They’re called man’s best friend for a reason…

At What’s On HQ we believe firmly in the ‘adopt don’t shop’ mantra: there are so many gorgeous dogs and puppies that NEED homes across the UAE, and so if you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, visit one of the city’s hard working shelters and rescue centres to do so.

The summer is a particularly tough time for shelters: firstly, the heat makes life uncomfortable for the dogs and secondly, many people dump dogs in the summer, leaving them homeless.

Three particularly fantastic organisations in the UAE are K9 Friends, SNIFF and Stray Dogs UAQ – we thoroughly recommend them as dog adoption and fostering specialists.

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And, yes, you can foster too – if you’re not able to commit to a full time dog but would still love to help out, why not open your home to a pup for a month or two here and there? It’s a great help and not a lifelong commitment.

Remember, when fostering/adopting it’s important to think about how energetic you are (be honest!). Dogs are a great way to get more active, but it’s also important to find a dog with a compatible energy level to you. If you love sitting on the couch watching TV, find a pup that will be just as happy to do so. Also, ask the volunteers and organisers at the shelter for their  thoughts on the dogs, they know them all very well, warts and all.

Think you only want a puppy? Adopting and fostering an older dog can be just as rewarding (and a lot easier to boot).

*Note: We’ll update this list every month and add new dogs in when the below are happily fostered/adopted, so this is definitely one to bookmark. 

Here are 46 dogs and puppies up for adoption/fostering right now that the shelters all recommend as lovely dogs…

K9 Friends

This excellent organisation was founded in 1988. In 2007, the Dubai Government donated land and built a shelter for them. There is room for 125 dogs and 30 puppies at this air conditioned facility. Some of these dogs are available for foster (not the puppies however) and all of them are available for adoption of course. Please call (04) 887 8739 if you’re interested in taking any of these lovely pups home. Find out more about K9 on their website.

THANYA

Born: 16/7/2015
Female
Breed: German Shepherd
Size: Large

“Thanya is large and gorgeous with a personality to match. She is affectionate and responds well to commands but would benefit from a little retraining. She loves to run and swim energetically and though she has a thick coat, she is perfectly happy to be bathed and groomed.” 

ALLY

Born: 17/03/2016
Female
Breed: Canaan
Size: Small to medium 

“A sweet and sociable little girl, Ally is friendly towards other dogs and likes meeting new people as well.  She would love to take you for a walk with her and she won’t take up much room in your house.”

ALMOND

Born: 23/12/2013
Female
Breed: Labrador Cross
Size: Medium

“Almond enjoys the easy life, she is affectionate and is happy to spend the whole day cuddling. She already has the basics, is toilet trained and doesn’t destroy things in the home. Almond will require some confidence building to bring her out of her shell in a life away from the kennels.”

REEVES

Born: 24/3/2017
Male
Breed: Collie Mix
Size (when fully grown): Medium

“One of four found on an industrial site, Reeves is an adorable puppy who is now ready to begin his adventures in the outside world, with people who can teach and love him as much as he deserves.”

KENZO

Born: 17/5/2008
Male
Breed: Canaan Shepherd
Size: Medium/Large

“Kenzo was abandoned in a warehouse at 8 years old and has been at K9 a year. He is great with other dogs, loves people and is very young for his years. Looks like he’s lived in a home as he is house trained and knows his way around a kitchen.”

ASWAD

Born: 1/12 /2011
Male
Breed: Anubis Hound
Size: Medium

“Aswad is a very quiet, calm boy who can be a little nervous to begin with but responds well to some gentle instruction.  He behaves very well on the lead and loves to go out for a walk.”

BAUBLE

Born: 12/10/2010
Female
Breed: Saluki Mix
Size: Medium

“Bauble is a long timer and has spent over 2000 days at K9 Friends. She is good on the lead and loves walking. Bauble’s favourite hobby is sitting on the sofa watching animal programmes. It would be amazing if she could find a home and get to do this every day.”

