Considering getting a dog? Why not visit a local shelter and fall in love with one of these gorgeous pups…

If you’re looking to add a new furry friend to your family, it’s always best to adhere to the ‘adopt don’t shop’ mantra.

The UAE’s hard-working shelters and rescue centers are filled with countless dogs and puppies that need homes – either permanent or temporarily – particularly now that the summer months have kicked in.

Three of the country’s top organisations are K9 Friends, SNIFF and Stray Dogs Centre UAQ, and each of them offer fantastic assistance in helping animal lovers connect with the pet that’s right for them.

Remember, whether adopting or fostering it’s important to find a dog that suits your lifestyle. Volunteers and organisers at each shelter can answer questions and share their thoughts about a particular pup’s personality, after all, they know them best.

If you’re not able to commit long-term, opening up your home for a month or two to foster a dog can be a great way to give them a respite from kennel life and a chance for you to maybe fall a little bit in love.

Here are 36 dogs and puppies available for adoption or fostering today…

K9 Friends

Founded in 1989, K9 Friends has helped over 7,000 dogs to date and is always on the lookout for potential pup parents. The air-conditioned shelter can house upwards of 120 dogs and puppies and they offer a supportive role, helping to educate the public on responsible dog ownership. They offer adoption and fostering services, and all their pups are health and behaviour assessed, vaccinated, microchipped and neutered.

Visit their website or call (04) 887 8939 to speak to K9 Friends about taking any of these lovely dogs home…

Shiva

Born: 5/12/2012
Female
Breed: 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.

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.

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 K9 Friends as a puppy so after 4 years of waiting this beautiful girl deserves a permanent, loving home.

Dolly

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

Dolly is calm and gentle, well behaved on walks and travels well in the car. She does really well in a home environment and is friendly to new people and other dogs. What more could you want?

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.

McEwan

Born: 3/12/2016
Male
Breed: German Shepherd Mix
Size: 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.

Ally

Born: 17/3/2016
Female
Breed: Canaan
Small/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.

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.

Rani

Born: 25/11/2017
Female
Breed: Rat Terrier
Size: Small/Medium

Rani is smart, confident, full of energy and loves to explore. She came to K9 Friends with very little training, but she is a quick learner. Rani would suit a family who wants to have lots of fun with an energetic dog.

Turner

Born: 24/01/2018
Male
Breed: Golden Mask
Size: Medium

One of thirteen pups found on an industrial site, Turner 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.

Aston

Born: 15/02/2018
Male
Breed: Labraluki
Size: Medium

Aston is a family-friendly young pup, good with cats, dogs and children. He is very playful, affectionate and well behaved. He’s lead trained and can’t wait to walk out of the kennel into his forever home.

Gold

Born: 21/12/2017
Female
Breed: Saluki Mix
Size: Medium

Gold is extremely friendly to all people and dogs. She loves to play and have cuddles. Gold is smart and quick to learn, she will settle into family life with anyone.

Pippa

Born: 5/3/2018
Female
Breed: Collie Flower
Size: Medium

Soft on the inside and outside. Pippa is a confident friendly pup who will make a great addition to any family.

Godiva

Born: 22/10/2016
Female
Breed: Saluki
Size: Large

Godiva is a beautiful, happy Saluki. She greets everyone with a smile. One of the friendliest dogs you will ever meet, she enjoys playing and getting lots of affection.

Candy

Born: 28/10/2015
Female
Breed: German Shepherd
Size: Large

Before arriving at the kennels, Candy was used for breeding. She cared for her litter of pups in horrible circumstances. Now it’s time for someone to take care of her. Candy has been on foster, she is house trained and if you are looking for a loyal running partner, she’s the one!

Digby

Born: 2/2/2012
Male
Breed: Labracan
Size: Medium

Digby is a real gentleman who loves having his tummy tickled. He will be an easy addition to any family as he is house trained, lazy, loves cuddles and can be left alone for a few hours.

Orchid

Born: 15/11/2014
Female
Breed: German Shepherd Mix
Size: Medium

Sweet Orchid was abandoned by her family after three years. She has a calm, mature temperament and is desperate to go back to living with a family. Orchid is playful and affectionate with everyone she meets. She is well trained and can be left home alone for a few hours.

Buddy

Born: 31/8/2015
Male
Breed: Fox Cross
Size: Small

Buddy is a playful little guy who has a cute, unique spin when he gets excited. He needs some training, but all the affection he will give you whilst learning makes him totally worth the effort.

Fraser

Born: 30/11/2015
Male
Breed: Lazy Grey
Size: Medium

Fraser is a lazy chap who likes the easy life and just wants to be cuddled. He’s fully house trained and doesn’t cause any trouble if he’s left alone for a few hours.

