Adopting a Pet in Morocco: Shelters, Costs, Steps
Adopting a pet in Morocco means working through a mix of formal shelters, informal rescue networks, and a few paperwork requirements most guides skip. The fee itself is often symbolic; the first round of vet care is the real cost. This guide covers everything, honestly.
Why Adopt?
Every year in Morocco, thousands of stray animals are searching for homes. Adoption gives a second chance to a creature in need, while enriching your life with loyal companionship and unconditional love.
But adoption is not a decision to make lightly. It requires thought, preparation, and long-term commitment. This guide walks you through every step.
Shelters and Animal Organizations in Morocco
Morocco is home to several organizations working for animal protection. Every one below was checked on 15 September 2026 against its own website or an independent welfare directory. Contact them before you visit: opening hours and capacity change.
UMPA (Union Marocaine pour la Protection des Animaux)
An animal protection organization listed in Casablanca by the SPA du Maroc directory of Moroccan associations. Its own website no longer responds, so for a first contact in Casablanca, a reachable association such as SPA du Maroc or SPANA is a better start.
- Location: Casablanca
SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)
International charity with five centres in Morocco. Its Moroccan site lists veterinary consultations and care, education work, and cats and dogs for adoption.
- Centres: Casablanca, Marrakech, Khemisset, Had Ouled Frej and Chemaia
- Website: spana.org.ma
- There is no SPANA centre in Fes.
ADAN (Association de Défense des Animaux et de la Nature)
In Rabat, ADAN runs two shelters, one for dogs and one for cats. The association says it has branches in nine Moroccan cities; we confirmed the Tetouan branch separately.
- Location: Rabat, Tetouan
- Contact: ADAN on Facebook
SARA (Sunshine Animal Refuge Agadir)
Refuge in Agadir: street animal rescue, care, rehabilitation and rehoming, with a trap, neuter, vaccinate and return programme for stray dogs.
- Location: Agadir
- Website: saramorocco.com
Mchichates
Association focused mainly on cats, working with rescuers in several regions: rescue, care, sterilisation, foster families and adoption.
- Website: mchichates.ma
Other Verified Organizations
- SPA du Maroc: shelter, care and adoption in Casablanca, Kenitra, Mohammedia and Rabat. spadumaroc.com
- SFT (Sanctuaire de la Faune de Tanger): a sanctuary in Tangier that says it is home to more than 1,000 animals, including over 650 dogs and 120 cats, and offers dogs for adoption.
- Refuge Arrahma: near Fes, more than 500 cats and dogs, with care, sterilisation and rehoming. refugearrahma.com
- Morocco Animal Aid: Agadir region, rescue, sterilisation and adoption, caring for around 150 animals at a time. moroccoanimalaid.com
- ADAN Tétouan: the Tetouan branch of ADAN, active since 2017, with care, sterilisation campaigns and adoption. adantetouanweb.wordpress.com
- AIEVI: a Meknes association for stray animals that offers animals for adoption. aievi.ma
- Les Amis des Animaux Tanger: runs a 1,500 square metre refuge for stray dogs and cats in Tangier, according to le360 (October 2025).
- Beldi Refuge (Beldi Dog Rescue): rescues, treats and rehomes street dogs, from a refuge in Chefchaouen. beldidogrescue.com
- Animal Refuge Marrakech: takes in dogs and cats at risk in Marrakech and works to rehome them. helpadoptmoroccananimals.org
The American Fondouk in Fes treats working donkeys and mules only; it does not take dogs or cats.
Local Informal Networks
Smaller towns may have local, volunteer-run cat and dog rescue groups. Ask neighbors or veterinarians for references.
Before You Adopt: Essential Questions
1. Are You Really Ready?
Adoption is a long commitment: in large studies of animals under veterinary care, the median lifespan was 14 years for cats and 12 years for dogs, and many live longer. Ask yourself:
- Do you have time? Dogs need 1-2 hours daily (walks, play, training). Cats are more independent but require daily maintenance.
- Do you have space? A 50m² apartment works for a cat. Dogs are more challenging depending on breed.
- Do you have the budget? Food, vet bills, emergencies, flea treatment, vaccines = 2,000-5,000 MAD per year minimum.
- Is your family on board? Everyone needs to be committed.
2. What Animal Fits Your Lifestyle?
Try our matching tool to find the companion that fits your life. A few questions about your rhythm, your home, and your energy, and it points you to the animal that goes with it. To understand the science behind human-pet fit, read our article on human-animal personality.
