Adoption & foster event – every Saturday in Dubai
- tiina
- Jun 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 18
Meet rescue dogs looking for homes
Looking to adopt or foster a dog in the UAE? Every Saturday, we bring some of our rescue dogs to the Petshop Megastore in DIP (Dubai Investment Parks), where you can stop by, meet them, and maybe even fall in love.
Our shelter is based in Umm Al Quwain, where 1,500 rescued, surrendered or abandoned dogs live and are cared for every day. It's a safe and secure space for dogs who’ve been through a lot — but it’s not the easiest spot for most people to visit. That’s why we hold weekly adoption and foster events in Dubai: to give them a real chance to be seen, connect with people, and hopefully find their forever homes. The Petshop Megastore is easy to get to, and full of everything you might need if you're planning to welcome a dog into your life.
What to expect at the adoption & foster event
Every Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM, we bring a mix of around 15 adult dogs (mostly medium to large size desert dogs) and 10 puppies or juniors. No two events are the same — we rotate the dogs each week to give more of them a chance to be seen and find homes.
You’re welcome to stop by, chat with our team, and spend some time getting to know the dogs. Some are shy, some are goofy, and some will try to climb into your lap five minutes after meeting you. That’s part of the magic.
Meet the core team of our rehoming operations
Our events are run entirely by a small but mighty team of volunteers who know the dogs inside out and love what they do:
Fiona from Ireland Fiona has been leading the rehoming efforts in Dubai for over 11 years and is the heart of the operation.
-------------------------
Seema from India A familiar name and face to many adopters and fosters. She’s helped countless dogs find their homes since 2019.
Amy from The Netherlands
With us for nearly 5 years, Amy keeps things organised and makes sure volunteers (old and new) feel at home.
Ludmila from Bulgaria
Often found visiting schools to educate children about animal welfare, she’s also been part of the team and helped countless dogs find homes for more than 6 years.
Becca from The UK Even after becoming a mum, Becca has stayed a steady part of the team for over 6 years, helping dogs into new families.
The core team ladies are joined each week by up to 10 additional volunteers who help with everything from transporting dogs and setting up everything to cleaning pens and capturing lovely photos for our social media.
Thinking of adopting or fostering?
If you’ve filled out an adoption or foster application and been approved, you can go home with a dog the same day — after speaking to one of our core team members and making sure it's a good match.
We’ll provide a harness and double leash to keep things secure, and a starter pack (bed, food, bowls) if needed and if available. You're also welcome to browse and buy supplies directly from the Petshop Megastore.
And don’t worry — you’re not on your own. You’ll be assigned a POC (point of contact) from our team who will be there to support you, whether you’re fostering or adopting.
Plus, every adoption comes with a 2 week trial period.
This gives everyone — especially the dog — a chance to settle in and make sure it’s a good fit.
Just visiting? That’s fine too!
Not quite ready to take a dog home? No problem. Come say hello, ask questions, and enjoy the company of some very good dogs. We’re always happy to chat.
Want to volunteer?
Many of our regular volunteers started by simply showing up to an event. If you'd like to help out — whether it's for one Saturday or more — we’d love to have you. Learn more and sign up here: straydogscenteruae.com/volunteer
Join us this Saturday
Where: Petshop Megastore, Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
When: Every Saturday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
It’s a lovely event, full of friendly people, wagging tails, and second chances. Whether you're ready to adopt, thinking about fostering, or just want to cuddle a few rescue dogs — you're warmly welcome. 🐾✨
FAQ
Can I adopt a dog the same day?
Yes, if you’ve completed and been approved through our adopt/foster application and spoken to our team at the event, with their permission you can take a doggy home for a 2 week trial period. Adoptions will be finalised after the trial and home visit, if all parties are happy.
What should I bring?
Just yourself, and a car for safe transport. We’ll provide the essentials if needed. If you already have collars, harnesses or leashes you want to use, please do. And If those are not a fit, we're happy to take them as donations for other doggies.
Do I have to adopt or foster to attend?
Nope! Anyone is welcome to come meet the dogs, ask questions, or just hang out.
What kind of dogs will I meet?
Every week we bring different dogs, mostly medium to large desert dogs, huskies and occasionally other pure breeds or even small dogs, depending on who we have ready for homes. All have different personalities and ages — and a handful of playful puppies too.
What support do I get after taking a dog home?
Wether fostering or adopting, you’ll have a dedicated team member assigned as your contact who will support you through each step and a trial period to make sure everyone (including your new dog) is happy and settled. Read all about adopting from SDC
Have you been to our adoption & foster events?
Have you visited one of our events — or maybe even found your furry soulmate there?
We’d love to hear your story! Drop us a comment below and tell us how you met your dog, what the experience was like, or what made you decide to come.
Your story might be just the encouragement someone else needs to come visit and meet their future best friend too!
Read next:
留言