How to adopt a dog or cat in Dubai: shelters, process and costs
Thinking of adopting a pet in Dubai? Where to adopt, including Dubai Municipality's shelters, who can adopt, what it costs, and how to get your home ready.
15 October 2026 · 3 min read
Adopting is one of the best things you can do for a pet in the UAE. Shelters and rescues across the country care for dogs and cats, from tiny kittens to calm seniors and local "desert dogs" that are naturally suited to the climate, all waiting for a home.
Details change. Fees, hours and processes below were reported in 2026. Check with the shelter before you go.
Adopting from Dubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality runs two adoption shelters:
- Cats: the Warsan shelter, inside the Birds and Pets Market, opened in 2026. Reported opening hours are 10am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday.
- Dogs: the Al Khawaneej shelter, at Al Khawaneej Veterinary Clinic.
Who can adopt: you need to be at least 21, with no record of animal abuse or neglect, and a home that's suitable for the pet. Staff interview applicants about pet care, vet visits, food and their home.
How: apply through the DubaiNow app or the Dubai Municipality website, pass the interview, and meet the animals in the shelter's adoption rooms.
Cost: about AED 230 for a cat and AED 260 for a dog. Each animal has a health check, vaccinations, deworming, a microchip and sterilisation before it goes home, and the fee covers these and the government fees.
Other shelters and rescues
Independent shelters and volunteer rescues across the UAE also rehome dogs and cats, often after fostering them in homes so they know each animal's personality well. Many post their animals on social media and adoption websites. Ask each one about its process, fees and what's included (vaccinations, microchip, sterilisation).
Outside Dubai: the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter (Al Shamkha) and rescues in the northern emirates also rehome pets. (The National)
Not sure which pet suits your home and routine? Take the quiz: which pet should you get?
Before you adopt: a checklist
- Your home: check that your landlord and building allow pets, and get it in writing.
- Time and money: food, vet care, vaccinations and grooming, plus care when you travel.
- Summer: a plan for exercise in the hot months. See is it too hot to walk your dog?
- The right match: tell the shelter about your home, routine and other pets. Energy level and temperament matter more than breed.
- Registration: your new pet needs to be registered with Dubai Municipality. See how to register your pet.
Found a stray?
To report a stray or injured cat in Dubai, call the municipality helpline on 800900. Dubai Municipality runs a trap-neuter-return (TNR) programme for street cats: they're sterilised, treated if needed, and returned to their area.
Frequently asked questions
Can I adopt a dog in Dubai for free?
Adoption from Dubai Municipality's shelters isn't free, but it's low-cost: about AED 260 for a dog and AED 230 for a cat, which covers vaccinations, deworming, a microchip and sterilisation.
Where can I adopt a cat in Dubai?
Dubai Municipality's cat shelter in Warsan, inside the Birds and Pets Market, rehomes cats, with reported opening hours of 10am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday. Independent rescues across the UAE also rehome cats.
Who can adopt a pet from Dubai Municipality?
Adults aged 21 or over, with no record of animal abuse or neglect and a home suitable for a pet. Applicants are interviewed about pet care before the adoption goes ahead.
What should I do before adopting?
Check your building allows pets, plan for the summer heat, budget for food and vet care, and be ready to register your new pet with the municipality.