Collage of rescue dogs with volunteers from RAKAWC, Second Chance Animal Sanctuary, Stray Dogs Center, and Haven of Hope supported by Wunderdog’s Gift a Meal programme.

Fresh Dog Food Canine Nutrition Balanced Dog Diet

Celebrating International Dog Month: 5 Ways to Help Rescue Dogs in the UAE

Alaa Mneimneh | August 22, 2025

August is International Dog Month, a time to celebrate the companionship, loyalty and joy that dogs bring into our lives. It is also the perfect moment to shine a light on those still waiting for homes, especially here in the UAE where the summer heat makes life harder for rescue dogs.

While many of us enjoy our pets curled up in the cool indoors, countless rescue dogs are relying on the kindness of the community for food, shelter and care. The soaring temperatures slow down adoptions, put a strain on resources and make every act of support even more meaningful.

This month is an opportunity to come together, celebrate our love for dogs and take small steps that have a big impact on their wellbeing.

Support with Nutrition – Gift a Meal

Good nutrition is one of the most powerful ways to support a dog’s health, yet it is one of the biggest ongoing costs for rescue centres. This is where our Gift a Meal programme makes a real difference.

When you Gift a Meal, you help provide freshly prepared, gently cooked recipes to rescue dogs in the UAE. These meals contain 65 to 80% moisture, which is especially important during the hot summer months, and are made with balanced, high-quality ingredients that aid recovery, boost energy and improve overall wellbeing.

We have partnered with four dedicated rescue centres to deliver these meals directly to the dogs in their care:

Your contribution eases the financial pressure on these rescue teams, allowing them to focus on medical care, rehoming and the day-to-day needs of the dogs they look after. It is a simple act that has a lasting impact.

See the impact of fresh food through Nova & Suri’s blogs:

RAK Animal Welfare Centre volunteer feeding a rescue dog with Wunderdog’s nutritious Gift a Meal food.

Volunteer Your Time

Rescue centres depend heavily on volunteers to keep their operations running smoothly. Offering your time can make a direct and immediate difference to the dogs in their care.

Simple acts such as walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening, helping with feeding, cleaning kennels, or assisting at adoption events all contribute to their wellbeing. These efforts also give dogs valuable social interaction and exercise, which can help them feel more confident and ready for adoption.

Even a few hours a week can ease the workload for rescue teams and improve the quality of life for the animals they look after.

Rescue husky at Stray Dogs Center eating Wunderdog’s gently cooked food provided by the Gift a Meal programme.

Donate Supplies

Providing essential supplies is another practical way to support rescue dogs. Items such as cooling mats, fresh water bowls, nutritious treats, toys and comfortable bedding can make a big difference to their daily comfort.

Before buying anything, it is always best to check with the rescue centre to see what they need most. This ensures your contribution is truly beneficial and avoids giving items they may already have in abundance.

By matching your donation to their immediate needs, you help the rescue use their resources more effectively and ensure the dogs receive exactly what will improve their care.

Volunteer at Second Chance Animal Sanctuary playing with rescue dogs supported by Wunderdog’s Gift a Meal programme.

Spread Awareness

Sharing stories about rescue dogs and the work being done to help them is a simple yet powerful way to create change. Many people are unaware of the challenges rescue centres face or the number of dogs waiting for homes. By talking about these issues, you can inspire others to get involved.

This is often overlooked, yet it is one of the most effective ways to help. Even if you do not have a large number of followers, your post can reach the right person at the right time, someone who might be ready to adopt, volunteer or donate.

Use your social media platforms to share adoption appeals, updates from rescue centres and information about campaigns such as Gift a Meal. The more awareness we create, the more support these dogs receive, and the greater the chance of them finding the loving homes they deserve.

Rescue dog at Haven of Hope enjoying freshly prepared Wunderdog meal through the Gift a Meal initiative.

Foster or Adopt

Fostering or adopting is one of the most impactful ways to help rescue dogs. When you foster, you give a dog a safe and loving temporary home, which helps them adjust to family life and frees up space in the rescue centre for another dog in need.

Summer is a particularly important time to consider fostering, as kennels can become overcrowded and resources are stretched thin. Even a short-term foster placement can make a lasting difference to a dog’s wellbeing and adoption chances.

However, fostering or adopting is a significant responsibility that should be carefully considered. It requires time, patience and a commitment to meeting the dog’s needs. Taking the time to think through your lifestyle, resources and ability to provide a stable environment ensures the best outcome for both you and the dog.

If you are ready for a long-term commitment, adoption gives a dog the stability and love they have been waiting for, while opening up space for the rescue to help more animals.

Inspirational quote about dog adoption and fostering: ‘Adopting one dog won’t change the world, but for that one dog, the world will change forever.’

Your Turn to Make a Difference

International Dog Month is a celebration of the joy and companionship that dogs bring into our lives, but it is also a reminder of the many still waiting for help. Whether you choose to Gift a Meal, volunteer, donate supplies, spread awareness, foster or adopt, every action makes a difference.

By working together as a community, we can ease the burden on rescue centres, improve the lives of the dogs in their care and help more of them find loving homes.

Make this August count. Join us in supporting rescue dogs in the UAE through the Gift a Meal campaign and see how a small act of kindness can create a lasting impact.