Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About AWAD
Q: What is AWAD?
A: Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi (AWAD) is a non-profit organization licensed by the Department of Community Development dedicated to improving animal welfare standards in the UAE through education, policy advocacy, consultancy, and community engagement.
Q: Is AWAD a rescue or shelter?
A: No. AWAD is not a shelter or rescue organization. Instead, we work at a systemic level—supporting animal welfare policy, guiding best practices, and empowering individuals and institutions to make lasting change.
Corporate Partnerships
Q: Can our company partner with AWAD?
A: Yes! AWAD actively welcomes corporate partnerships. We work with businesses committed to ethical and sustainable practices to support animal welfare initiatives and build long-term impact.
Q: What kind of corporate partnerships do you offer?
A: Partnership opportunities include:
- Sponsorship of educational campaigns or events
- CSR collaboration on community outreach programs
- Co-branded awareness materials
- In-kind support or fundraising initiatives
- Staff volunteer programs and team-building activities focused on animal welfare
Q: How can partnering with AWAD benefit our organization?
A: By partnering with AWAD, your company demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, community engagement, and ethical leadership. We also provide visibility through joint campaigns, recognition across our platforms, and bespoke engagement opportunities with our network.
Q: How do we start a conversation about partnership?
A: Please reach out to us via our Contact Us page or email us directly at awad@oda.gov.ae We’ll be happy to arrange a meeting to explore how we can collaborate meaningfully.
Services and Support
Q: Does AWAD help individuals who find stray animals?
A: While AWAD doesn’t take animals in directly, we can guide you to responsible rescues, veterinary services, and municipal contacts.
Q: Can AWAD assist with vet bills?
A: Not directly, but we can refer you to vet clinics that are AWAD approved and support strays/community animals.
Volunteering and Youth Involvement
Q: How do I volunteer with AWAD?
A: Visit our Volunteer page to apply. We welcome help in our initiatives, events, and education.
Animal Welfare in the UAE
Q: What do I do if I witness animal cruelty?
A: You can report it directly to MOCCAE through 800 3050, info@moccae.gov.ae, or via the Biosecurity Alert portal: https://biosecalert.ae/en/pages/home.aspx. AWAD can also assist by guiding you on how to properly document and report cases
Q: Are there animal welfare laws in Abu Dhabi?
A: Yes. Federal laws protect animals from cruelty and neglect. AWAD works to raise awareness and improve enforcement of these protections.
Federal Law No.16/2007 Concerning Animal Protection and Federal Law by Decree No.1(31) of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law. (add link United Arab Emirates Legislations | Federal Law Concerning the Protection of Animals)
Federal Law No.18/2016 on the regulation of the possession of Dangerous Animals (add link MOCCAE News | Media Center | UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment)
Contact and Updates
Q: How do I contact AWAD?
A: Get in touch with us through our Contact Us form, by emailing awad@oda.gov.ae, or by calling 02 228 2059. We welcome your inquiries, collaborations, and feedback.
Q: How do I stay up to date with AWAD’s work?
A: Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media awad.ae (Instagram) Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi (FB) to receive the latest updates on our initiatives, events, and advocacy efforts.
Q: Can AWAD help with Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)?
A: Our budget for TNR in 2025 is fully allocated to our CCCP (Community Cat Care Program) in the following four communities: Al Raha Gardens, Al Rayyana, Al Mamsha Saadiyat, and Mayan. However, we can assist by providing a list of recommended vets who offer the best rates and maintain high welfare standards for TNR services. Please, reach out to awad@oda.gov.ae for more information.
Q: What should I do if my community restricts feeding or removes cats?
A: The UAE National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan designates cats require Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as the preferred method of population control. Relocation is prohibited and ineffective, as cats return or new unneutered cats move in (a phenomenon known as the vacuum effect).
Download the UAE National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan via this link
Additionally, municipal guidelines in Abu Dhabi permit the feeding of community cats provided that a TNR program is in place or underway. These guidelines promote responsible, hygienic feeding and community coordination.
Download the Stray Cat Mediation Guidelines via this link
Download the Stray Cat Feeding Guidelines via this link
If you need support advocating for TNR in your area, AWAD can help guide your discussions with community management.
Q: What should I do if I find a lost pet?
A: Check for a visible collar with ID or check for a microchip at a vet (free service). If microchipped check with all vet clinics, microchipped.ae and the Municipality animal ownership system for a match. Post on social media and keep the pet safe if you can while tracing owner. If no ability to hold you can call AD municipality on 800 555 for assistance or email AWAD@oda.gov.ae for further options.
Q: How can I support AWAD?
A: You can support us by:
- Volunteering your time or skills
- Donating to fund our animal welfare programs
- Fostering animals in need of temporary care
- Spreading awareness about our work and following us on SM
- Partnering with us as a business or community
Contact Us
Are you already feeding cats in your neighborhood? Interested in making a difference?
Together, we can build a safer, healthier, and more compassionate community for everyone – humans and animals alike. Contact us by the CTA below or at awad@oda.gov.ae to volunteer or learn more.
Community Animal Training – Feline (Free Online Course)
Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Microchipped.ae, is proud to introduce a complimentary online training course designed for community volunteers, rescuers, and feeders. This course empowers anyone who wishes to support community cats through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and responsible feeding practices. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, the course provides step-by-step guidance, best practices, and welfare-first strategies to ensure TNR is carried out effectively and humanely.
Click below to access the course
