Dubai: Dubai Municipality has opened a new integrated pet shelter at the Birds and Pets Market in Warsan and launched a dedicated digital adoption platform, reinforcing efforts to promote animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and the humane management of stray companion animals.The initiative is part of Dubai Municipality's broader commitment to strengthening veterinary services and creating a compassionate, sustainable environment for animals in line with Dubai's humanitarian values and quality-of-life objectives.The project also supports the goals of the Dubai Civility Committee by contributing to the emirate's urban appearance, encouraging positive community behaviour and promoting compassion and responsible civic practices.Digital adoption platform launchedCoinciding with the opening of the shelter, Dubai Municipality introduced a digital adoption platform that allows residents to browse animals available for adoption and view information about their health and behavioural profiles.The platform is designed to simplify the adoption process and help prospective owners make informed decisions based on the needs and characteristics of each animal.Comprehensive animal careThe new shelter provides a safe and humane environment for stray and loose companion animals and offers a range of services including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, grooming and adoption.Animals receive comprehensive care in accordance with internationally recognised health and welfare standards before being matched with suitable adoptive families.The facility includes:A Customer Happiness CentreA dedicated pre-adoption viewing areaInteractive adoption roomsA fully equipped veterinary clinicA state-of-the-art surgical operating theatreA pet grooming unitA rehabilitation and reception area for rescued animalsA centre dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners following verification of ownership detailsPartnerships to strengthen animal welfareAs part of the initiative, Dubai Municipality signed memoranda of understanding with Vets Fur Pets Veterinary Clinic and Phoenix Veterinary Clinic.The partnerships aim to enhance animal welfare standards through the adoption of international best practices, digital solutions and community-focused care initiatives.The agreements cover the treatment and rehabilitation of stray and loose companion animals suffering from injuries or serious illnesses, as well as public awareness programmes focused on responsible pet ownership.As part of the initiative, Dubai Municipality signed memoranda of understanding with Vets Fur Pets Veterinary Clinic and Phoenix Veterinary Clinic.The collaboration also supports humane population management programmes, including Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives for stray cats and treatment and care programmes for stray dogs and cats.In addition, the partnerships will support education campaigns, training programmes, workshops and knowledge-sharing initiatives involving government entities, veterinary professionals, academic institutions, community groups and volunteers.Supporting the ‘One Health’ approachDr Naseem Mohammed Rafei, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the shelter marks an important step in the development of public health and veterinary services across the emirate.“The shelter supports the ‘One Health’ approach by recognising the close relationship between human, animal and environmental health,” Dr Rafei said.“It also encourages responsible adoption and pet ownership while reinforcing the values of compassion, humanity and civic responsibility that support Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live in.”Dubai Municipality said it continues to follow a scientific and humane approach to managing stray and loose companion animals through initiatives including the internationally recognised Trap-Neuter-Return programme and, where appropriate, the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return programme.Earlier this year, the municipality also launched the region's first "Ihsan" smart feeding stations, deploying 12 AI-powered feeding units across Dubai to support animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