BENTO

Born: 1/1/2013
Male 
Breed: Saluki
Size: Medium/Large

“Bento has been at K9 for 5 years. He is a very friendly boy who loves to run and play but gets overlooked due to some scarring on his head. This sweet natured boy deserves a loving family to recognise his true beauty.”

DAISY

Born: 25/12/2016
Female
Breed: Canaan Shepherd
Size (when fully grown): Medium

“Daisy came to K9 at just 2 weeks old and was hand fed by a volunteer until she was strong enough to join us at the kennels. Now a confident, happy puppy, she is ready for some training and a comfy bed in her very own home.”

DANDY

Born: 21/9/2014
Female 
Breed: Canaan
Size: Medium

“A shy but friendly dog, Dandy would benefit from a quieter home environment, perhaps with older children, though she really enjoys walking and playing, especially with water.  A loving, understanding family would gain her trust in no time.”

DOLLY

Born: 21/11/2012
Female
Breed: Labrador Cross
Size: Medium

“Confusing to know why this angel is still in K9, Dolly is calm and gentle, well behaved on walks and travels in the car well. She does really well in a home environment and is friendly to new people and other dogs.  What more could you want?”

DUSTY

Born: 20/10/2013
Male
Breed: Chinese Crested
Size: Small/Medium

“Dusty is a unique looking dog as he is predominantly hairless, apart from his head, tail and feet – a characteristic of his breed.  This exotic boy has an independent personality and needs someone experienced to understand his quirky nature.”

HAVOC

Born: 12/5/2013
Female
Breed: Canaan Mix
Size Medium

“Don’t be fooled by her name.  She is calm, gentle and easy to live with.  Havoc is house trained and can be trusted home alone.  She came to us a puppy so after 4 years of waiting at K9 our beautiful girl deserves a permanent, loving home.”

HESSA

Born: 16/7/2015
Female
Breed: Saluki Mix
Size: Medium

“Another abandoned sweetheart, Hessa arrived at K9 eager to shake paws and show us how well behaved and smart he is. This playful, fluffy eared hound is ready to bring love and joy to any deserving family.”

LEON

Born: 25/3/2016
Male
Breed: Labrador
Size: Large

“A gorgeous, golden bundle of fun, full of energy as expected with his young age.  In need of a little basic training, Leon can’t wait to bounce into family life.  He loves splashing in water, fetching toys and will happily play for as long as you let him.” 

MCCOY

Born: 25/1/2015
Male
Breed: Canaan Shepherd
Size: Medium

“Playful, friendly, cuddly, well behaved but keen to learn about the big wide world, McCoy ticks all the boxes.  His thick coat requires regular brushing, especially as he loves water play but he would be perfect for an energetic family with the time and space for him.”

MCEWEN

Born: 3/12/2016
Male
Breed: German Shepherd Mix
Size (when fully grown): Medium

“McEwen was rescued from an empty villa as a very young puppy.  He has learnt how to be friends with other dogs and has a lot of teenage energy to burn.  He will need training from someone with experience but is sure to grow into a wonderful family pet.”

MCQUEEN

Born: 9/1/2014
Male
Breed: Crossbreed
Medium

“McQueen is striking both inside and out. This affectionate boy has a mature, calm and friendly personality and is longing for a family of his very own to love.”

SHIVA

Born: 5/12/2012
Female
Canaan
Size: Medium/Large

“Shiva has waited patiently in the kennels for 4 years to find her forever home.  She is calm, learns quickly and gets fabulous reports when she gets the chance for a walk or home visit.  It doesn’t take her long to snuggle up with you to be loved.”

SUFOUH

Born: 16/1/2010
Female
Breed: Greyhound
Size: Medium/Large

This elegant 7 year old has a real ‘been there, done that’ attitude.  Nothing phases her, she is very patient and tolerant with children, travels well in the car and is perfect on the lead. She is a true lady.”

SNIFF

Standing for Strays that Need Interim or Forever Friends, SNIFF is an animal rescue volunteer group that runs entirely on the donations of Dubai’s animal lovers. Donations to SNIFF can go directly to the vets that help them with treatment, boarding and food. These are the City Vet Hospital (Al Wasl) and Pet Station Kennels and Cattery and Critters and Sitters.

