You can’t but say ‘Aww’ when you visit these pet adoption centres in UAE

Dubai: Are you looking for a pet cat for your home? There are many animal adoption centres in UAE, mostly centred around Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates. These adoption centres are far better, in many aspects, than pet shops. If you’re not sure where to start, many rescue operations host adoption days where you can meet prospective pets.

“Apart from aiming to find a happy home for these cats and kittens, we hope the adoption days will help create awareness among those who don’t know how many pets desperately need a home,” says Carol Geldenhuys, founder of Kittysnip.

Why adoption is better than shopping?

Many pet shops were found to keep the animals in very drastic conditions that may harm the animals. In 2018, a pet shop in Sharjah was penalized Dh 3,000 after complaints over the conditions in which the animals were kept in. A couple filmed a long-haired cat laying on its side, heat-stricken and heavily panting, prompting many on social media to lodge a complaint with the Sharjah Municipality.

Another shop in Dubai had its animal license suspended and eventually closed because it sold sick puppies that were ill with parvovirus because they were never vaccinated. Some of the dogs died, while other pet owners had to pay thousands of Dirhams in vet bills for treatment.

Adoption centre plus points

Meanwhile, at adoption days, all pets that are old enough will be microchipped, vaccinated, de-wormed and spayed/neutered ensuring that they are healthy. Younger kittens and puppies will also undergo the same process, with the money being used from the adoption fees. “Adopt don’t shop,” says Daniela Rauso, a pet lover. “You cannot buy unconditional love.”

Healthy cats and dogs have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, which is why people need to be sure they are ready for such a long-term commitment. “We not only want to inform people about the multiple benefits of adoption but also the commitment involved when taking on an abandoned or neglected cat or kitten,” Geldenhuys says.

Where to adopt in UAE?

Here is a list of organisations that keep pets for adoption. Due to the Covid protocols, they have set particular days as adoption days. You can go through the details:

Kittysnip Adoption

They have cats and kittens available at Fridays 11 am to 5 pm. Kittysnip is located at Dubai Gardens, Dubai.

Animal Specialist Clinic

Kittens and cats are available. Day of adoption to be enquired directly from their Facebook page. Clinic is located in Dubai.

K9 Friends

Dogs and puppies available at this store in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Call them at 04 887 8739 (open Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 1pm) for appointment.

Forever Pet Adoptions

Cats and kittens available. Located at Furry Friends in Jumeirah Village Circle, you can meet them on Fridays 1pm to 7 pm. Don’t forget to visit their Facebook page.

Adopt a Cat

You will get kitten and cats from this store at FitLive Vet, Abu Dhabi on every second Friday of the month.

Amanda’s Animal Rescue

Dogs and pups are available. Located at Paws and Whiskers, Al Quoz 4, Dubai. For the time, inquire at their Facebook page.

Red Paw Foundation

Cats, kittens and dogs here. Thejamjar, Al Serkal Avenue and House of Paws, Al Quoz Industrial Area. Date and time in Facebook page.

38 Smiles

Dogs and cats are available. Located at Dubai; visit them on Facebook for details.

SNIFF

Puppies, dogs, kittens and cats here. You can find them at K9 Central Kennels, Dubai Investment Park and logon to their Facebook for time and date details.

All these adoption centres provide TNR (trap, neuter and return) to the pets. This stops street animals from multiplying further. “It’s no secret that there are more cats in Dubai than we know what to do with. An average female cat will have between two and three litters a year, of four to six kittens per litter,” Geldenhuys adds.