Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM-8PM. Sat-Sun: 9AM-5PM. Public Holidays: 9AM-5PM. Christmas Day & New Years Day: CLOSED

Supporting Our Community at GVC

SOCIAL PURPOSE

At GVC we have a strong sense of social purpose; being part of and supporting our community is very important to us. We care deeply about the welfare of all animals. One GVC initiative for supporting our community is to help the people who take care of the stray and street cat populations in Abu Dhabi.

If you belong to a feline rescue or aid group, and would like to know more about our initiatives and how GVC can help support the work you do, please contact us.

Trap Neuter Return (TNR) Initiatives at GVC

Since 2016, Dr Katrin and the team have dedicated one day per month to neutering and health-checking stray cats and street cats at specially discounted prices.
GVC is able to neuter around 20 cats on a single day and the cats can be returned back to their territories on the same evening or next day.

If you are feeding or caring for a street cat which is not yet neutered, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram or contact us to find out details of our next TNR day. Please email Dr Katrin to book a slot and find out current prices.

How to choose the right pet

Choosing the right pet for yourself and your family is hugely important, as it will affect your day-to-day life and routine.

How much time do you have to commit to looking after your pet?


Dogs are usually a little more time-intensive, as they need to be walked and receive mental stimulation every day, plus need baths and to be groomed and have their teeth brushed or ears cleaned.


Cats are a little less time-intensive but will also need daily attention in the form of playing and perhaps brushing, cleaning the litter box, and making sure that their physical and emotional needs are met.


Other pets such as small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters) and reptiles don’t need as much one-on-one interaction. However, rabbits can be very sociable and you will need time to clean out their enclosures and prepare fresh food for them.







What breeds would be a good fit for your family?


Once you have agreed upon the right species, you will need to consider the breed or mix of breeds. Large dog breeds will need more space and exercise, whereas smaller dogs may be more suited to an apartment.


Some species of cat such as the Arabian Mau may demand outdoor space and being able to go out, whilst longer haired cat breeds such as Persian cats or Rag Doll cats may be more suited to an indoor-only lifestyle.







Where should you find your new pet?


If you are thinking of buying a pet, for example if you want a very specific breed, you should take into consideration from whom you are buying it and what kind of start it may have had in life. Puppies and kittens coming from large breeding operations and being sold through pet shops may have been taken from their mothers too early, which may affect their health and behaviour.







Adopting a Pet


At GVC we strongly believe that adopting a pet has many benefits over buying.

  • There are a huge number of pets in need of good homes and many are living in less than ideal circumstances whilst they wait for their forever homes. Many have arrived in this situation through sad circumstances.
  • Pets for adoption have usually had a full health check and have received vaccinations, de-worming and sometimes even been microchipped and neutered before they are adopted out.
  • Pets for adoption have been character assessed, which means that you are much likely to find your perfect furry partner – one that will be suited to your lifestyle and your family.
  • Adopting a pet is the moral and ethical choice in order to stop or reduce the breeding of pets in large breeding operations – sometimes known as puppy and kitten mills or farms – that are often taken away from their mothers too early and not cared for properly, exposing them to illnesses and diseases and behavioural issues in later life.






How GVC can help

We always have a number of pets looking for their furr-ever homes, so please contact us or check our Facebook and Instagram pages for pictures and more info.

Find out how one lucky Abu Dhabi street cat found a loving forever home.

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