Dogs
Sep 25, 2024
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
In Dubai, numerous stray and abandoned dogs are in search of a permanent home. Unfortunately, many dogs are left homeless due to the transient nature of life in Dubai. They may have become strays, abandoned, or surrendered by owners facing problems.
Fortunately, licensed rescue organizations and animal welfare societies or organizations rescue and care for these dogs. You can also be a part of this – help a dog in need and give them a chance to live in a loving home through adoption.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Understand Dubai’s Laws Regarding Pet Ownership
There are strict laws regarding pet ownership and adoption of dogs in Dubai. Dogs and cats should be microchipped. Also, your dog must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and rabies.
Remember that dogs are not allowed in public parks, beaches, and on public transportation, except for service animals. Dogs must always be on a leash while outside for walks. Also, certain dog breeds are prohibited in Dubai, including pit bulls and mastiffs.
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.
Get in Touch with a Rescue Organization or Animal Shelter
When adopting a dog in Dubai, it is important to choose a licensed rescue organization within the UAE. Licensed groups have all the necessary permits and government approvals in place. There are other groups without proper licensing, so exercise caution and work with a licensed rescue organization.
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.
Proceed with the Adoption Process
Once you find a reputable animal rescue organization, the next step is understanding and going 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.
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.
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.
Don’t Overwhelm Your New Dog with Other Animals
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 separate room for the first few days increasing the interaction with your other pets gradually.
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 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 services to help you with 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 home. This might cause their 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. Still, you can opt for doggy daycare services in Dubai to ensure your dog isn’t sad and home alone.
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.
