Shelter update April 2025
- tiina
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Watch the 16 minute video featuring Amirah William, owner of Stray Dogs Center Umm Al Quwain, to find out what challenges our shelter has faced since 2022 and what has & is being done for the sake of the shelter's future. We've also included a short summary below and a longer written version you can read to know a bit more, if you don't have time to watch the video.
READ SUMMARY
In 2022: Our shelter had been put into a difficult situation and we felt our only option was to move. We were actively searching for a new place, and posted a plea for help to the public. The response was overwhelming, raising 830,000 AED to help secure a new location.
Exploration: Our team explored several options across various emirates and found a lovely farm in Al Dhaid that seemed perfect for the shelter's needs. We approached the Sharjah Municipality for approval to house animals on the land and received initial assurance that any type of animals could be kept there.
Challenges: We moved forward with the land purchase but then faced complications. We were advised to partner with a Sharjah local, which proved difficult. We also sought approval from Al Dhaid Municipality, which required an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the authorities. Despite multiple meetings, we were unable to secure the NOC because a government-run shelter already existed in Sharjah.
Setback: After months of effort, the shelter faced a devastating blow when we couldn't find a local sponsor or partner. This led to having to sell the land for 620,000 AED, and being back to square one, exhausted and stressed by the situation.
Further Attempts: We tried different emirates like RAK, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah, but all attempts required the same NOC, and none were successful.
Decision to Stay: Finally in early 2025, realising that we simply couldn’t give up, we then decided to focus on improving the land we had been using for the past 11 years in Umm Al Quwain (UAQ). Instead of viewing the situation negatively, we turned our focus to upgrading the shelter.
Shelter Improvements:
Caretaker Accommodation: We refurbished and added kitchens to the caretaker rooms to improve comfort.
Cooling Systems: We installed 3 new AC units to keep the arctic breed dogs cool during the hot summer.
Storage & Facilities: We renovated storage rooms and food stores to prevent damage, deterioration and to keep the rats out.
Majilis Construction: We built a prayer room for our Muslim staff and supporters to pray in a dog-free environment and to host meetings.
Additional Bathrooms: We added 2 new bathrooms to meet legal requirements for our staff and volunteers.
Clinic Upgrade: We updated the shelter clinic with state-of-the-art equipment, including a CBC machine, ultrasound machine, anesthesia machine, and more.
CCTV Installation: We installed 45 CCTV cameras for monitoring the health and safety of the dogs.
Pen Modifications: We divided large pens into smaller ones to reduce stress, to improve the living conditions of the dogs and to reduce the amount of fights between them.
100% funded by the public
Stray Dogs Center operates solely on public donations, making every dirham count. Everything we achieved is thanks to the public's continued support.
We are currently undergoing an audit to ensure transparency and accountability. The results will be available for public scrutiny to further reinforce our dedication to ethical animal rescue and financial responsibility.
Every donation goes directly toward our shelter and rescue operations:
Feeding and caring for over 1,400 dogs, a handful of other animals like donkeys, cats, and pigeons
Our caretakers and veterinary staff salaries
Water and diesel for our generators, as our shelter is off the grid without electricity or plumming
External veterinary care for critical cases and surgeries
Adoption programs and boarding expenses
Acknowledgment to our supporters and volunteers
Our team expresses immense gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers who have visited and contributed, as well as to those who continue to support the cause. The Stray Dogs Center’s shelter remains the largest in the UAE and the 4th largest in the world.
Invitation: Come visit, volunteer, make a difference!
We invite everyone to visit us, to volunteer, and to witness firsthand the work we do for animal welfare.
Please book an appointment or join the weekend shelter dog walks. More information on our website.
Comments