Dubai residents looking to adopt a cat or dog now have a new option.

Dubai Municipality has opened an integrated pet shelter at the Birds and Pets Market in Warsan, complete with a digital adoption platform, veterinary facilities and rehabilitation services for rescued animals.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is the new pet shelter?

The shelter provides temporary care for stray, abandoned and lost companion animals until they are reunited with their owners or adopted into new homes.

It has been designed to meet international animal welfare standards and forms part of Dubai’s efforts to promote responsible pet ownership.

Can I adopt a pet?

Yes.

Dubai Municipality has launched a dedicated online adoption platform, allowing residents to:

• Browse pets available for adoption.
• View each animal’s health and behavioural profile.
• Find a pet that suits their family and lifestyle.
• Begin the adoption process online.

The aim is to make it easier to adopt a pet and to help more rescued animals find permanent homes.

What facilities does the shelter have?

The new centre includes:

• A fully equipped veterinary clinic.
• An operating theatre for animal surgeries.
• Pet grooming facilities.
• Rehabilitation areas for rescued animals.
• Adoption rooms where families can spend time with pets before making a decision.
• A centre to help reunite lost pets with their owners.

How does Dubai care for stray animals?

Dubai Municipality follows internationally recognised animal welfare practices.

These include:

• Providing medical care for injured or sick animals.
• Running Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes for stray cats to help manage populations humanely.
• Vaccinating animals where necessary before returning them to safe locations.
• Supporting treatment and rehabilitation for stray dogs and cats.

Who is helping run the programme?

Dubai Municipality has partnered with Vets Fur Pets Veterinary Clinic and Phoenix Veterinary Clinic to provide treatment, rehabilitation and veterinary expertise.

The partnerships will also support public awareness campaigns promoting responsible pet ownership.

What if I lose my pet?

The shelter includes a dedicated service to help reunite lost pets with their owners after verifying identification and ownership details.

How do I adopt?

Residents can visit Dubai Municipality’s digital adoption platform to browse available pets and start the application process.

The new shelter builds on other recent animal welfare initiatives in Dubai, including the launch of AI-powered Ihsan feeding stations for stray animals, reflecting the emirate’s continued focus on responsible pet care and community wellbeing.