Strays of Abu Dhabi (SAD) is the only animal rescue organisation in the capital, launched four years ago by the previous manager of the American Veterinary Clinic (AVC).

It’s now spearheaded by Dr Rachel Shaw, who’s also a vet there. “People were coming to the clinic and surrendering stray dogs to us, and we had no choice but to euthanize perfectly healthy animals,” Shaw explains.

The organisation – run by a core team of six – now assists an average 10-12 dogs weekly, and sometimes cats, which is why they rely so heavily on volunteers. “Fosterers are our most valuable volunteers – they’re the key to in-house training. You can’t just take a dog off the street and put it in a home. All of our dogs rotate between time at kennels and foster homes, where they are taught doggy basics from their foster families until they can find a forever home.”

Their last major fundraiser, a well-attended masquerade ball which took place on 30th April, raised well over last year’s AED 64,000, and the money will go toward kennel fees, which rise majorly during the summer since foster families travel. Residual funds will go towards their very own SAD kennels.

How you can help
Adopt a furry friend. All SAD dogs are fully vet checked and vaccinated. You can also contribute funds, volunteer to foster animals looking for permanent homes, or simply bring in some old newspapers to the AVC which they use to line the kennels.

Contact: 050 130 7392 or visit their website ww.straysofabudhabi.com