Paws Next Door Dubai (working title)

How it works

1
Post or sign up
Owners post what they need; helpers say which area they live in and what they can do.
2
Match nearby
Requests are matched to helpers in the same or a nearby community who take that pet and offer that kind of help.
3
Meet first
A short meet-and-greet, a check of the pet's vaccination and registration, and agreed care notes.
4
Help, update, review
Photo updates during the stay, then both sides leave a review.

I need support while away

We only ask for your name, email, area and pet details. No payments, passwords or ID.

Requests saved in this browser

I can help my neighbours

Love animals but can't own one right now? Help pets in your own community. We only ask for your name, email, area and how you'd like to help.

Sign-ups saved in this browser

Browse and match by area

Area Pet Help

Safety and trust: Dubai rules

Not legal advice. This is a plain-language summary of public sources, checked October 2026. Rules change: always confirm with Dubai Municipality, your vet and your landlord. Items marked "To verify" are uncertain.

Microchip

Cats and dogs in Dubai must be microchipped. Hosts should ask to see the pet's microchip number and registration before a stay.

Gulf News · dkc.ae

Rabies vaccination

A valid rabies vaccination is required and renewed yearly. Dubai Municipality also lists annual core vaccines (dogs: DHPPi; cats: FVRCP). Owners should share the vaccination card before any stay.

WAM · dkc.ae

Dubai Municipality registration

Pets must be registered with Dubai Municipality and the registration renewed each year with the vaccines, via dm.gov.ae (UAE Pass) and an accredited vet. Exact steps and fees: to verify on dm.gov.ae.

Gulf News · dm.gov.ae

Landlord and community permission

A tenancy contract, landlord or building can restrict pets. Get written permission and check community rules before hosting. Typical rules: dogs leashed in common areas, waste cleaned up, no dogs in pools, gyms or play areas.

Emaar community rules · DAMAC Lagoons rules

Restricted dog breeds

Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 bans private ownership of listed dangerous dog breeds (for example pit bull types, several mastiff types, Tosa and Presa Canario). The list was amended in 2021.

To verify: whether breeds such as Rottweiler, Doberman and Boxer are still listed.

u.ae · MOCCAE resolution 190/2021

Dogs in public places

Keep dogs on a lead in public. Dogs are generally not allowed in public parks, on public beaches or on public transport, apart from designated areas and service animals.

To verify: this is taken from one community rulebook citing Dubai Municipality rules.

DAMAC Lagoons rules

Feeding strays

Some community rules prohibit feeding stray animals in common areas.

To verify: not confirmed as a Dubai-wide rule.

Emaar community rules

Community not business

This idea is free, neighbour-to-neighbour help. Charging for boarding may need a licence.

To verify with a lawyer before any launch.

Trust tips for every stay

Meet and greet before any stay, ideally with the pet present.
Check the vaccination card, microchip number and registration expiry date.
Agree written care notes: food, medication, vet's number, emergency contact.
Hosts confirm their landlord or building allows pets.
Never share passwords, ID copies or payment details on a community platform.

Rescue resources

Real Dubai/UAE organisations that need fosters and volunteers. Links checked from their own websites in October 2026. This prototype is not affiliated with any of them and does not speak for them.