How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Dubai?

Different rescue organisations charge different amounts, but that will all depend on the good will of the vets that they use and how much of a discount they get. Adoption fees range between AED 1500-2500.

I've heard many people say they're doing the rescuers a favour by taking the dog off their hands and don't see why they should have to pay an adoption fee. I'm sure a lot of people think that fee goes into the pocket of the rescuer, but more often than not, it is the rescuer digging deep into their pockets, after the adoption fee is made to pay the vet bill for all other costs involved.

When a dog is surrendered or more often the case, dumped or found wandering the streets, the dog will be taken to the vets, where a full health check is carried out, it will be dewormed and given up to date, relevant injections. This alone can cost AED 1000, and can be several thousand if the dog is injured or unwell.

The next step is to get the dog spayed or neutered, most 'dumped' dogs usually aren't spayed or neutered. The cost for a medium size dog is in the region of AED 1150. The dog then needs to be microchipped, around AED 200.

Once the dog has been through, and during, the above process, the dog will require somewhere to live. Kennelling ranges from AED 60-80 per night at a minimum cost, so unless the dog can be adopted straight away and a foster family isn't available the costs add up rapidly.

Another argument heard from people wanting to adopt a dog are 'you chose to rescue it' and they often don't see why they're being asked to pay kennelling costs. But as you can see from above, kennelling is usually funded by the rescuer, either personally or through donations.

These costs vary greatly and are just an approximation, breed, size and health of dog need to be taken into account, but you do get an awful lot of dog and peace of mind for your money.

A puppy bought through a pet shop or imported from abroad will cost around AED 4000 upwards, and there is no guarantee that they are in good health and the owner will still have to bare the costs for spaying or neutering and injections.

There are 1000's of dogs in Dubai that need homes, not many pure breeds are available, but there are a lot of puppies and young dogs that come up for adoption weekly.

By adopting, not only do you get a loving, healthy companion and friend, you provide a much needed home for a desperate dog and help the rescuers continue their good work.

Stray cats in Dubai

When we moved into our villas we had a stray living in one of the out buildings, she hangs around, I occasionally feed her and make sure there is water available for her every day. There is plenty of shade in the garden and she seems to be doing ok.

The last week, I've heard movement in the bushes but not seen her around, when she did put in an appearance she looked like she'd given birth recently.

On closer inspection it would appear she's had recent surgery, her fur was shaved and she had a small scar on her side. 

It would appear someone is looking after her or she has been part of the government sterilisation scheme, where strays are rounded up, neutered and released back on the street. I've asked the neighbours about her, but no one has said they're looking over her.

Over the last two nights I have seen the kittens at night time, there are 3 of them, they're not around during the day so I've had trouble getting photos. I've been leaving biscuits out, mum eats some, them calls the kittens in and while they eat she keeps guard with a hiss and growl in my direction.

I did manage to get this photo last night, after taking the torch out with me and waiting for them to appear. As you can see from the look on her face she's not happy to me.