Deciding to bring a pet into your home is an important decision. Your life will change, as pets can bring joy and companionship, but there are also challenges.
The first crucial decision you must make as a potential pet owner is whether buying one from a breeder or adopting a pet from a shelter is best. Each option has pros and cons; understanding these can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your values and lifestyle.
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Pet
Buying a pet is an easy and familiar option for people who want to buy their first pet. You can choose and buy one from breeders or pet shops, which typically offer a wide array of options.
Advantages of Buying a Pet
- Purchasing a pet will give you a lot of choices. You can choose what animal you want to buy that meets your expectations–its breed, size, temperament, and care it needs.
- Pets from reputable breeders often have basic training and have been socialized, making it easier to integrate them into your home.
- Some breeders offer support and guidance on pet care and health.
Disadvantages of Buying a Pet
- Buying pets can be costly. For example, popular cat breeds in Dubai may cost up to 6,000 AED.
- Purebred pets, usually cats and dogs, are truly wonderful, and we can’t deny that they are beautiful. But to achieve their aesthetic appeal, they are often inbred, which is why they are more susceptible to health issues.
- While there are breeders who follow good pet breeding practices, there are pet stores that support unethical breeding to cut down on costs and gain more profit.
Why Adopting a Pet Is the Best Option
Adopting a pet is not only a noble act, but it has a lot of benefits as well. Though the process might be longer, and you may not be able to get a purebred cat or dog, pet adoption is something that you should consider. Many veterinarians in Dubai also recommend this option.
Advantages of Adopting a Pet
- Adoption saves many lives in Dubai, where pet abandonment is a major issue. Many stray dogs and cats roam the streets, defenseless and hungry. Adopting a rescue pet gives organizations more space to rescue more animals.
- Adoption fees are relatively cheaper than buying pets. It may cost around 1,000 AED to 3,000 AED. The fees you will pay the shelters would cover the initial vet procedures your adopted pet has gone through and will be used for other rescue animals.
- Many rescue animals are mixed-breeds, which means they are healthier and have longer lifespans than purebred pets from pet stores and breeders.
- Shelters assess rescued animals’ health and behavior before putting them up for adoption to ensure they are fit and ready for their new homes.
The Adoption Process in Dubai
The pet adoption process in Dubai is straightforward but may take some time. This will depend on certain factors. But to give you an idea of how it usually goes, here are the steps for pet dog or cat adoption in Dubai.
Step 1: Research Local Shelters and Rescue Organizations
Many animal shelters and rescue organizations operate in Dubai and the entire UAE. Some groups you can check out include K9 Friends, Waggy Bond, and Easy Adopt Dubai.
Step 2: Visit Shelters and Meet the Animals for Adoption
You can also visit the shelters if you want to meet the rescued animals. Most groups will also invite you to their shelters for the next steps of the adoption process.
Step 3: Submit the Adoption Application
Before you can adopt a pet, the rescue organizations will need to know if you can care for one. They’ll ask you to fill out an application form where you need to input details like your living situation, experience with pets, and your job. Sometimes, a home visit will also be done to see if your home is a suitable environment for the pet you’re planning to adopt.
Step 4: Pay the Adoption Fees
The next step is to pay the adoption fees. Animal shelter prices may vary, so it’s best to ask how much you’ll be expected to pay before proceeding with the adoption.
Step 5: Take Your New Pet Home
You can take your new pet home once the documentation has been processed and the fees are paid. It is recommended that you schedule your adopted pet for a health checkup as soon as possible at vet clinics in Dubai. Visiting the vet will help you understand your pet’s unique needs. Your vet will also create a vaccination schedule to protect your pet from diseases.
Make the Right Decision by Adopting a Pet
Having a pet is one of the life-changing decisions anybody will make. Yet, adopting a pet can be a more rewarding choice. You’ll not only have a new companion in life, but adoption can save abandoned stray animals and help the community.
Adopting a cat or dog from a shelter will require time and patience, as these animals have experienced trauma and hardships. By providing them with a new loving home, you can help these animals have a second chance at a better life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for owning a dog in the UAE?
In the UAE, dog ownership may vary depending on the city. Generally, all dogs must be registered, licensed, microchipped, and vaccinated. If you are planning to get a dog in the UAE, research the local regulations in your city.
Can I adopt a specific breed of dog?
While most of the animal shelter population consists of mixed-breed dogs, some have purebred rescues as well. You may check with your local animal shelters and organizations for your preferred breed to adopt a pet dog.
Do cats get sad when adopted?
Cats are beautiful and complex creatures that experience various emotions while transitioning into a new home. Sadness, stress, and anxiety might be some of the emotions they experience. It’s important to be patient when you adopt a rescue pet, as many of them have gone through traumatic experiences.
Is it ethical to adopt a cat?
Yes, to adopt a pet cat is considered an ethical choice. Through pet cat adoption, you are giving a homeless and abandoned cat a second chance to live a happy life.
Why is it better to adopt two cats?
Adopting two cats is beneficial for many reasons. One reason is that cats are social animals that require a companion, so they won’t get lonely. If you’re a busy pet owner, you may want to adopt two cats instead of one.
