Dubai, en.SERU.co.id — Pet abandonment remains a concern in Dubai, with rescue groups reporting cats and dogs left in apartments, tied to poles or dropped near shelters.
The problem is partly linked to Dubai’s large expatriate population. Many residents live in the UAE on limited-term contracts and may leave the country after several years. Some struggle to take their pets with them when they relocate.
Moving a pet out of the UAE requires vaccinations, blood tests, export permits and air-cargo arrangements. The process can take weeks or months and cost thousands of dirhams, making sudden relocation difficult for some owners.
The situation worsened in March 2026 as regional tensions increased. K9 Friends Dubai and Six Hounds reported receiving more requests from owners seeking to surrender their pets.
Anso Stander, founder of Six Hounds in Al Ain, said she received 27 messages in one day from people asking the shelter to take their pets before they left. Some owners reportedly said they would abandon the animals if the shelter could not accept them.
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Other rescue workers have pointed to financial pressure and impulse purchases as additional factors. Khaleej Times reported in June that some purebred cats and dogs are bought because of social media trends before being surrendered when owners can no longer afford their care or need to move.
Rescue organizations continue to urge residents to consider the long-term costs and responsibilities of pet ownership before adopting or buying an animal.
Abandoning pets violates UAE animal welfare laws and can result in fines.
