What to do if you lose your dog or cat in the UAE - 2026 Step by step Guide
If You’re Reading This, Take a Breath
If your dog or cat has gone missing in the UAE, you’re probably panicked, scared, and replaying every “what if” in your head. That’s normal.
The good news? Most lost pets in Dubai and the UAE are found – especially when the right steps are taken quickly.
This 2026 UAE guide explains what to do if your dog or cat goes missing, including important differences between searching for a lost dog vs a lost cat, plus real-world tips that genuinely work.
First 60 Minutes - What to do IMMEDIATELY
In the first few hours, most pets remain close to the escape point. Panicking or rushing can make things worse.
This helps you predict where they’re most likely to be hiding.
Lost dog versus lost cat - Why the search is different
This is crucial and often missed. Cats and dogs behave very differently when they go missing so knowing the difference is important so you are prepared.
If your dog goes missing in the UAE
Dogs are more likely to:
If your cat goes missing in the UAE
Cats behave very differently.
Cats usually:
This is the most common mistake: People search too wide, too fast.
Pro tips that actually work for finding a lost cat
Check:
Ask neighbours to open garages and sheds, even if they think it’s unlikely.
Real example:
This is exactly how Moo was found – hiding quietly near nearby villas being renovated. He hadn’t gone far at all, just somewhere silent and safe.
Cats are more likely to respond after dark when it’s quiet
and cooler.
Bring:
Sit quietly. Listen.
This one matters.
Place:
near the escape point. Familiar scents help guide them home.
Contact local UAE Support
Microchips help, but only if someone takes your pet to be scanned and they are registered.
Use the power of community and social media
No judgement – just protection.
Start searching immediately nearby and activate community alerts.
Sometimes – but some hide silently nearby and need help being found.
No. Microchips require scanners and delay reunions.
Immediately – anyone with a smartphone can scan and contact you.
Activate our lost alert on the app
Our app creates a personalised missing pet poster within minutes once the lost alert has been triggered. This instantly alerts nearby pet parents in your area, multiplying your search effort within minutes. We then share your missing poster with our network, social media platforms and network of vets and rescuers.
Acting fast is critical—the first 24 hours are often the most decisive, especially for dogs.
Why Smart Pet Tags matter when a pet goes missing in the UAE
When a dog or cat goes missing, time is everything. The faster someone can identify your pet and contact you, the higher the chances of a safe and stress-free reunion.
This is where smart pet tags play a critical role.
If someone finds your pet:
Speed = safety.
Anyone can help - no microchip scanner needed
Unlike microchips, which require a vet or municipality scanner, smart pet tags can be scanned by anyone with a smartphone.
That means:
A neighbour
A security guard
A delivery driver
A passer-by
can instantly access your pet’s information and contact you.
In a busy place like the UAE, where pets are often found by people who don’t own animals themselves, this accessibility is crucial.
Microchips are important, but they have limitations:
They are invisible
They rely on someone taking the pet to a vet or authority
Contact details are sometimes outdated
Reunions can be delayed by days
Smart pet tags act as a front-line solution, while microchips act as a backup.
Together, they provide layered protection.
Copyright © 2023 Where My Paws At. All Rights Reserved.
