health and behaviour before being considered for adoption.
Some animals may need medical treatment or rehabilitation, while lost pets may be reunited with their owners. Stray cats may also be managed under TNR or TNVR — Trap-Neuter-Release or Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return — programmes before being returned to their original habitat.
Animals assessed as healthy and suitable for rehoming are then made available for adoption.
5. How can someone apply to adopt a pet? Is the process online or offline?
Pet adoption applications can be submitted digitally through Dubai Municipality’s website or the Dubai Now app. Prospective adopters can browse animals available for adoption and review relevant health and behavioural information before submitting their application.
The final stages of the process require an in-person assessment. Once the necessary procedures are completed, the adopter can receive the selected pet after paying the prescribed fees for related services, including vaccination and registration.
6. What documents are required to adopt a pet?
Applicants must provide the information and identification details required through Dubai Municipality’s pet adoption service. Final verification is carried out during the adoption process, and prospective adopters must appear in person before the animal can be handed over.
The specific supporting documents required are provided during the application process and may vary depending on the applicant’s details.
7. Is there a verification process to ensure an applicant is suitable to adopt a pet?
Yes. Responsible pet ownership is a key part of Dubai Municipality’s adoption process. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and must not have any recorded violations involving animal abuse or mistreatment.
Prospective adopters are also assessed on their understanding of animal welfare, veterinary care and proper nutrition, as well as their ability to provide a suitable living environment and long-term care for the animal.
8. Are there any fees involved in adopting a pet?
There is no specific adoption fee. However, adopters are required to pay the prescribed charges for related veterinary services, such as vaccinations and registration.
These services form part of the preventive healthcare and registration procedures that must be completed before the adopted animal is handed over to its new owner.
9. How long does it take to process a pet adoption application?
A pet adoption application can be processed in approximately one hour once all the required steps have been completed. However, the actual handover may depend on eligibility checks, assessments, appointment scheduling and whether the animal is ready for adoption.
Once all requirements have been fulfilled, collection of the adopted pet can generally be arranged within two working days.
10. How does Dubai Municipality ensure an animal is suitable for adoption? What veterinary care is provided?
Animals undergo veterinary assessments before they are made available for adoption. Depending on their needs, services may include health screenings, medical treatment, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, surgical sterilisation and rehabilitation.
Their health and behavioural profiles are also evaluated to help ensure they are matched with suitable adopters. The shelter is supported by an integrated veterinary clinic and dedicated surgical facilities to provide the necessary medical care.
11. Does Dubai Municipality conduct follow-up checks after adoption? What happens if an adopter wants to return the animal?
Dubai Municipality’s adoption programme is centred on responsible, long-term pet ownership, which is why prospective adopters are assessed before an animal is placed in their care.
If concerns arise after adoption, owners should contact the Animal Welfare Shelter directly for assessment and guidance. Returning an adopted pet is not considered an automatic surrender and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the circumstances, approved procedures and available shelter capacity.
12. Can existing pet owners surrender their pets to a Dubai Municipality shelter?
Dubai Municipality’s shelters are primarily intended to accommodate stray, abandoned and rescued companion animals and do not operate as general voluntary surrender facilities for privately owned pets.
Owners remain responsible for the welfare of their animals and are encouraged to explore responsible rehoming options if they are no longer able to care for them.
13. Can animal rescuers surrender a rescued animal to a Dubai Municipality shelter?
Rescued or stray animals should not be taken directly to a Dubai Municipality shelter for surrender without prior coordination.
Cases involving stray, injured or distressed animals should instead be reported through Dubai Municipality’s approved channels, including its toll-free number, 800900. The relevant animal control team will then assess the situation and determine the appropriate action in line with approved procedures and available shelter capacity.
