The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

One of the greatest joys in life is getting a pet, and ultimately, having a long term best friend. There are a plethora of benefits to getting a pet, but before we delve into that, let’s first explore the options with which one can get themselves a furry friend. Adopting is one way that is often ignored here in Egypt; people usually opt for buying from pet shops or from families who want to profit from a recent birth. However, adopting has many benefits. The first is that you’re rescuing another homeless pet from the already underfunded and overcrowded shelters, leaving more room for other strays; two birds, one stone.

You’re also taking on a huge responsibility, which in turn will make you grow and add to your character development because adopting is a whole different story since these pets have a long history of living off the streets, and there’s probably trauma involved. Adopting is also the cheaper option, so you don’t have to worry about getting scammed out of thousands and thousands of Egyptian Pounds. Pets are also proven to have a positive effect on one’s mental health. Their loving nature is addicting and ups our serotonin (AKA our happy hormones) levels whenever they’re around. Stray animals given to shelters are just waiting for a new home, so imagine how excited they’ll be once their turn comes.

ESAF (The Egyptian Society of Animal Friends)

ESAF is Egypt’s voice for animal rights and charity. It is also an animal shelter where you can adopt your beloved cat or dog. They were established 14 years ago and have been raising awareness of animal welfare and rights ever since. Also, they have been recognised and supported by the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): an international organisation for animal rescue. You can check their adoption album on their Facebook page or visit the shelter in Giza from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Chance Animal Rescue

Whether you want to adopt a dog or a cat, Chance Animal Rescue is ready to fulfil your needs. Located in Giza, Chance Animal Rescue don’t turn their backs on newly saved strays. This, however, costs them a lot of money. Donations are much needed for them to keep going, and if you want to donate, they accept PayPal and Venmo, or GoFundme.

ESMA (Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals)

Housing over 1600 dogs and cats monthly, ESMA is a shelter located in Giza that has the animals’ wellbeing as the driving force of their work. They have multiple fundraisers that you can help with, including their monthly fundraisers to feed their animals, beds and medication costs, and finding new homes. You can check the fundraisers on their website here and help save a life.

FUREVER Rescue Foster

Not just a shelter but also a daycare for animals, Furever is located in Giza and houses over 500 rescue dogs. Their website includes posts about the dogs they have up for adoption with heart-melting comments about the characteristics of every dog and their breed type. You can also send them a message with any questions you have, whether about their dogs or the donations. They accept Vodafone Cash, International Bank Transfer, and PayPal.

Animal Protection Foundation Shelter

Animal Protection Foundation (APF) is a non-profit organisation and dog shelter that currently houses over 1700 rescued dogs. While it places a priority on injured or sick stray dogs, the shelter is always working above its capacity to welcome any dog in need. Entirely relying on donations, APF hopes to spread more awareness about street dogs and the dangerous situations they’re always facing, along with the many ways you can help make a difference in their lives. 

You can help by reaching out to the shelter and its team through their Facebook page or website.