Dubai Municipality opened a new integrated shelter at the Birds and Pets Market in Warsan in July to give animals a safe place to recover, receive care and, hopefully, find a permanent home. Cat lovers can find a new companion at the new facility, while the Municipality's shelter in Al Khawaneej houses dogs and handles their adoption.

The shelters are part of the Municipality's efforts to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, with pets receiving proper veterinary care before being matched with suitable families.

The animals at both shelters are mainly strays, abandoned, rescued, lost-and-found or surrendered pets. They reach the shelters through the Municipality's Veterinary Control Section and through private pest control companies authorised by Dubai Municipality as part of the animal welfare and TNR (trap-neuter-release) stray cat management programme.

Before adoption, the animals are vaccinated, microchipped and given veterinary checks. Prospective owners are expected to show valid identification and proof of residence, and to confirm that their housing allows pets.

Residents interested in adopting can visit the shelters in Warsan and Al Khawaneej or contact Dubai Municipality through its official channels.

(Source: Khaleej Times)