Dogs
Apr 18, 2025
Dogs are lovable and loyal creatures that are a gift to humankind. They can always turn a frown upside down. They don’t judge you for your shortcomings and they’re amazing companions.
There are pet shops that offer various dog breeds you can choose from; they have it all! From big breeds to toy dogs, you can surely find one that suits your personality and lifestyle.
However, you should seriously consider adopting a dog rather than buying from breeders or pet shops. Whether you’re already a pet owner or thinking of getting your first pet, dog adoption is a compassionate choice anyone can make.
Let us guide you through the important factors to consider and the steps involved in how to adopt a dog in Dubai.
Why You Should Adopt a Dog
Numerous stray and abandoned dogs need permanent homes in Dubai.The transient nature of life in the city is a contributing factor to why dogs have become strays, abandoned, or surrendered by owners facing problems.
Fortunately, licensed rescue organisations and animal welfare societies care for these homeless dogs. You can also participate in this initiative by adopting a dog in need and giving it a chance to live in a loving home.
If you’re still not convinced, here are reasons for adopting a dog in Dubai:
Adoption reduces the number of homeless animals in Dubai.
Dogs are loving companions that offer unconditional support, improving your mental and emotional health.
Owning a dog, especially a rescued one, can encourage you to have a more active lifestyle since you need to walk and play with your dog daily.
You can make new friends through social events and gatherings with other dog rescuers.
Adoption fees as significantly lower compared to buying from breeders. Also, many dog shelters in Dubai already include vaccines and microchips in the adoption fees.
These are only some of the benefits that come with the adoption of dogs in Dubai.
Things to Know Before You Adopt a Dog in Dubai
Before adopting a dog in Dubai, it’s important to make sure you’re ready, both emotionally and practically. Here are key things to consider before bringing a dog home:
Make sure your tenancy contract allows pets
Many apartments or villas have rules against dog ownership. Always confirm with your landlord and get written permission if needed.
Check if your neighbourhood is pet-friendly
Look for quiet walking areas, green spaces, or nearby pet services like groomers and dog daycares. Living in a pet-supportive community makes everyday life easier for both you and your dog.
Think about your dog's daily schedule
Dogs need time, attention, and a routine. If you’re out most of the day, consider who will care for your dog, such as a family member, dog walker, or daycare.
Choose a dog breed that matches your lifestyle
Some dogs need lots of space and exercise, while others are calm and better suited to smaller homes. If you have children, look for a dog with a gentle, patient nature. Rescue teams can help you find the right match. Consider the temperament and behaviors of a dog breed and choose one that could match your energy level and personality.
Learn the local rules for owning a dog in Dubai
Dogs must be vaccinated, microchipped, and registered with Dubai Municipality. They must also be on a lead in public, and some breeds are not allowed. Understanding these rules keeps you and your pet safe.
Be ready for a long-term commitment
Dogs live for many years and need food, medical care, training, and attention throughout their lives. If you’re unsure, fostering a dog first is a great way to help and gain experience.
Adopting a Dog: Legal Requirements in Dubai
When adopting a dog in Dubai, it’s important to understand and follow the local rules. These laws are in place to keep pets, people, and the community safe. If this is your first time owning a dog in the UAE, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid any issues later on.
Microchipping and Vaccinations
All dogs in Dubai must be microchipped and vaccinated.
Microchipping gives your dog a permanent ID. It’s a small chip placed under the skin, and it helps reunite you with your dog if they ever get lost.
Vaccinations protect your dog from serious illnesses. Most rescue centres will already vaccinate the dog before adoption, but you’ll need to keep up with booster shots.
Core vaccines usually cover rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and other common diseases. Your vet will give you a schedule based on your dog’s age and health.
When adopting, make sure you receive a vaccination record and microchip details. Keep these documents safe, as you’ll need them for registration.
Leash Laws and Banned Breeds
In Dubai, dog owners must follow leash rules in public places.
Dogs should always be on a leash when outdoors. This helps avoid accidents and keeps everyone safe.
Dogs are not allowed in most public areas, though service animals are an exception, and a few designated dog-friendly parks and beaches exist in Dubai.
Some dog breeds are banned in the UAE due to safety concerns. These include certain types of guard dogs or breeds with strong protective traits. Always check the updated list before adopting.
Municipality Pet Registration Process
Once you’ve adopted your dog, you must register them with Dubai Municipality.
Registration links your pet’s details to your Emirates ID and confirms you are the legal owner.
Most veterinary clinics in Dubai offer this service and will submit the forms for you. You’ll need your ID, the dog’s microchip number, and vaccination records.
You will receive a pet ID tag, which your dog should wear when outside.
Registration needs to be renewed every year. It's a small step that helps protect your dog and proves you are following the law.
