'No Pet Left Behind': Meet UAE-Based Volunteer Group Rescuing Abandoned Pets

For nearly three hours, the car moved slowly along the Al Ain highway, keeping pace with a dog running along the roadside. She was exhausted, skinny, clearly lost, but every time the driver tried to approach, she kept running.

By the time volunteers reached her, Yuki was dehydrated, frightened and without a microchip to trace where she had come from. Within days, however, she would find safety, medical care and eventually a new home.

Her rescue was made possible by No Pet Left Behind UAE, a rapidly growing volunteer network connecting rescuers, fosters and adopters across the country, often through nothing more than a WhatsApp message and a shared determination to ensure that abandoned animals are not forgotten.

“It's a very simple concept,” says co-founder, Nikita Mehta Kanani.“We connect the pet community in times of need in the UAE. Think of it as a social network for helping animals.”

Kanani, who's also the co-founder of global haircare brand Fable & Mane, started the initiative with her friend Shika Bodani, founder of luxury resale platform Front Row London, over a series of voice notes exchanged on WhatsApp.

That initial idea has quickly grown into a full-fledged, volunteer-driven rescue network connecting hundreds of residents willing to foster, adopt or help transport abandoned animals.

No Pet Left Behind does not operate as a traditional registered charity, says Kanani, but rather as a high-speed logistical hub.“We're not accepting donations, but we work with licensed shelters and daycares."

How to get started

Though only a week old, the scale of the initiative has grown rapidly in just a few days. The community already includes more than 5,000 members across specialised WhatsApp groups, supported by a steadily expanding Telegram and Instagram presence. The network also maintains a database of over 500 vetted volunteers, categorised by home type, allergy status and breed preference.

“You can message us on Instagram, Telegram or WhatsApp,” Kanani says, noting that new WhatsApp members are now added case-by-case as the groups are at full capacity.“You describe what you need and we direct you to the right group. Whether it's pet relocation support, a flight buddy or someone willing to foster your pet temporarily.”

Every day, the team handles hundreds of messages from residents looking to volunteer, adopt or seek help relocating pets.“While we see approximately five dogs a day in need, the feline crisis is significantly larger, with nearly 100 cats flagged daily,” says Kanani.

Despite the logistical challenges, "the placements happen very quickly,” says Kanani.“We recently had a Husky and a Golden Retriever who were found skinny and scared in a villa after their owners left during the war. They went from a daycare straight into loving homes within a day.”

There is a common misconception that abandonment is always a choice. Kanani adds that the system often fails even the most well-intentioned owners.

"Most of our owners don't want to leave their pets behind. In fact, most people want to take them along but it's often really hard to relocate," she explains, pointing to financial and logistical reasons. "Private jet charters can cost between $8,000 to $10,000 per seat, and commercial airlines often have strict weight limits or seasonal blackouts."

However, the team emphasises they are not there to make abandonment easier.“Our community does not exist to encourage people to leave their pets behind, I want to make that really clear,” Kanani adds.

“Just because there is a group, it doesn't mean 'Okay, I can leave my pet, they'll be taken care of.' It's still your responsibility to take care of your pet. We just, for the first time, have fosters who are opening their hearts and homes," says Kanani.

While the numbers are staggering, the heart of the community network is found in individual transformations. Kanani speaks daily with the owner of Yuki, a dog found exhausted on the Al Ain highway. "The person in the car followed her slowly for three hours. She was running, very weak, very tired. She didn't have a microchip.”

After receiving medical care, grooming, and a proper diet, Yuki's transformation has become a beacon of hope for the community. "She's completely changed. It shows how many myths can be dispelled by adopting. These animals need the human touch more than ever, and it shows how quickly their behaviour can change in the right environment."

For residents facing sudden departures, Kanani says preparation and responsibility are crucial.“You need to have a guardian in place and make sure all the paperwork is ready so you can bring your pet to your country later when flights reopen,” she advises.

If vaccinations are not up to date, timing becomes critical.“For some destinations, there's a waiting period. For the UK, for example, you must wait about 21 days after the rabies vaccination.”

On the other hand, to import a pet (dogs or cats) into India from the UAE, owners must secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from India's Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) at least 15 days in advance.

According to PetTravel, pets must also have a microchip, a rabies vaccination that is at least 30 days old, and a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by UAE authorities.

If all requirements are met, no quarantine is required. However, entry is limited to major airports such as Mumbai and Delhi.

And if, for any reason, you need to leave your pet behind, ensure it is properly cared for at home. "Arrange a pet-sitting service and share the details with someone you trust,” says Kanani.“Do not leave your pet on the street or unattended in the house. Pets cannot take care of themselves. They need food, water and human care.”

If she could speak directly to someone considering walking away from their furry friend, Kanani doesn't mince her words.

"Your pet is not an accessory, it's not excess baggage. It's your family. Pets feel everything way more than humans do; they just don't have the voice to express it,” she adds.“It has been loyal to you for years, and the least you can do is return the favour. You are their lifeline.”

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