Dog Adoption in Dubai (2026): Where to Adopt a Dog or Puppy
Where to adopt a dog or puppy in Dubai and the UAE in 2026: Dubai Municipality's clinic in Al Khawaneej, K9 Friends, Stray Dogs Center, RAK and Fujairah, with current fees, the rules you have to satisfy and what each rescue asks of you.
Dog adoption in Dubai takes more paperwork than adopting a cat, and the dogs waiting are mostly adult strays rather than puppies — which is the part worth knowing, because an adult dog whose temperament the shelter already understands is usually the easier first dog. Dubai Municipality rehomes dogs from its clinic in Al Khawaneej for service fees of about AED 260, and rescues across the UAE place hundreds more each year. This guide lists who has dogs in 2026, what they charge, and the rules you have to satisfy before you bring one home. Looking for a cat instead? See our guide to cat adoption in the UAE, or read about the Dubai Municipality animal shelter in Warsan, which rehomes cats.
Last checked 24 October 2026.
Where to adopt a dog in the UAE, at a glance
| Organisation | Emirate | Fee | How to adopt | Adoption days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM Veterinary Clinic, Al Khawaneej | Dubai | About AED 260 in service fees | DubaiNow, the DM website or the Aleef app | By appointment |
| K9 Friends | Dubai, Jebel Ali | AED 1,250–2,950 | Phone first, then an appointment | Mon–Thu 9am–1pm |
| Stray Dogs Center UAE | Umm Al Quwain | AED 1,900 | Pre-approval form | Sat 11am–2pm, Dubai Investment Park |
| RAK Animal Welfare Centre | Ras Al Khaimah | Not stated | Form and interview | Call before visiting |
| Animals and Us | Fujairah | AED 1,500 | Form, screening, video call | Most weekends |
| Yanni Animal Welfare (YAW) | Dubai | Paid at the end of the trial | Choose, then questionnaire | Office Sun–Thu 12–8pm |
| Amanda's Animal Rescue | Sharjah and Dubai | Not stated | Questionnaire in advance | Regular adoption days |
| RescueME | UAE-wide | Not published | Short form, then home visit | By arrangement |
Where to adopt a dog or puppy
1. Dubai Municipality Veterinary Clinic, Al Khawaneej
This is Dubai Municipality’s dog adoption point, and much the cheapest route. The Warsan shelter rehomes cats, not dogs — see our guide to the Warsan shelter if that is what you are after. The service fees are itemised rather than a single adoption price, so ask what applies to the dog you are meeting.
2. K9 Friends
The longest-running dog rescue in the country, and the most structured. Bringing your existing dog to the meeting is not a formality — it is how they judge whether the match will work. More at k9friends.com.
3. Stray Dogs Center UAE
The easiest place on this list to meet dogs without an appointment: the Saturday adoption day in Dubai Investment Park brings the dogs to you rather than asking you to drive to Umm Al Quwain. The centre depends heavily on donations and fostering. More at straydogscenteruae.com.
4. RAK Animal Welfare Centre
The busiest shelter outside Dubai, and the one most likely to have a dog ready to go the same week. Have the documents with you rather than promising to send them on. More at rakawc.com.
5. Animals and Us, Fujairah
The longest trial of any rescue here, which is worth having if you are not certain. More at aauf.ae.
6. Yanni Animal Welfare (YAW Dubai)
Ask what the fee will be before you start the process, since it is not published in advance. More at yawdubai.com.
7. Amanda's Animal Rescue
A smaller rescue that works through adoption days rather than a shelter you can visit, so fill in the questionnaire before the day rather than turning up to it.
8. RescueME
The lightest process here, and a reasonable first enquiry if the longer trials put you off. More at rescueme.ae.
What dog adoption costs in Dubai and the UAE
| Route | Fee |
|---|---|
| DM Veterinary Clinic, Al Khawaneej | About AED 260 in service fees |
| K9 Friends | AED 1,250–2,950 |
| Stray Dogs Center | AED 1,900 |
| Animals and Us | AED 1,500 |
The rules before you adopt
Registration and microchipping
A dog in Dubai must be microchipped and registered with Dubai Municipality. Registration is AED 10 and the microchip AED 50, done at a DM veterinary clinic or through the Aleef or DubaiNow apps. In Abu Dhabi, registration through TAMM has been mandatory since 3 February 2026, with a grace period before a Dh1,000 fine applies.
Vaccination
Dubai Municipality lists rabies and DHPPi for dogs. Your rescue or shelter will usually have done both before the dog leaves, and should hand over the record.
Your tenancy
Get written permission from your landlord and your building before you apply, not after. It is the condition rescues most often turn adopters down on, and K9 Friends asks for it outright.
Restricted breeds
Under Federal Law No. 22 of 2016, as amended by Ministerial Decree 190 of 2021, these cannot be owned, bred, traded or imported:
- Pit Bull types, including the American Pit Bull, the American Bully and the Staffordshire terrier
- Mastiffs: Brazilian, Argentine, Tibetan, South African, Italian and Indian, and the Bullmastiff
- The Japanese Tosa and the Perro de Presa Canario
Where you can walk them
Dogs must be on a collar and leash in any public place in Dubai, and are not allowed in municipal public parks or on public beaches. Our guides to dog parks in Dubai and dog beaches in Dubai and the UAE list the places that do welcome them.
Bringing your dog home
Have the basics ready before the dog arrives, because the first few days are not the time to be shopping. You will need a collar with an ID tag, a leash and a well-fitted harness — a harness gives you more control with a dog that has never been walked on a lead — plus a bed of its own, puppy food or adult dog food depending on age, and flea and tick protection, which matters more here than in most climates.
Ask the shelter what the dog has been eating and keep it on that for the first week, then change over gradually. Book a vet in the first week so someone local has the dog on file. See our guides to vet clinics in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah and Ajman.
Frequently asked questions
Can I adopt a dog from Dubai Municipality?
Yes. Dubai Municipality rehomes dogs from its veterinary clinic in Al Khawaneej. Apply on the DubaiNow app, the Dubai Municipality website or the Aleef app. You must be 21 or over, and the service fees are about AED 260.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Dubai?
About AED 260 in service fees through Dubai Municipality, and AED 1,250–2,950 through rescues such as K9 Friends and Stray Dogs Center. Fees usually include vaccination, microchip and neutering.
Which dog breeds are not allowed in Dubai?
UAE federal law bans keeping Pit Bull types (including the American Bully and Staffordshire terrier), several Mastiff breeds, the Japanese Tosa and the Perro de Presa Canario.
Where can I meet dogs for adoption in Dubai?
Stray Dogs Center holds an adoption day every Saturday from 11am to 2pm at The Petshop Megastore in Dubai Investment Park. K9 Friends in Jebel Ali sees adopters by appointment.
Can I adopt a dog if I live in an apartment?
Often yes, with written permission from your landlord and building management. Rescues may steer young, high-energy puppies to homes with outdoor space.
Fees, hours and adoption rules change. Each entry names what was checked on 24 October 2026; confirm with the organisation before you travel. If something here is out of date, email [email protected].
