The Challenges of Operating Stray Dogs Center in the Midst of Conflict
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 17
The past few weeks in the UAE have brought changes that are affecting daily routines, and at Stray Dogs Center, the dogs and our team are also feeling the impact.
Lately new sounds in the skies have been putting the shelter dogs on edge.
Thunderous roars across the skies send the dogs into a barking frenzy. One dog reacts, then another, and within seconds hundreds of voices echo across the center.
The safety of our dog shelter, in the middle of a once serene desert, has been impacted by events beyond our control. With no predictable pattern and at the mercy of the unknown, this is our new reality as we try to navigate these difficult times while continuing our animal rescue and dog rehoming work.
There are over 1,600 rescue dogs in our shelter in UAQ and 100+ more in Dubai, in boarding and foster homes. Life goes on, even in the face of adversity.
Shelter, food and care, the basics to survive, is a challenge to us at Stray Dogs Center at the best of times but the pressure is mounting as we try to stay grounded for the sake of our dogs.
Dogs are returning from foster homes
Fostering plays a hugely important role in giving rescue dogs the chance to experience home life. It helps them adjust, understand their behaviour patterns, and identify their needs in preparation for adoption.
However, the current situation has created a new challenge. Many foster dogs are losing their temporary homes as families prepare to leave the country.
We empathize fully and understand that difficult choices must be made.
But for our rescues, losing their temporary homes, their comfort, safety, and stability, is devastating.
Our options are limited. Unless we can find new foster homes or sponsors for dog boarding, returning them to an already overwhelmed shelter becomes the only option.
The kindness of our community
One thing that has truly touched us during this time is the number of people who have reached out asking how they can help us and the dogs. We have received many messages from supporters offering to volunteer their time, to come to the shelter, or assist in different ways.
That support means more to us than we can express.
Unfortunately, due to the current situation, we have had to place all volunteering activities on hold for the time being, including visits to the shelter and our usual adoption and foster events.
While we cannot welcome volunteers right now, there are still a few incredibly important ways people can help the dogs.
3 most important ways you can help right now:
Adopt a dog or foster
If you are still in the UAE, giving a permanent or temporary home for a dog is one of the most powerful ways you can help. Even a short foster period can make a huge difference. Our team is arranging meet&greet sessions in Dubai to match dogs with families.
Boster a rescue dog
Bostering means helping cover the cost of boarding a dog in Dubai so they can be closer to potential adopters. Boster dogs get a far better chance of being seen, meeting families, and finally finding the homes they deserve.
Support shelter dogs
Help the 1600+ dogs at our shelter by sponsoring food, veterinary care and shelter operations.
We keep going because the dogs depend on us
Every morning at the shelter begins the same way. The dogs need feeding, cleaning, treatment, and comfort. No matter what is happening outside the shelter, their needs remain the same every day.
Walking away is simply not an option.
These rescue dogs depend on us to survive. For most of our dogs, the shelter is the only safe place they have ever known. The shelter is home.
Despite the challenges, we will continue to care for them, protect them, and fight for their future. But during this uncertain time, we need you and our dog-loving community more than ever.
If you can foster, sponsor a dog, or help provide food, you are directly helping us keep going for the dogs who have nowhere else to turn.
Adopt or foster a dog to give them a loving home and free up space at the shelter
Sponsor dogs at the shelter to help cover food, medical care, and shelter maintenance
Boster a dog in boarding to help them stay in Dubai close to the adopters and a real chance of a home
Donate food or supplies, collars, harnesses, leads, beds and other dog items
Spread awareness about the shelter’s needs and the reality these dogs face
Stay safe everyone, and thank you for continuing to support the dogs 🐾
Stay safe ❤️ Thank you for caring for the dogs!