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When home isn’t forever: The heartbreak of dog surrender in the UAE

  • tiina
  • May 15
  • 5 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Sad dog surrendered to the shelter
Dog surrenders are surging, leaving shelters beyond capacity. This is what surrender looks like.

A dog’s story: Trust, love—and abandonment


It’s the best part of my day; my family comes home.


First through the door is my tiny hooman, Lucy. She tells me her secrets, gives the best belly rubs, and we snuggle during movie time. Then come my big hoomans — they are my world. When I was small and scared, they saved me. They said they couldn’t imagine life without me. And I believed them. I love them.


Then came the boxes.


I hear them say we’re “moving home.” I thought this was home — but I don’t mind. My home is wherever they are. They’ve packed all my favourite things, even Mr. Snuffles, my best toy. They tell Lucy we’re going on an adventure. She’s crying. I kiss her face to make it better. I’m not worried — I trust them.


We get in the car. I love car rides — wind in my ears, all the smells. But today, the windows stay closed. We stop at a place I’ve never been. A lady with kind eyes meets us. She looks sad. I wag my tail and smile. I always try to be a good girl.


My hoomans kneel, stroke my head, and say, “We’re sorry.”


I don’t understand. But I wag some more — maybe this is part of the adventure? They give me one last pat… then walk away.


The lady holds my lead and keeps me from following them. 

I bark. “Wait! I’m coming too!”

But they don’t stop. They get in the car. They drive away.


I look down. Mr. Snuffles has been left behind. That’s when I know.


The kind-eyed lady gently gathers my things and leads me inside. It’s so loud. Dogs barking everywhere. They’re all scared. All waiting. The air is thick with confusion and sadness. I find a corner and try to disappear. I don’t understand. I just want to go home.


I miss my couch. Our morning walks. Lucy’s secrets. I miss my family.

Why did they leave me here? Wasn’t I a good girl?

Maybe this is temporary. Maybe they’ll come back. I’ll wait.

Because they’re my family.

And family doesn’t leave you…

Right?


A sad, surrendered dog in the shelter
A dog left at the shelter, sad, confused, afraid

The stark reality of dog surrender: Why shelters should be the last option


Every year, more and more families in the UAE are surrendering their dogs. As a result, animal rescue centres and shelters across the country, including Stray Dogs Center, are overwhelmed and overcrowded. Since 2021, the number of dogs in our care has increased by more than 70%. For every dog we rehome, at least two more dogs arrive.


The numbers tell a sobering story: more dogs are coming in than are finding homes, and for many, they will never know the comfort of a home again.The reality is simple: shelters are not a safety net where every dog finds a happy ending. Overcrowding means resources are stretched, and many dogs spend years - sometimes the rest of their lives - waiting for a family that may never come.


Surrendered dogs waiting for their families to return. Many spend the rest of their lives at the shelter.
Surrendered dogs waiting for their people to return. They stay years at the shelter, many for the rest of their lives.

Why surrendering should be the last resort


Surrendering a dog should never be your first option. All shelters in the UAE are at maximum capacity. Most are running on limited resources, with staff and volunteers doing their best to provide care, but nothing replaces a real home.


Before you even consider surrendering your dog, ask yourself: have I explored every other option? Shelters are not designed to absorb the consequences of impulsive decisions or lack of planning. When you leave your dog at a shelter, you are making a choice that could mean a lifetime of waiting, loneliness, and uncertainty for your pet.


The consequences of surrendering a dog are long-lasting:

  • Years spent in a shelter, often in shared spaces

  • Limited human interaction and enrichment

  • Harsh conditions, no air conditioning even in the summer

  • Emotional distress and behavioural decline


White dogs sharing a pen at the shelter. All waiting for homes.
Dogs share pens and have limited human contact at the shelter.

Common reasons for dog surrender in the UAE


The reasons are as varied as the dogs themselves:

  • Relocation:  The UAE is a transient place with lots of expats. People come and go, and pets are often left behind.

  • Financial pressures:  Life changes, and sometimes families think they can’t afford to keep their dog.

  • Time constraints:  Busy schedules or changes at work can make it harder to give a dog the attention they deserve. People think the dog would be better off somewhere else.

  • Housing restrictions: Not all accommodation in the UAE is pet friendly.

  • Behavioural issues: Many dogs just need some training, a little patience, or understanding.


Behind every reason is a confused, loyal dog who doesn’t understand why their world has changed.

 

Responsible alternatives to surrender


1. Seek support

Behavioural issues, financial challenges, relocation, or other changes in circumstances can often be managed with the right support. Dog trainers, animal behaviourists, relocation agents and animal rescue centres can help you.


2. Temporary fostering

If your situation is temporary, ask a trusted friend to care for your dog until you can take them back, or contact dog boarding facilities to discuss your situation and ask for a budget-friendly stay.


3. Rehome responsibly

If you must rehome your dog, work with a licensed rescue to ensure your dog is matched with a suitable, loving and committed family.

 

Dogs are not disposable: Think before you adopt


Before you bring a dog into your life, ask yourself:


  • Am I ready for a lifetime commitment?

  • Can I take my dog with me if I relocate?

  • Do I have a plan for their future?


A dog will not be with you for the whole of your lifetime, but should be with you for the whole of theirs. Dogs are not temporary. They are not disposable. They are family.


If you’re not prepared for the responsibility, consider fostering a dog in the UAE. Fostering gives a dog a loving home for a while and gives you a taste of what it means to care for a dog, without the long-term commitment or financial strain. You’ll make a meaningful difference in a dog’s life, and gain valuable experience. Not to mention the joy of having a furry companion.


Shelter dogs having their one and only meal a day which is a mixture of dry food and rice with a little wet food.
Shelter dogs get one meal each day, as raising money even for food is a constant struggle.

Planning ahead: What to do before adopting a dog in the UAE


  • Plan for the future: If you are an expat or know you may need to relocate, you must have a plan for your dog. If you are not certain you will take your dog with you, dog adoption and ownership in the UAE is not for you.

  • Research relocation: Moving your dog to another country is often easier and more affordable than you think. Many countries allow pet importation with minimal quarantine or paperwork, and you can manage the process yourself if a pet relocation agency is out of budget.

  • Seek guidance: Rescue groups like Stray Dogs Center can provide advice and support for relocating your pet. Don’t wait until the last minute - start planning as soon as you know a move might be in your future.

 

Dogs at Stray Dogs Center, UAE's largest shelter with close to 1500 dogs. Most former pets.
Dogs at Stray Dogs Center, UAE's largest shelter with close to 1500 dogs. Most are former pets.

The bottom line


At Stray Dogs Center alone, we care for nearly 1,500 dogs. The majority will wait years for a home; many will never leave.


Please, don’t let surrender be your backup plan. Surrendering your dog should be the absolute last resort.


Adopt responsibly. Plan ahead. And remember: Dogs are not things. They are family. If you’re not ready for the lifelong commitment, please reconsider.


If you need support or advice, contact us. We’re here to help.

 


Author: Naomi Foster, volunteer



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TiinaK
TiinaK
May 15

So heartbreaking 💔

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