Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter

The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter, located along Sweihan Road in the Al Shamkhah area of Abu Dhabi Emirate, is the first official animal shelter established for cats and dogs in the entire Abu Dhabi Emirate. Founded following a decision by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council on 15th April 2010, the shelter operates under the management of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and has become a cornerstone of animal welfare in the region. With a 3.8-star rating on Google Maps based on 117 reviews, the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter has earned recognition for its professional adoption processes, clean facilities, and compassionate staff who dedicate themselves to the care and rehoming of stray and abandoned animals.

Positioned between Abu Dhabi International Airport and Al Shamkha on the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital site, the shelter provides a vital service to the community by offering a structured, transparent pathway for residents to adopt cats and dogs that have been rescued from the streets. The shelter's motto, "Adopt, Don't Shop," reflects its core commitment to saving animal lives through adoption rather than commercial breeding, encouraging residents to find their new best friend among the many pets waiting for a loving home.

Services at Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter

The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support animal welfare, pet adoption, and community engagement across Abu Dhabi Emirate. Each service addresses a different aspect of the shelter's mission to protect and rehome stray animals.

Pet Adoption Program

The centerpiece of the shelter's work is its pet adoption service. Prospective adopters can browse available cats and dogs through the shelter's website, viewing detailed profiles that include each animal's Pet ID, species, breed, age, gender, and color. The shelter regularly features a variety of animals — from Domestic Shorthair cats to breeds like Shih Tzu Mix, Saluki Mix, Golden Retriever, and Alaskan Malamute dogs. The adoption process is designed to be smooth and transparent, as confirmed by multiple Google Maps reviewers who described their experience as professional and well-organized.

Wish a Pet Service

For residents who have a specific type of pet in mind but do not find it among the currently available animals, the shelter offers a unique "Wish a Pet" service. Visitors can submit details about the pet they wish to adopt, and the shelter will alert them when a matching animal becomes available. This service helps connect potential adopters with their ideal companion while ensuring that more animals find suitable homes.

Lost and Found Register

The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter provides a Lost and Found registration service for community members who have either lost or found a cat or dog. This resource allows residents to list lost pets and report found animals, creating a centralized system that increases the chances of reunification between pets and their owners. The shelter maintains lists of both lost and found animals on its website for easy reference.

Kitten and Puppy Nurseries

The shelter operates dedicated Kitten Nursery and Puppy Nursery programs that provide specialized care for young animals who arrive at the facility. These nurseries ensure that vulnerable kittens and puppies receive the attention, nutrition, and medical care they need during their earliest and most fragile stages of life before they are ready for adoption.

TNR Program of Abu Dhabi Emirate

Since June 1st, 2010, the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter has operated the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program as the only authorized veterinary hospital for the Emirate. The program was implemented in two phases: Phase 1 involved returning neutered feral cats to their original areas while dogs remained at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital awaiting adoption. Phase 2 commenced after the shelter's catteries and kennels opened, allowing homable cats and dogs to be housed for adoption. Cats that cannot be rehomed are returned to their original location following neutering, following best international practices from Europe, the USA, and Australia.

Pet Care Center

The treatment of cats and dogs at the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter is provided by the ADFH Pet Care Center, which also offers veterinary appointment booking through the shelter's website. Residents can book appointments for their pets online by filling out a form with personal information and pet details, including species, breed, visit date, and preferred time slot.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter holds a 3.8-star rating on Google Maps based on 117 reviews. Google Maps reviewers consistently highlight several recurring themes that define the shelter experience. Many reviewers praise the adoption process specifically, describing it as smooth, transparent, and professional. One reviewer, Renju Nair, a Local Guide with over 160 reviews, stated that the entire adoption process for their cat proceeded seamlessly and that the staff were friendly and competent. Another recurring theme in reviews is the cleanliness and maintenance of the shelter facilities. Architect E.A. Gonzales, a Local Guide, noted that the shelter is clean and well-maintained, and that their adopted cat was well cared for, offering praise to the shelter and all its staff members for their loving animal care. Reviewers also frequently mention the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff. Mohammad Al-Khalaf described the service as top-notch and incredibly helpful, expressing appreciation for dealing with people who genuinely care about their clients' wellbeing. The consistent mentions of staff friendliness, facility cleanliness, and a well-run adoption process paint a picture of a shelter that prioritizes both animal welfare and visitor experience.

Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter in Al Shamkhah

The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter is situated on Sweihan Road in the Al Shamkhah district (SH34) of Abu Dhabi, strategically positioned between Abu Dhabi International Airport and Al Shamkha on the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital site. This location places the shelter in a growing residential area of Abu Dhabi, accessible to families and individuals across the Emirate. The shelter's postal address is P.O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, UAE. According to the shelter's website, operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though the shelter is closed on certain days. Google Maps data indicates additional hours of 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM and 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM for specific days, so visitors are encouraged to confirm current hours before planning a visit. The shelter can be reached by phone at +971 2 575 5155 or through the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital's main line at +971 2 8858100.

What Sets Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter Apart

The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter stands out as the first and only government-mandated animal shelter for the Abu Dhabi Emirate, established by formal decision of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. This official status means the shelter operates with institutional backing and follows internationally recognized best practices for managing feral cat and stray dog populations. The shelter's management by the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital — an institution with established veterinary expertise — ensures that animals receive professional medical care throughout their stay. The TNR program represents a significant regional milestone, as it implements a humane, evidence-based approach to population management that has been validated in Europe, the USA, and Australia. The shelter's comprehensive service offerings — from adoption and wish lists to lost-and-found registries and dedicated nurseries for young animals — create a full ecosystem of animal welfare services that few shelters in the region can match. The shelter also provides educational resources through its website, including guides on good care for cats and dogs, information on animal care in Islam, and answers to frequently asked questions about the adoption process.

Common Questions

How do I adopt a pet from Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter?

You can start the adoption process by visiting the shelter's website to view available pets, each listed with a unique Pet ID, breed, age, gender, and color details. When you find a pet you are interested in, click "Meet Me" to begin the process. You can also visit the shelter in person during operating hours, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

What if the type of pet I want is not currently available?

The shelter offers a "Wish a Pet" service where you can describe the type of pet you are looking for. When a matching animal becomes available, the shelter will notify you so you can consider adoption.

I lost my cat or dog — can the shelter help?

Yes. The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter maintains a Lost and Found Register on its website where you can list a lost pet or report a found animal. This centralized system helps reunite pets with their owners across Abu Dhabi Emirate.

What is the TNR program?

The Trap-Neuter-Return program is the shelter's authorized approach to managing feral cat and stray dog populations in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Feral cats are trapped, neutered, and returned to their original areas, while homable cats and dogs are kept at the shelter for adoption. The program follows international best practices and has been operating since June 2010.

What are the shelter's operating hours?

According to the shelter's website, hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The shelter is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors should confirm current hours by calling +971 2 575 5155 before visiting, as hours may vary on certain days.

Can I register my own pet for adoption through the shelter?

Yes, the shelter offers a "Register Pets for Adoption" service on its website where owners can list their pets for adoption, expanding the pool of animals available to prospective adopters.

Does the shelter provide veterinary care for adopted pets?

The ADFH Pet Care Center, which operates alongside the shelter, provides veterinary treatment for shelter animals and also offers appointment booking for general pet care services. You can book an appointment through the shelter's website.

Whether you are looking to adopt a cat or dog, report a lost pet, or learn more about animal welfare in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter provides a professional and compassionate resource for the community. Compare animal shelters and pet services on Ilistify to find the right match for your needs before making your decision.