3. Cat or Dog? Young or Adult?
- Cat: Less demanding, ideal for urban living, deeply affectionate
- Dog: Requires more commitment, perfect for active families
- Kitten/Puppy: Adorable but intensive training and house-training accidents are frequent
- Adult cat/dog: Calmer, known temperament, often already trained
Morocco's shelters have mostly adult animals. Adopting them frees resources for animals in crisis.
The Adoption Process
Step 1: Visit the Shelter
Go multiple times. Watch the animals, observe their behavior and health. Good shelters encourage you to spend time with potential companions.
What to check:
- Cleanliness and hygiene conditions
- Physical and emotional state of animals
- Staff's attitude toward the animals
Step 2: Ask the Shelter
Ask specific questions:
- Where does the animal come from?
- Has behavioral testing been done?
- What are its medical records?
- Any incompatibilities (with children, other animals)?
- Has the animal been spayed/neutered?
Step 3: Adoption Contract
Reputable shelters provide an adoption contract. While it may seem formal, it protects the animal.
Typically includes:
- Owner commitment to provide care, food, and affection
- Prohibition against selling the animal
- Return clause if problems arise (animal returns to shelter, not the streets)
- Shelter's right to follow up (verification visits)
Step 4: Prepare Your Home
Before bringing your new friend home:
-
For a cat:
- Litter box (away from food area)
- Food and water bowls (separate)
- Scratching post (essential!)
- Quiet adaptation space
- Simple toys
-
For a dog:
- Comfortable bed
- Heavy-duty bowls
- Leash and collar
- Chew toys
- Secure area (fenced if possible)
Adoption Costs in Morocco
Adoption fees are low, and few organizations publish them, so ask before you visit. Where a fee is published it is often symbolic: Mchichates asks for at least 100 DH, and for comparison gives its own costs as 350 DH for a vaccination and 800 DH for a sterilisation.
Typical first expenses after adoption (estimates, they vary by city and clinic):
- Vaccination: 200-400 MAD
- Spay/neuter (if not done): 500-1,500 MAD
- Dewormer: 50-100 MAD
- Vet check-up: 100-200 MAD
On top of these, budget for food, litter, repeat deworming and anything unexpected. For real food prices, see our food and supplies reference.
After Adoption: The First Days
Week 1: Quiet Adaptation
Your animal is in shock. Fewer visits, less noise, lots of patience.
- Let them explore gradually
- Maintain stable routines
- Be patient with accidents (bathroom issues are normal)
Weeks 2-4: Bonding and Training
- Learn basic commands (sit, come)
- Establish routines: feeding, walks, play
- Gradually socialize with other animals/people
Months 2-3: Stability
Your animal feels at home. Behavioral issues often resolve naturally with time and kindness.
Essential Care for Your Adopted Pet
Regular Veterinary Care
- Annual vet visit (mandatory)
- Up-to-date vaccinations
- Parasite treatment (critical year-round in Morocco)
- Spay/neuter (reduces behavioral problems)
Appropriate Nutrition
- Puppy/Kitten: growth formula
- Adult: standard nutrition
- Senior (10+ years): specialized formula
Good local brands are available in Morocco (Friskies, Purina, Royal Canin). No need to overspend.
Daily Activity
- Dog: Morning and evening walks, regular play
- Cat: 15-30 minutes daily play, window access for mental stimulation
Morocco-Specific Challenges
Extreme Heat (35-45°C in summer)
Moroccan summers are especially tough on pets. Check our complete summer care guide to keep your companion safe.
- Constant water access
- No walks between 11am-4pm
- Cool resting areas (AC ideal)
- Professional grooming in summer
Year-Round Parasites
Fleas and ticks are active all year. Monthly treatment is non-negotiable. Learn more about skin care adapted to Morocco's climate.
Finding Quality Veterinarians
Large cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Fès, Marrakech) have quality vets. Smaller towns may have fewer options. Establish a trusted vet early.
Legal Responsibility
Morocco lacks a national mandatory pet registration law, though regulations vary by municipality. Check with your local council.
You are liable if your animal causes damage. Liability insurance could be prudent.
Final Advice
- Don't adopt from pity alone. Yes to love, but with thought.
- Shelter animals are grateful. Their loyalty and love exceed expectations.
- Ask for support. Shelters are there for questions after adoption. Don't hesitate.
- Involve your family. Include children and partners in care and responsibility.
Finding the Animal That Fits Your Life
Adoption is the start of a long responsibility, and often a lovely story. Take your time and ask about the animal itself: how it behaves at the shelter, and what the staff have seen over several weeks.
Want to know which animal fits your daily life? Try our matching tool, then visit a shelter and take the time to meet the animals more than once.
