We have many breeds of cats and dogs because their calm nature is well suited to such an environment. All pet empire cats and dogs are health checked, fully vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and free of skin diseases and parasites. They regularly visit the doctors at Amity Veterinary Clinic to make sure they are healthy and happy. Any cat that becomes ill at the pet empire is immediately removed and taken to the Amity Veterinary Clinic to receive all necessary treatment and will only be returned if deemed healthy. The Animal Hut; A dream started in November 2015 with a small shop in Abu Dhabi. Three clueless owners who knew absolutely nothing about starting a business but had a common interest in LOVE ANIMALS and a desire to work in the related field.
Animals came into our lives in 2008 when we moved to the United Arab Emirates and had our first cat, Moosho, with us and Cookie with our longtime friend and business partner Samah. It sparked a journey of love and compassion we didn't even know existed. But because of them, we were introduced to the rescue world. We had no idea about the suffering of the animals or the condition of the strays, which was a big shock. Without hesitation, we knew we had to try to make a difference. Even if it was a small one. We started setting up feeding stations and bringing as many cats to the vet clinics whenever they needed medical attention. Then we heard about TNR and after doing a little research we understood what it meant. Other cats and dogs came to us unexpectedly and we ended up sells many of them like Beeso, Jojo, Micky, Muffin, Luca, Bee & Clumsy. Stray kittens that stumbled our ways out of nowhere, they became your family and they became our babies.
In 2014, while driving in the Batin area of Abu Dhabi, I saw a small dog eating garbage and looking tired, weak and scared. Maybe he was lost? Maybe he was abandoned? All these thoughts started running through our heads. We asked around, knocking on doors until a worker in the area confirmed our fears. His owner abandoned him, and they did not want him anymore.
We took him to the vet for a check up and thankfully he was a healthy 3 month old puppy whom we named Max. He came home with us and met our 8 cats and dogs we watch the magic happens! If only he had been living with us for months! He just adapted, and my sister, Fatina, and I decided to adopt him.
Honestly, I was skeptical at first. If you know me, you know that I do not have a very active lifestyle. I love being at home, watching TV and cuddling with my kitties. Which is not an ideal lifestyle for a dog! I couldn't give him what he needed, an active life and adventure. I didn't hide how I felt from my sister, but she developed an amazing relationship with Max and was willing to take full responsibility for him. At that moment, I knew he was part of our family, and it was the best decision we ever made! We really can not imagine our life without it.
In 2015, Sama decided it was time to adopt a dog. We went to Dubai to see Silver, a rescue story we had been following for some time. She had the most incredible eyes ever! He was a 4 year old shepherd mix. I went with the course. When we talked to the rescuer, she said she wasn't very friendly to the cat, who was destructive and a deal breaker, as much as she wanted to come home with us. He actually jumped into the front seat of the car while walking with us! It broke our hearts that we couldn't take her home but Sama had many cats.
Then we realized that all the obstacles we faced at the beginning were nothing compared to all the surprises we would encounter after launch! How difficult it is to be in this business and yet maintain ethics in a brutal environment, unethical competitors, product diversity in the markets, supplier prices, market prices, margins, expenses and operational costs. It was all a big burden, but our goal remained the same and we agreed to have these main rules for running our business:
We will only sell quality products that we give to and use with our animals, for example we will not sell raw hides or harmful materials or supermarket quality foods and treats. Only the best, just like we would do for our children.
We will NOT sell animals. We will not endorse or encourage the puppy mills in any way. We will support, help and raise awareness for rescue and adoption. All these beautiful souls that need a home.
The Pet Shack is our home away from home. We will build a family and not just a group of employees working together. We only hire those who share our vision, passion and love for animals and not employees who clock in and out.
We will always support rescue groups as best we can.
We will continue to support our community with TNR of street cats and feeders.
We will never compromise our integrity.
It is not easy to survive in this area. With so many
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