6 Steps on How to Adopt a Dog in Dubai
Before you start rushing to your nearest dog shelter to adopt a furry friend of your own, you should begin by checking if you’re capable and allowed to have a pet. Here are two things you must do first.
1. Check Whether Your Tenancy Contract Allows Pets
To adopt a dog in Dubai, you must first check whether your tenancy contract allows pets and whether your present house is pet-friendly.
Many dog owners in Dubai often neglect to verify if their apartment or building allows dogs. This leads them to abandon their pets or forces them to put them up for adoption. This rule should be specified in your tenancy agreement.
Even if your apartment complex allows pets, you must make sure that your leasing agreement explicitly states that dogs are allowed. Both you and your landlord must sign this agreement to confirm that you can own and care for a dog in your rental unit.
2. Verify if Your Community or Neighborhood is Pet-Friendly
After confirming that your apartment or building allows dogs, the next step is to assess if your community or neighborhood is pet-friendly.
Look for sidewalks where you can enjoy safe walks with your dog. Also, check for nearby pet-friendly establishments or pet care services, such as doggy daycares, pet boarding facilities, and pet grooming salons. Keep these factors in mind, as your pet’s well-being is a top priority.
3. Understand Dubai’s Laws Regarding Pet Ownership
Dubai has strict laws regarding pet ownership and adoption. Dogs and cats must be microchipped, and dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and rabies.
Remember that dogs are not allowed in public parks, beaches, or on public transportation, except for service animals. Dogs must always be on a leash while outside for walks. Certain dog breeds, including pit bulls and mastiffs, are prohibited in Dubai.
You must follow these rules if you want to know how to adopt a dog in Dubai. To make sure that you won’t have any issues in the future, research more on Dubai’s regulations on pet ownership.
4. Get in Touch with a Rescue Organisation or Animal Shelter
When adopting a dog in Dubai, it is important to choose a licensed rescue organisation within the UAE. To discern whether the rescue organisation is licensed or not, simply check if they have all the necessary permits and government approvals in place.
If you’re looking for a sighthound to adopt, you can try contacting House of Hounds. They rescue abandoned, neglected, and surrendered hounds all over the UAE.
These are trusted organisations that operate locally and work with rescue dogs in need of forever homes:
K9 Friends: Over 120 dogs; thorough vetting process
Amanda’s Animal Rescue: Focus on mixed-breed and small dogs
Noble Veterinary Clinics: Hosts Dog Adoption Days in partnership with local shelters
Waggy Bond: A pet adoption network connecting adopters with shelter dogs across Dubai
PARA UAE (Protection of Animal Rights Association): A non-profit working to rescue and rehome dogs.
5. Proceed with the Adoption Process
Once you find a reputable animal rescue organization, the next step is to understand and go through the dog adoption process.
The most common process begins with choosing a dog you want to adopt. You can browse the rescue organization’s website or visit their shelter. Other organizations prefer that you complete an adoption application form first.
Either way, you’ll be expected to fill out the application form. You’ll need to provide information about your experience with animals, living situation, and overall lifestyle. Some organizations also conduct interviews and home visits to ensure your house is a suitable environment for dogs.
If everything checks out, you’re ready for the next steps to adopting a dog.
6. Pay the Adoption Fees
Paying an adoption fee is usually the final step in adopting a dog in Dubai. The fees would depend on the animal rescue group you’re working with. These typically range from AED 1,500 to 2,500.
The money you give for the dog’s adoption will help with the costs of specific treatments they perform on every rescued animal, such as microchipping, initial vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, and neutering/spaying the animal if necessary.
It will also help with the organization’s operations allowing them to continue helping homeless dogs find a home.
Caring for Your New Dog Post-Adoption
Congratulations on completing the adoption process! You’re now the proud owner of a brave and loving dog. By this time, you should already know how to care for dogs. If you’re just starting to learn, here’s a quick list of dos and don’ts you must follow.
Dog Proofing Your Home
Dog proofing your home helps keep your dog safe and gives them a better start in their new environment. Begin by removing anything that could be harmful or tempting, such as exposed wires, cleaning products, or small objects. Use baby gates to block off certain rooms and keep windows and doors securely closed.
Keep your dog’s area quiet, especially during the first few days. Making small changes like these early on will help your dog settle in more comfortably and reduce the risk of accidents as they explore their new home.
Visit a Veterinarian
Your newly adopted dog should already have the core vaccines from the rescue shelter. However, some vaccines need to be taken annually or every few years. This will depend on the breed and size of your dog.
Find a veterinarian you can trust for regular check-ups and scheduled vaccinations for your new dog. It’ll also be great to introduce your dog to a vet of your choice as early as possible to get him acquainted with the vet visits.
