If you’re wondering where to buy pets in Dubai, you’re not alone — and you’re asking the right question. Between unlicensed breeders, overpriced pet stores, and misleading online listings, finding a healthy, legal, and ethically sourced pet here in the UAE can be surprisingly complicated.
I’ve personally been through the process — twice — to bring home my two dogs: a European Doberman and a Japanese Akita. And I learned the hard way how much noise and confusion surrounds this space, especially when you’re trying to separate trustworthy sellers from shady ones.
This 2025 guide will walk you through the real options available in Dubai: from reputable pet stores and licensed breeders, to online platforms (with key warnings), and animal shelters if you’re open to adopting instead. You’ll also learn what to look out for, what paperwork is legally required, and how to make sure you’re getting your pet from a source that actually cares.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Where to buy pets in Dubai from trusted, well-known pet stores
How to safely use online platforms like Camlist without getting scammed
What to look for when dealing with private breeders in the UAE
The best places to adopt pets legally and ethically in Dubai
What documents and vaccinations are legally required when buying a pet
Red flags that can help you avoid shady sellers or illegal operations
What to expect in terms of cost, communication, and care when purchasing a pet
Buying a pet from a physical store remains one of the most common ways to get a new animal companion in Dubai. While the quality of care and animal welfare standards can vary between stores, several stand out for their transparency, cleanliness, and variety. Below are some of the most reliable pet stores in Dubai — either based on personal experience or reputation — where you can find everything from purebred puppies to exotic reptiles.
I got Kira, my Japanese Akita, from Petland Dubai — and I can confidently say they’re one of the few stores in the city that balance business with genuine animal care. They offer a solid variety of dog breeds and cats, and the staff are responsive and attentive throughout the process. The best part? Every pet purchased through them gets lifetime discounts at their affiliated veterinary clinic.
World of Pets is a well-known store located in two premium malls — Dubai Mall and Nakheel Mall. They stock a wide variety of animals including cats, dogs, birds, and even small pets like hamsters and fish. Their stores are bright, clean, and well-managed, making them one of the more accessible options for casual pet seekers in the city.
PetHoLicks stands out as a comprehensive pet store offering a wide variety of animals — from dogs and cats to reptiles, birds, and smaller mammals. Their collection of parrots and reptiles is well-curated, but they also stock more traditional pets for first-time owners. The store is well-maintained, and the staff are helpful in explaining care requirements for different species, making it a solid choice whether you’re looking for a companion animal or something a bit different.
While The Petshop doesn’t focus much on dogs or cats, their aquatic section is one of the best in the country. From freshwater fish to marine setups (including corals and aquatic plants), they offer a wide selection for hobbyists and aquascaping enthusiasts. The DIP location is particularly well-stocked and staffed by people who know their stuff.
Warsan Market is the wild card. It’s a sprawling collection of independent pet shops all clustered in one area, with a huge selection of animals — from parrots and puppies to more exotic and even farm animals. While you might find good deals or rare species, the ethical and hygiene standards vary widely between vendors. Some stores are responsible and clean, but others fall far short. If you go, inspect thoroughly, ask for documentation, and don’t feel pressured to buy on the spot.
In a city where buying pets is heavily commercialized — and often overpriced or risky — adoption remains one of the most compassionate and responsible ways to welcome a pet into your life. Thousands of dogs, cats, and even exotic animals are rescued every year across the UAE, often from abusive conditions, abandonment, or illegal breeding operations. Many of these animals are healthy, socialized, and just waiting for a second chance.
The good news? There are reputable adoption centers and rescue groups in Dubai and the surrounding emirates that follow clear vetting procedures, provide medical care, and even help match pets to the right families.
You’re giving a second chance to an animal in need
Every adopted pet means one less animal stuck in a shelter, foster home, or worse — on the streets or in a cage at an illegal breeder’s. These pets often come from situations of neglect, abandonment, or overbreeding, and your decision to adopt directly helps reduce that cycle.
Most adopted pets are already vaccinated, microchipped, and sterilized
Reputable rescues handle the basics before placing the animal. That means your pet will likely already be spayed or neutered, up to date on core vaccinations, and microchipped — saving you money and stress during those first few weeks.
You often get behavioral assessments and post-adoption support
Unlike many sellers who hand off pets with zero follow-up, adoption centers usually know the animal’s temperament and will tell you if it’s good with kids, other pets, or apartment living. Some even offer follow-up calls or tips to help your pet adjust.
