Animal Rescue in Lebanon: Shelters, Fostering, and Adopting

Lebanon's animal rescue sector has grown enormously since the 2019 crisis, with shelters caring for thousands of dogs, cats, donkeys, and farm animals abandoned during the economic collapse. Most rescues are non-profit, donor-funded, and run by volunteers.

Major organisations

• BETA Lebanon: largest dog/cat rescue, sterilisation programs.
• Animals Lebanon: advocacy, exotic animal rescue, legislation lobbying.
• Wild at Heart Foundation: dog rescue with overseas adoptions.
• SPA Lebanon, Saving Souls, Lebanese League for Animal Welfare.
• Many private foster homes through Instagram networks.

Adopting

• Application form, home visit, and trial period typical.
• Adoption fee covers spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip.
• Dogs and cats from shelters are vetted; many have known temperaments from foster.
• Match the animal to your lifestyle (puppy ≠ apartment for working couple).

Fostering

• Short-term home for animals awaiting adoption.
• Food and vet bills usually covered by the rescue.
• Great low-commitment way to help, especially for seniors and recovering animals.

What to know about Lebanese law

• Law 47/2017 made animal cruelty a crime — though enforcement is limited.
• Dog licensing required by some municipalities.
• Travel: pet passport + rabies vaccine + microchip + EU titre test for European travel.
• Apartment buildings: some still ban pets — check before signing lease.