Visit their Facebook page for updates or email them on sniff.ae@gmail.com.

LENA

Age: One and a half years
Female
Breed: Mixed
Size: Small 

Lena has been the longest at the kennels – she was promised a home as a puppy but was returned and was heartbroken. She would suit a home with two patient adults, as an only dog, and with regular daycare visits.

MAX

Age: One year old
Male
Breed: Lab mix
Size: Medium

Max has had a hard life for his young age – he’s very loving but he also suffers from depression due to his past. He had to scavenge for food and he’s seen the ugly side of humans. He could completely turn around with a patient owner with a good energy and experience with dogs.

LADY

Age: Four years old
Female
Breed: Lab mix
Size: Large

A gorgeous, energetic crate-trained dog that would suit an active, outdoorsy family. She would suit a dog brother or sister her size but doesn’t get along with cats. (For adoption only.)

MISSY

Age: One and a half years old
Female 
Breed: Mix
Size: Medium

Missy needs a foster for a month – she’s adorable, super chilled out and low maintenance. She’s great with kids and other dogs.

LUCAS

Age: Two years old
Male
Breed: Mix lab
Size: Medium

This boy loves long walks on the beach and enjoys chasing balls in the park. He’d suit a family with older, teenage kids. He’s really great with other dogs.

COTTON AND BEAR

Age: One year old
Male and Female
Breed: Corgi-Spitz mix
Size: Medium

These two gentle souls grew up in the same house before they were dropped in the pound. They are the most chilled out pair, we saw them last week and they just observed their surroundings, and even comforted the other dogs. They’d love to be adopted out together. 

BELLA

Age: Two years old
Female 
Breed: Lab mix
Size: Large

This quiet girl rarely barks and she’s super gentle with kids, and even tolerates cats. She does need a bit of lead training, but otherwise she’s an absolute champ.

BLUE

Age: One year old
Female 
Breed: Husky Shepherd 
Size: Large

Blue is a very playful and friendly girl – she is also excellent with other dogs and humans. She’s lively and will suit an active family.

TEDDY

Age: One year old
Male
Breed: Husky
Size: Medium

This strong, curious lad loves treats and squeaky toys. He’s done well with other dogs at the shelter and is always looking out the door, looking for a potential walker kind enough to take him for a run.

MIA

Age: One and a half years old
Female
Breed: Terrier mix
Size: Small

Mia is always calm, cool and collected. She’s very sweet and gentle, but she’s had it tough – she was dumped with her two babies in the desert, who sadly didn’t make it due to the heat. She will love a family that takes her on walks, trips to the dog park and gives her lots of belly rubs and kisses.

SPOTTY

Age: Two years old
Female 
Breed: Dalmatian mix
Size: Large

This lovely dog has anxiety and will need a patient owner to help her gain back trust. She’s very good with kids and is a good companion for a male dog.

STRAY DOGS CENTRE UAQ

Formerly known as SOS for Emirates Dogs, this ‘no kill’ private shelter sits on land donated by an Umm Al Quwain Sheikh (it’s only about 20 minutes from Mirdiff), and the Umm Al Quwain police also provide support. From 2013 to 2016, the shelter rehomed 783 animals.

If you want to get a feel for a dog, why not visit them on one of their popular volunteer dog walk days – follow them on Facebook for info and updates on that.

SAM

Age: Three years old
Male
Breed: Ridgeback mix
Size: Medium

We have walked Sam and can vouch for his absolutely gorgeous personality – he’s great on the lead, relaxed with people and just an all-round gentle pup. We’re kind of in love. He enjoys having visitors at the shelter, digs trips to Al Qudra, and would suit a family with a villa.

ELI

Age: One to two years old
Male
Breed: Labrador mix
Size: Medium

“Eli is a very happy chap with great energy levels. He loves long walks and enjoys a bath and grooming. Eli loves people and children He simply adores attention. He is great on walks and loves to play with toys when given. Eli would make a family proud and is a pure joy to have as their member to their home.”