Here are some of the most trusted shelters and rescue organizations in the UAE. These groups operate ethically, prioritize animal welfare, and have strong adoption procedures in place:
One of the longest-running and most trusted dog rescues in the UAE, K9 Friends is a registered non-profit that has helped thousands of dogs find permanent homes. Located in Al Quoz, they maintain a high standard of care and transparency. Every dog is vaccinated, microchipped, and sterilized before adoption. The team is known for matching dogs to the right families — not just the first family.
Location: Al Quoz, Dubai
About: Specializes in dog rescue and rehabilitation
Website: k9friends.com
While technically outside Dubai, Stray Dogs Center UAE plays a major role in the city’s adoption scene. They frequently deliver adopted dogs to Dubai and often host events or mobile adoption days in the city. Known for taking in neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs from across the country, they’re one of the most active and transparent rescue operations in the UAE.
Location: Umm Al Quwain (delivers to Dubai)
About: Large-scale rescue for dogs of all breeds and sizes
Website: straydogscenteruae.com
38 Smiles is a smaller, more personal rescue group that uses a foster-home model rather than a facility. This means animals are cared for in real homes before adoption, helping them adapt to domestic life. They focus on long-term placement and work closely with adopters to make sure the pet is the right fit. Their updates on social media are frequent, honest, and heartwarming.
Location: Dubai-based (foster-home model)
About: Rescues both cats and dogs
Website: 38smiles.com
RAKAWC operates a professional-grade shelter facility with veterinary support on-site. While based in Ras Al Khaimah, they do support adoption inquiries from Dubai residents, and have a transparent, well-run system. All pets are vaccinated, microchipped, and sterilized prior to adoption, and they provide honest info about each pet’s temperament and health background.
Location: Ras Al Khaimah
About: Full-service adoption center with strong vet support
Website: rakawc.com
Amanda’s Rescue is a one-woman mission with a strong following in the UAE pet community. She fosters pets in her own home and partners with others when needed. Each case is personal — most animals come from difficult situations, and she often shares their recovery journeys online. If you want to adopt and follow the animal’s story from rescue to home, this is a great place to start.
Location: Operates via Dubai (private foster model)
About: Independent rescuer for cats and dogs
Instagram: @amandasrescue on Instagram
While it might seem easier to search for a pet online — whether it’s through classified websites, WhatsApp groups, or Instagram sellers — this route is where most people end up making mistakes they regret.
Platforms like Camlist used to offer a marketplace for pet sales, but are now unavailable in the UAE. That leaves buyers relying on loosely regulated options like Dubizzle or Instagram pages, where there’s no vetting, no licensing, and often no accountability.
You might find what looks like a great deal — but behind the cute photos, there’s often a much darker reality. Many of these sellers are unlicensed backyard breeders, moving animals in poor conditions, often without health checks, paperwork, or proper care.
Buying a pet online might feel convenient — especially when photos are cute and the seller seems responsive. But without regulation, these transactions often happen in a gray market where sellers aren’t accountable and buyers are left with unhealthy animals or no animal at all. Below are some of the most common issues people in the UAE run into when purchasing pets online, whether through Dubizzle, WhatsApp groups, or Instagram DMs.
No proof of vaccinations or microchip
Most unlicensed sellers don’t provide any official veterinary documentation. That means no vaccine history, no microchip registration, and no assurance that the animal has been dewormed or even seen by a vet. If they say “you’ll get it later” — that’s your sign to walk away.
False claims of “purebred” or “imported”
It’s extremely common for sellers to advertise a pet as purebred or imported from Europe, when in reality, the animal has no papers, no lineage documentation, and no traceable history. These claims are often used to inflate the price and mislead first-time buyers who don’t know what to ask for.
Poor living conditions and hidden illness
Many of these animals are kept in unsanitary or overcrowded spaces before being sold. Buyers don’t see that part — they only get a carefully framed photo. By the time you bring the pet home, it may be carrying untreated infections, parasites, or behavioral issues from neglect or trauma.
Pressure to send money before meeting the pet
Scammers and shady breeders will push for deposits or full payment upfront. They’ll claim the pet is in “high demand” or needs to be reserved. Once paid, some completely disappear — others deliver a sick animal, or one that looks nothing like what you agreed to.
No way to report or hold the seller accountable
When things go wrong, you have no legal or customer support recourse. Most of these sellers operate with zero business licensing, often using personal accounts with no verifiable business name. You can’t escalate the issue, and reporting them rarely leads to action.
One of the reasons I’m building Fetchway is to make this entire experience safer, easier, and more transparent. Eventually, we’ll feature verified listings from licensed breeders, shelters, and pet businesses across the UAE — so pet seekers can stop guessing and start trusting.
Bringing a pet home in the UAE comes with more than just food, toys, and cuddles — it comes with legal responsibilities that every pet owner must follow. Whether you bought your pet from a store or adopted from a rescue, the law is clear: your pet needs to be registered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Skipping these steps can lead to fines, confiscation, or worse — difficulty accessing vet services or traveling with your pet in the future.
