Al Ain Animal Shelter Faces Closure As Six Hounds Seeks Support For 224 Rescued Animals

A community-run animal shelter based in Al Ain is struggling to secure its future as the costs and accommodation challenges rise to a point where hundreds of rescued animals could be left without a home.

Six Hounds & Co has rescued and cared for animals since 2022 and is currently providing for 224 animals, primarily dogs and cats, and even includes a sheep in its care.

As the organisation's founder, Anso Stander, seeks financial support and new homes for some of the animals cared for at the centre, the organisation has struggled to meet costs.

Al Ain Shelter Could Close Without New Support

The organisation has primarily relied on community donations, volunteers and local support since its inception, which has helped to fund its food, veterinary treatment and other expenses.

However, the financial strain has ramped up this year as the organisation seeks reliable sponsorship that will be able to fund the centre's operations as well as continuing to care for the animals that have come into its care.

The current accommodation situation has added further uncertainty to the organisation's position.

The lease for the villa that the organisation occupied expired some six months ago, although the team has been able to remain there temporarily.

The organisation is also considering other properties that would be able to be sustained for its operations as well.

Growing Costs Put Pressure On Daily Operations

The scale of the shelter has led to significant costs being required for even basic care.

With seven rooms, between 15 and 43 cats are occupying the space, including recovery or receiving regular medication.

According to the founder, bills for utilities, food and veterinary treatment have gone unpaid, with outstanding costs reportedly reaching around Dh100,000.

With only one other staff member working at the shelter, managing the growing number of animals and allocating funds has been an immense challenge.

224 Rescued Animals Need Homes And Care

As the organisation seeks funding, its immediate challenge remains the wellbeing of the animals.

Families and individuals across the UAE are being encouraged to adopt or foster one of the rescued animals.

The animals include older dogs, cats with additional needs and pets that have had challenging circumstances.

The organisation has also worked with rescues in other emirates to bolster adoption opportunities for the animals.

Rescue Efforts Extend Beyond Al Ain

The organisation has moved to transfer animals across the UAE to take advantage of additional adoption opportunities.

Fourteen puppies rescued from a farm site in Al Ain have been moved to Ras Al Khaimah to take part in adoption activities.

Six of the puppies found a home in Ras Al Khaimah along with two older dogs, the Al Ain organisation was unable to accommodate due to its current capacity.

Several of the animals rescued by Six Hounds & Co have already found permanent homes with families in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, although many of them are still awaiting temporary or permanent accommodation.

Founder Hopes Community Support Can Save The Shelter

Despite the difficulties the organisation has faced, the founder has still sought to find safe options for every animal in the shelter's care.

The possibility of closure has led to significant questions over where the 224 animals would be able to go if this operation was no longer viable.

The team is continuing to seek sponsors, adopters, foster families, donors and volunteers who would be able to help the organisation continue its mission.

For Six Hounds & Co, the immediate priority is to continue to ensure that every rescued animal has the opportunity to receive the care it needs and, where possible, move into a permanent home.

As the shelter faces a critical period, support from the community across the UAE could be vital in determining what happens to the animals currently depending on it.