Roxy

Born: 2/2/2017
Female
Breed: Collie Flower
Size: Medium

Roxy was homed as a puppy and, through no fault of her own, when she grew up her family didn’t want her. She has lots of experience with people and family life. She is house trained, playful and very sociable. Roxy wants someone to take her home forever this time.

Millie

Born: 2/11/2016
Female
Breed: Desert Mix
Size: Medium

Millie gave birth on the street to five pups. She was very stressed and nervous. Millie has raised a lovely set of pups and now they have left her, she is enjoying getting the attention all to herself. Millie has a calm, gentle nature and is growing in confidence every day.

Pepper

Born: 14/2/2014
Male
Breed: Wiry Hound
Size: Medium

Pepper is one of the happiest dogs you will ever meet. He is playful, family friendly and well behaved. Pepper can be left alone and doesn’t chew. He’s so excited to have people around and would love a family with children who will play with him all the time.

Lindt

Born: 22/10/2016
Male
Breed: Saluki
Size: Large

Don’t be put off by his size and long legs, Lindt is very gentle and calm. He’s a real character, charming and goofy. Lindt just wants to chill out in a home of his own.

Blaise and her puppies

Males and Females
Size: Medium size when fully grown

Blaise and her babies were found living outside under a car. The babies were just a few days old. They are being cared for in a volunteer’s home and will be ready to leave mum and be adopted at the end of August. Mummy Blaise is very kind and gentle, and after nursing her pups will also be ready for adoption.

SNIFF

Strays that Need Interim or Forever Friends, or SNIFF, is a volunteer-run animal rescue group that runs entirely on the donations and generosity of Dubai’s animal-lovers. All contributions go directly to the vets who foot the medical bills, food and boarding costs for the shelters’ dogs. Their vets are City Vet Hospital in Al Wasl and Pet Station Kennels and Cattery and Critters and Sitters.

Get in touch via their Facebook page to foster or adopt one of their pups, or to lend your support.

Gus

Age: 2-years old
Male
Breed: Husky cross

Gus is potty trained and great with other dogs. He’ll need some guidance adapting to a house as he’s never had a proper home before but would be more than grateful if someone would open up theirs to him.

Maxwell

Age: 1.5-years old
Male
Breed: German Shepherd cross

Playful Maxwell is a born cuddler and loves attention from his humans.

Rafael

Age: 3-years old
Male
Breed: Labrador cross

While Rafael is fully potty trained, he would likely do best with someone at home to keep him company. A loyal partner for anyone who works from home.

Beau

Age: 6 months
Male
Breed: Labrador cross

This adorable pup will have you melt for him from the moment you pick him up.

Joy

Age: 2-years old
Female
Breed: German Shepherd cross

Two year old joy is a delightful doggo that loves spending time on the couch and the company of her humans.

Stray Dogs Centre UAQ

This private shelter has a strict ‘no kill’ policy when it comes to the pups that come through their doors and more power to them for it. Located on land donated by the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, it’s only a short 20 minute drive from Mirdif and often holds volunteer dog walking days.

Check out their Facebook page for more info and to find out how you can get involved.

Diego

Male
Size: Medium

Diego is a friendly and playful boy who loves people and joining the shelters’ volunteers on walks, and he’s great on the leash. As one of the Stray Dogs Centre’s longest residents it would be great to finally give Diego the opportunity to explore the world outside of the shelter.

Teddy

Male
Size: Medium

Teddy is a medium-sized boy with the nicest temperament. He may initially come across as shy but he is never happier than when he is out on his walks and in the company of other dogs. He walks well on the leash and would suit any family that are ready to show him the love and affection that he deserves.

Eli

Male
Breed: Black Labrador mix
Size: Medium

Eli is a black lab mix. He is a very happy boy with high energy levels and loves long walks, playing with toys and enjoys a bath and grooming. He’s great with children and people in general and simply adores any kind of attention. Eli is a pure joy and given the chance would be a welcome member to any family.

Goldie

Female

Goldie can initially be quite shy but once she feels secure she will happily cuddle and lie on her back for a belly rub. Get to know her a bit better and she will always be excited to see you. Goldie is looking for a patient family who will work with her to build her confidence and let her know that she is safe and loved. In return you will reap the rewards of one of the most loyal of dogs.

May

Female

With her slightly longer hair, May is a gorgeous pup with the sweetest personality who loves company of everyone of all ages. She is very calm and chilled but also enjoys walks and behaves well on the leash.

Meghan

Female

Meghan was born with only three legs which may be why she was abandoned by her mum. Missing a leg in no way hinders this little trooper, she still runs, plays and does everything other dogs do. An extremely sociable pup, Meghan craves love, she’s toilet trained and gets on well with both cats and other dogs.

Romeo

Male

Handsome, longer-haired Romeo has a quiet temperament and can initially be shy with unfamiliar faces, but once he gets to know you he is extremely loving and loyal. He loves the company of other dogs and walks well on a leash as he loves to be out and about.

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