Here’s a quick legal checklist to make sure your new companion is fully compliant and protected:
Register your pet with the municipality
Required for all dogs and cats. You’ll receive an official ID tag after submission.
Microchip your pet
A unique ID linked to your name — mandatory by law.
Make sure vaccinations are up to date
Core shots like rabies and DHPP (dogs) or FVRCP (cats) are expected.
Keep records safe
Save copies of all documents — you’ll need them for boarding, travel, or vet visits.
📎 Need help with the paperwork?
👉 [Read the Full Pet Registration Guide for UAE (2025)]
Our full registration guide will walk you through everything you need to know after bringing your pet home. From how to get your pet microchipped and vaccinated, to submitting your documents to the right municipality and avoiding common mistakes — the guide is built to save you time, prevent fines, and make sure you’re fully compliant with UAE laws. Whether you’re registering a dog or cat, the steps are clear, up to date for 2025, and easy to follow, even if it’s your first time owning a pet here.
Whether you’re buying or adopting, one of the most important things you can do is pay attention to the warning signs. Dubai’s pet scene is full of incredible businesses and rescues — but it also has its share of unethical breeders, illegal imports, and scams. Knowing what to avoid can save you time, money, and heartbreak.
Below are the biggest red flags to watch out for when speaking with a seller, breeder, or even a pet shop:
They won’t provide vaccination records or microchip info
If a seller claims the pet is vaccinated but can’t show you a vet-issued card or microchip number, it usually means the animal hasn’t received proper medical care — and might not even be legal to sell.
They rush you into payment or pressure you to “reserve” quickly
Anyone pushing for a deposit before you’ve seen the animal in person is waving a massive red flag. Ethical sellers are patient, provide full transparency, and never rush a serious decision like this.
The animals are kept in poor or hidden conditions
If you’re told you can’t visit the space, or you notice overcrowded cages, bad smells, or visibly sick animals — walk away. These are clear signs of neglect, and your support keeps that cycle going.
They claim “imported from Europe” or “purebred” but won’t show proof
These phrases are often used to inflate prices and give the illusion of quality. If a pet is truly imported or pedigreed, the seller will have verifiable documents from recognized authorities. If not — it’s marketing, not fact.
They avoid live video calls or only share a few filtered photos
Anyone refusing to show the animal live — especially if you’re dealing online — likely has something to hide. A short call is a basic expectation and the fastest way to avoid scams.
If something feels off — it probably is. There are plenty of reputable, caring places to find a pet in the UAE. Never feel obligated to go through with a sale just because someone is persistent, polite, or offers a good deal.
There’s no single “right way” to bring home a pet in Dubai — but there are definitely better, safer, and more ethical ways to do it.
If you’re buying, stick to well-established pet stores with clean facilities, transparent staff, and real documentation. If you’re open to it, adoption is often the most rewarding path — giving a second chance to animals that genuinely need a home.
Be extremely cautious when dealing with online listings, especially if the seller avoids video calls, rushes payment, or can’t provide basic health records. And once you bring your pet home, make sure you handle the legal requirements: vaccination, microchipping, and registration.
At Fetchway, we’re building a platform that will eventually make all of this easier — a place where you can browse verified businesses, connect with legitimate rescues, and avoid the confusion altogether. But until then, we hope this guide helps you move forward with clarity, confidence, and care.
You can buy pets from well-known pet stores like Petland Dubai, World of Pets, and PetHoLicks. Each offers a range of animals, but make sure to ask for health records and verify living conditions before making a decision.
Yes, but only through licensed and regulated sellers. The pet must be microchipped, vaccinated, and registered with the municipality after purchase. Avoid unlicensed or street-side sales.
Adoption is often the more ethical choice. It helps reduce overbreeding and supports rescue efforts. That said, buying from a reputable, responsible source is still a valid option if done properly.
Yes. Many online sellers — especially on classified sites or Instagram — operate without licenses, avoid showing documentation, and may pressure buyers into paying deposits upfront. Always meet the pet in person before sending money.
Absolutely. Trusted organizations like K9 Friends, 38 Smiles, and Stray Dogs Center offer dogs and cats for adoption. Most are vaccinated, sterilized, and behaviorally assessed before being rehomed.
You’ll need:
A vaccination card
A microchip number
Registration with Dubai Municipality
For travel, you may also need a pet passport and a health certificate from a government vet.
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Fetchway is redefining pet care in the UAE—offering smart discovery, bookings, and reviews powered by AI, with digital pet passports and rewards built in.
