On 27 July 2026, Dubai Municipality proudly announced the opening of a comprehensive new shelter for pets located in the Birds and Pets Market in the Wursan area. This initiative marks a significant enhancement to the veterinary services available in the Emirate, reflecting the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to nurturing compassion, animal welfare, and integrating these principles into the community’s culture, which is a hallmark of Dubai’s civilised and humane society.
Advancing Animal Welfare and Adoption Culture
The pet shelter project is part of Dubai Municipality’s sustained efforts to create a safe and humane environment for stray and abandoned animals, promoting responsible adoption and reducing the population of stray animals. The shelter aims to provide a holistic range of services centred on animal care, adhering to international health standards, and facilitating the rehabilitation of animals before they are placed into loving homes that ensure a secure and healthy life.
Strategic Partnerships for Animal Health
To complement the goals of the shelter, Dubai Municipality has signed a cooperation agreement with “VetsView Pets Veterinary Clinic” and “Phoenix Veterinary Clinic”. These partnerships are designed to guarantee the health and well-being of the animals, establishing a leading humane model for animal care that merges best scientific practices, digital innovation, and deeply-rooted values of compassion as reflected in the UAE’s heritage and Islamic teachings. The agreements are aimed at creating a framework for collaboration in treating stray pets suffering from severe injuries or illnesses, ultimately improving their health conditions and rehabilitation prospects.
Community Awareness and Responsible Pet Ownership
In addition to implementing best practices in humane management and care for community animals, the project includes launching community awareness programmes about responsible pet ownership and proper care techniques. The cooperation encompasses several initiatives, including humane and sustainable methods for managing animal populations within the community, surgical sterilisation programmes for stray cats, and healthcare services for stray pets, including both dogs and cats.
Convenient Pet Adoption Platform
Alongside the shelter’s inauguration, Dubai Municipality unveiled a dedicated website aimed at facilitating the pet adoption process. This platform allows users to browse through available animals, providing insights into their health and behavioural conditions to assist in making informed adoption decisions.
Modern Facilities Designed for Animal Care
The shelter features a comprehensive array of state-of-the-art facilities designed following global best practices in animal care. Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafei, Acting Executive Director of the Environment, Health, and Safety Department at Dubai Municipality, stated that the new pet shelter represents a supportive step in developing Dubai’s public health and veterinary services, aiming for these to be more sustainable, efficient, and proactive.