85 Cats Adopted in Just 10 Days: Dubai Municipality’s New Animal Welfare Shelter Receives Overwhelming Community Support
Dubai Municipality’s newly established Animal Welfare Shelter in Warsan has garnered significant community interest since its launch, successfully placing 85 cats into homes within just ten days. The shelter opened its doors on July 26, and since then, it has attracted hundreds of inquiries from residents eager to adopt rescued animals, according to Dr. Asma Bulshawareb, Senior Veterinarian at Dubai Municipality.
Dr. Asma reported that the shelter’s team is actively managing daily inquiries, highlighting the initiative’s success and the positive feedback received from the community. The public’s support has been instrumental in raising awareness about the shelter and its mission. Dr. Asma noted that the collaboration with residents is making a tangible difference in the lives of the animals.
Emphasis on Responsible Pet Ownership
Dr. Asma emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, urging residents to consider their responsibilities when interacting with stray cats or adopting pets. She advised against removing healthy street cats from their natural habitats, stating that these animals have adapted to outdoor living. Initiatives like the Ehsan stations, implemented by Dubai Municipality, aim to support the survival of animals in their natural environments and maintain ecological balance.
Residents who encounter animals that may belong to someone else are encouraged to contact the shelter. The staff can assist in locating the pet’s owner by scanning for microchips. Dr. Asma reiterated the importance of microchipping and registering pets under their owners’ names as a key aspect of responsible pet ownership.
Adoption Program for Cats and Dogs
The municipality’s pet adoption program primarily focuses on finding homes for cats and dogs, while also occasionally rehoming other animals such as birds and farm animals. Cats are housed at the new Warsan shelter, while dogs are cared for at the Al Khawaneej Veterinary Clinic, which has been operational for a longer period.
Steps to Adopt a Pet
Individuals interested in adopting a pet can begin by visiting Dubai Municipality’s newly launched animal adoption platform. This platform allows potential adopters to browse through available animals. After selecting a pet, they can book an appointment to visit the shelter. For cats, the visit will be at the Animal Welfare Shelter in Warsan, and for dogs, at the Al Khawaneej Veterinary Clinic.
During the visit, prospective adopters can interact with the animals to determine if they are a good fit for their families. Dr. Asma mentioned that visitors are welcome to explore other animals as well. Once a decision is made, a veterinary doctor will assess the adopter’s eligibility and explain the responsibilities involved in caring for the animal.
The assessment includes questions about the adopter’s living situation, previous experience with pets, and any existing pets in the household. Following this, a fee ranging from AED 240 to AED 270 is required to cover the pet’s vaccination, deworming, and microchipping, allowing the new owner to take their companion home.
Community Engagement and Adoption Stories
On a recent Thursday afternoon, community members were seen arriving for their appointments, engaging with the cats available for adoption. Among them was 22-year-old Canadian expat Farah Abu Risheh, who was excited to complete the adoption of a young Persian mix cat. She shared that her family had a cat in Canada, and since moving to Dubai last year, she had been eager to adopt one.
Farah mentioned that her father discovered the shelter and encouraged her to proceed with the adoption. When asked about naming her new pet, she indicated that it would be a family decision, typically made by drawing names from a hat.
Another visitor, 21-year-old Eman Amiri, was at the shelter with her friend, celebrating her birthday with the gift of a cat. Eman expressed her lifelong love for cats and her excitement about finally having one as a companion, stating, “I literally want a best friend. That’s all I want.”
Location and Hours of Operation
The Animal Welfare Shelter is situated in the Birds and Animals Market at Al Warsan. The facility operates from Monday to Thursday, with hours from 8 AM to 3 PM.
For more information on the adoption process and available pets, visit the Dubai Municipality’s animal adoption platform.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-08-06 16:51:00 • By the Editorial Desk
