Dubai pets get a second chance at life amid crisis

As uncertainty ripples across parts of the Middle East, an unexpected fallout is unfolding for pets in Dubai. With families leaving in a hurry amid rising tensions, social media is flooded with appeals for animals needing new homes. Similar to the COVID-19 period, this surge has revived concerns about pet abandonment, even as volunteer networks step in for rescues and adoptions. Dubai residents and founders of a volunteer pet rescue group explain why these furry friends deserve a second chance.

Pets caught in transit

According to Shika Bodani and Nikita Mehta Kanani, co-founders of No Pet Left Behind UAE, relocating pets across countries is paperwork-heavy. Nikita says, “The paperwork isn’t always in the owners’ favour. I moved my dogs from the UK to the UAE, and spent nearly ₹10 lakh for a seat.” She mentions demand for pet relocation to India has surged too. Shika notes, “Some were considering euthanising pets due to lack of support – that’s heartbreaking!” Volunteers now are now assisting with logistics as well.

Homes lost, pets too

In Dubai, a surge in posts about pets needing new homes has been hard to ignore in recent weeks, as families relocating amid the crisis are having to leave pets behind due to time-consuming paperwork. “I adopted Pablo on March 11 after coming across posts and updates from No Pets Left Behind UAE on Instagram. He comes from a loving family, but they had to leave urgently and couldn’t complete the procedures, especially since he wasn’t microchipped. With visa complications, they had no choice,” says Swati Raval, a fashion buyer. “When he arrived, he was physically fine but emotionally withdrawn. He’s slowly adjusting,” she adds.

Giving abandoned dogs a home has brought warmth and purpose, even as more are left behind during these uncertain times– Anna Jentgen

Swati Raval with Pablo, a rescued cat

Comfort in uncertainty

A troubling pattern has emerged in Dubai amid regional tensions, with more pets being left behind and stories surfacing across community pages and rescue networks. “A week ago, my home became louder, messier and warmer,” says Anna Jentgen, director at a Dubai-based software development firm, who adopted two dogs: a six-year-old golden retriever and a Labrador – through No Pets Left Behind UAE. Their family had left before the war and couldn’t take them. “When they arrived, they needed more care than expected,” she says, adding both were overweight and one requires medication. However, she notes rescue efforts have been remarkable. “Giving them a home has brought comfort in uncertain times.”


When Pablo arrived, he was physically healthy but emotionally shaken. For the first few days, he stayed close to his carrier, quiet and unsure. He’s slowly adjusting now– Swati Raval



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