Pet owners fleeing Dubai amid escalating regional conflicts are leaving their cats, dogs, and other animals behind, causing a surge in abandoned pets across the city.
According to reports, veterinarians and animal welfare organisations report an increase in inquiries about euthanasia, while others are simply leaving pets on streets, in parks, and even in the desert.
Dubai is home to over 2 million pets, with cats outnumbering dogs two to one, as 64.98% of owners identify as cat lovers. Yet, the ongoing crisis has triggered unprecedented levels of abandonment, according to K9 Friends Dubai, an organisation that works to rehome dogs across the UAE, reported Times of India.
Animal Shelters Overflowing
Animal rescue volunteers report that shelters are filling up faster than usual. Heartbreaking images of dogs tied to poles with no owners in sight have circulated widely on social media, with some volunteers documenting more than 200 such cases.
In one incident in Al Ain, a resident discovered a cat and four kittens left on her doorstep with a note from the owner apologising for being unable to take them while fleeing the country.
Other pets, including a rabbit abandoned in a park with its hutch, water bowl, and food, highlight the scale and variety of desertions. Some animals were even left stranded after residents attempting to leave the UAE via Oman were prevented from taking them across the border.
Activists Condemn Abandonments
Animal welfare organisations have expressed shock at the wave of abandonments in a wealthy city like Dubai. War Paws, a charity supporting animals in conflict zones, stated that such behaviour is also being seen in Iraq and Ukraine, where displaced people have left pets behind.
Local activists like Anso Stander, head of the Six Hounds sanctuary in Al Ain, described those abandoning pets as “selfish and heartless,” recounting incidents of dogs being shot in the desert.
Social Media Outrage
The crisis has sparked anger online. Dubai, often portrayed as a “safe and luxurious city,” is now facing criticism for the way some residents treat their pets during emergencies.
Social media users have condemned owners for abandoning animals, calling such acts “vile” and “disgusting.” Many pointed out that pets are often acquired as status symbols rather than for genuine companionship.
Meanwhile, a Dubai-based radio host has shared a touching rescue story on social media after coming across a distressed dog wandering near Al Furjan, sparking discussions about responsible pet ownership and the dangers of abandoning animals.
The story was posted by radio host Parikshit Balochi, who shared a video detailing how he found the dog and why he chose to take temporary responsibility for it.
According to Balochi, the dog was first spotted by community security personnel, who briefly tied it to prevent it from running loose in the neighbourhood. A nearby villa owner also looked after the animal for a short period before the radio host stepped in to assist.
Escaping the Paperwork
For many expatriates, the decision to abandon pets is linked to the logistical challenges of relocating animals. Kirsty Kavanagh, founder of Dubai-based pet relocation service Pawsome Pets, reported a 2,000% increase in enquiries over the past few days.
Traveling with pets requires extensive documentation, including microchip registration, up-to-date vaccinations and vaccination booklet/pet passport, veterinary health certificate issued shortly before departure, import permit for the destination country and rabies titre blood test for certain destinations
Crossing into Oman by road also comes with strict rules, including only two pets per person, required vaccinations, health certificates, and import permits.
Dubai Municipality Launches AI-Powered Feeding Stations
In response to the growing number of strays, Dubai Municipality has introduced AI-powered feeding devices called ‘Ehsan Stations’. Twelve stations are being installed across public parks and facilities operated by Dubai Holding.
The smart devices can identify stray animals, collect data, and dispense food, providing a more organised and sustainable solution to feeding abandoned pets.
While it is unclear whether the initiative was prompted specifically by the current crisis, the stations are expected to provide relief for the increasing number of animals left on the streets.