BOOBOO

Age: Two to five years
Male
Breed: Mixed
Size: Medium

“He loves playing with squeaky toys and having a good run around at playtime in the centre, Booboo gets on well with his other dog in his pen too. His confidence stops him from going on walks and he tends to stay behind. However with someone with plenty of time at home and patience Booboo could overcome his fear of going for walks. Booboo is very friendly and would suit a villa. He just needs time and understanding.”

WOODY

Age: Three to four years old
Male
Breed: Mixed
Size: Small to medium

“He’s very high energy, would be a great companion for teenagers and a family with the time to exercise him”

ZIGZAG

Age: Three years
Male
Breed: Mixed
Size: Medium

“He just loves people, he gets on with his pen friends and loves a long walk. He’s great on the leash. Zigzag has a sweet personality and would be perfect in a villa with a garden to play in. A family with much older children would be best for him.”

ORCHID

Age: Two years
Female
Breed: Crossbreed
Size: Medium

“She loves to be among her pen mates and enjoys her walks. She is good on a leash and gets on great with all people. She would suit a villa with garden ideally.”

ZORRO

Age: Three years
Male
Breed: Crossbreed
Size: Medium

“A beautiful dog and another long timer. He is a very calm boy, who gets on with his pen mates. Zorro is absolutely great on a leash when walking. He loves bathing and adores attention. He has a very casual temperament, nothing really bothers him too much. It would be great to home him in a villa.”

STUBBY

Age: Two years
Male
Breed: Labrador mix
Size: Medium

“A boy who cries for human attention literally from anyone visiting our centre. He loves to go for long walks. He gets on with his kennel mates and adores people and slightly older children. We named him Stubby due to half his tail being cut off purposely from whoever dumped him previously. Despite that you would never know this as he is a joy to have around. Best suited in a villa.”

ROSE

Age: Three years
Female 
Breed: Crossbreed
Size: Medium

“A sweet girl who loves to play and gets on with her pen mates. She is good with people, and enjoys fuss and attention. Rose is good on walks. She is looking for a family either in an apartment or a villa. Rose is good with children too.”

SHYLO

Age: Two to three years old
Male
Breed: Shepherd mix
Size: Large

“This pup has a very shy but sweet nature, and needs someone to give him attention to work on building his confidence.”

LITTLE MOUSE

Age: Unknown
Female
Breed: Terrier Mix
Size: Small 

“The smallest girl at the centre, she is very sweet and loves loads of cuddles and enjoys being the only dog. She loves people and children too. She is great on a leash and enjoys small walks.”

ROMEO

Age: Unknown
Male
Breed: Crossbreed
Size: Medium

“He’s quiet and sometimes shy with unfamiliar humans, but is completely harmless and just needs his confidence boosted. He gets on with other dogs. Great with older children like teenagers, as small kids might scare him. He is great on a leash and loves a good walk.”

HOLLY

Age: Two years old
Female
Breed: Shepherd mix
Size: Medium

“Holly has a gorgeous temperament with people and older children too. She would best as the only dog as she prefers to get undivided attention. Holly is great on a leash and loves cuddles from people and has a lot of love to give.”

GOLDIE

Age: One and a half years
Female
Breed: Crossbreed
Size: Medium

“She has a very shy personality, but once she feels confident she will lie on her back for loads of cuddles. She gets very excitable when greeting anyone she’s familiar with. She will need some training for walks as she is not confident in going outside our centre yet.”

FIFI

Age: One and a half years
Female
Breed: Crossbreed
Size: Medium

“A beautiful, happy girl who loves all people and children. Wants a belly rub and attention and loves to play with squeaky toys. She is great with other dogs too. She is not keen on the leash, but happy running by your side and won’t roam far. She just needs a little encouragement with training on a leash.”

If you end up adopting or fostering one of these pups, do let us know by sending us a message on Facebook as we’d love to hear any success stories!

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