Prevent Overwhelming Your New Dog
If you have other pets at home, don’t put them together in the same room right away. It’s best to have your adopted pet in a separate room for the first few days, gradually increasing its interaction with your other pets.
Your rescue dog will get overwhelmed and might relapse into anxiety or fear if you skip this step. The worst case is your new dog may become too stressed or aggressive.
Start Training Sessions
Training and socialisation for your new pet early is a good way to bond and establish rules in your home. Since it’s a new environment for your dog, it might get confused or develop unwanted habits if not corrected early. However, training a dog requires time, patience, and knowledge about dog behavior.
Your dog doesn’t need to learn fancy tricks. But, they need to learn the basics, like sitting or staying on command and leash manners. You can find trainers or group classes in Dubai to help you with socialising and basic obedience training for your dog.
Don’t Create Dependency
Spending time with your dog is an essential step in gaining their trust, especially if you have just adopted them. But this doesn’t mean that you must shower them with attention 24/7. If your dog becomes too dependent on you, it’ll experience separation anxiety when you need to leave them at home, which might cause its mental and physical health to decline.
To avoid this, create a schedule and routine for your new dog. They should get used to your absence at certain times of the day to prevent anxiety when you’re not around.
Health Essentials After Dog Adoption
Once you bring your dog home, looking after their health becomes part of your daily routine. Starting with the basics ensures your dog stays comfortable, safe, and well-adjusted.
Initial Check-up Checklist
Even if your dog looks healthy, it’s important to check that everything is in order. This first appointment helps confirm your dog's vaccination status, check for signs of illness, and plan its future care.
Bring any medical records given to you by the shelter or rescue group. The vet will do a full body check-up, look at your dog’s ears, eyes, teeth, skin, and weight, and may suggest blood tests if needed.
Core Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations protect your dog from diseases that can be serious or even life-threatening. Most adopted dogs already have their first set of core vaccines, but follow-up doses are usually needed.
Your vet will guide you based on your dog’s age and history. Core vaccines typically protect against rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and leptospirosis. Some vaccines require a second or third dose, so it’s good to stay on schedule.
Deworming and Flea Treatment
Deworming is important for both your dog’s health and your family’s. Dogs can carry worms without showing signs, so regular treatment helps prevent issues like stomach problems, weight loss, and infection.
Flea and tick control is also essential, especially in warm climates like Dubai. Many dogs from shelters may have been exposed to fleas or other parasites.
Dental Care
Dental health is often missed in the early days of adoption, but it’s an important part of your dog’s overall wellbeing. Gum disease and tooth decay can cause pain and lead to other health problems.
Start by asking your vet to check your dog’s teeth during the first visit. You can support their dental health with proper food, chew toys, and regular brushing at home. Some dogs may also need professional cleaning from time to time.
Final Thoughts on How to Adopt a Dog in Dubai
A dog is a man’s best friend; they are loyal, and you will not feel lonely when they’re by your side. Sadly, there are many stray and abandoned dogs looking for a permanent home. If you adopt a dog in Dubai, you can give them a new home and shower them with love.
The dog adoption process in Dubai includes checking whether your tenancy contract allows pets and if your neighborhood is pet-friendly. It also involved doing some research on laws regarding pet ownership in Dubai, as well as getting in touch with a licensed rescue organization.
Remember to prepare your home to welcome your new pet even before learning how to adopt a dog in Dubai. Provide a warm and cozy place where they can sleep, eat, and feel safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does dog adoption cost in Dubai?
Adoption fees in Dubai usually range between AED 1,250 and AED 2,950. The cost depends on the type and age of the dog, mixed-breed adults are generally less than pure-breed puppies.
Can I adopt if I live in an apartment?
Yes, you can adopt a dog while living in an apartment, but you must have written permission from your landlord. Some shelters may also restrict puppy adoptions for apartments because house training in smaller spaces can be difficult. Always check your building’s pet policy before starting the adoption process.
What breeds can’t be adopted in the UAE?
Yes, the UAE has restrictions on certain breeds due to safety concerns. These usually include guard and fighting breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Mastiffs. If you’re unsure, speak with the shelter or your vet before adoption to ensure your chosen dog complies with local rules.
Is it expensive to keep a dog in Dubai?
Caring for a dog in Dubai comes with ongoing costs. You’ll need to budget for food, grooming, annual vaccinations, registration with the municipality, and possible vet visits. Some owners also use dog walkers or daycare services.
What support is available for new adopters?
Most shelters in Dubai offer advice before and after adoption. Some provide a settling-in guide or help with basic training referrals. Local vet clinics may also support new adopters with wellness packages, vaccination plans, or behavioural advice.
