Choosing boarding in Dubai matters more than in a cooler city, because your pet will rely entirely on the facility for air-conditioning, exercise timing and calm company while you are away. The best kennels and catteries book out quickly for Eid, school holidays and summer, so comparing a few places properly β not just by price or photos β is worth doing well before you need them.
What to Look for on a Trial Visit
Ask to see where your pet will actually sleep, play and eat, not just a reception area. Spaces should look clean without a heavy chemical smell, sound reasonably calm, and have secure doors, good ventilation and constant access to water. For dogs, check the size of the run or room, whether playgroups are matched by size and temperament, and how much time is spent outdoors early and late in the day to avoid heat. For cats, look for separate housing away from barking, hiding places, scratching posts and a litter tray kept well apart from food.
Watch how staff handle the animals already there. Confident, unhurried handling, knowing pets by name and noticing small changes in appetite or mood are strong signs. Ask about staffing overnight, what happens in a power or air-conditioning problem, and which veterinary clinic they use in an emergency. A reputable facility will answer plainly and show you its Dubai Municipality licence and trade licence if you ask. If a visit is refused or limited to a quick peek through a window, take that seriously and look elsewhere.
Vaccination, Microchip and Paperwork Rules
Most boarding facilities in Dubai require core vaccinations to be up to date and recorded in a vaccination book or card you bring with you. For dogs that typically includes rabies and the standard combination vaccines, and many kennels also require kennel cough cover given a set time before the stay. For cats, rabies and the feline combination vaccine are typically required. Exact requirements and timing vary by provider, so confirm when booking rather than assuming last year’s rules still apply.
- Vaccination book or card, with rabies and core vaccines in date
- Microchip number, and ideally proof of Dubai Municipality pet registration where applicable
- Recent flea, tick and deworming treatment, as the facility specifies
- Your vet’s details and written permission for emergency treatment
- Any medication, clearly labelled, with dosage and timing instructions
- Familiar food if your pet has a sensitive stomach, plus feeding notes
Book vaccinations well ahead. If a vaccine has lapsed, a booster may need time to take effect before boarding is allowed. Keep photos of the documents on your phone as a backup.
Daily Updates, Exercise and Honest Pricing
Daily updates have become a major reason owners choose one facility over another. Ask exactly what is included: a photo once a day, a short video, a written note on eating and toileting, or live camera access to your pet’s room. Clarify whether updates are included in the nightly rate or charged as an extra, and what happens on the app or message service if you are travelling across time zones. The most reassuring updates are specific β ate half breakfast, played well, slept after lunch β rather than the same cheerful message every day.
Compare total cost, not just the headline nightly rate. Boarding is typically charged per night with peak-season pricing, and extras can include solo play, extra walks, medication, grooming and pick-up and drop-off. Prices vary widely by size of pet, type of room and season, so ask for a written quote for your exact dates. Also check cancellation terms and whether a trial day or single overnight stay is offered β a short test stay is invaluable for nervous pets.
Helping Your Pet Settle
Pack a familiar blanket or worn T-shirt that smells of home, keep goodbyes calm and brief, and avoid changing food just before a stay. Tell staff honestly about quirks: fear of thunder, guarding toys, escaping, or anxiety around other dogs. Good facilities plan around the truth; they cannot plan around a surprise.
When you collect your pet, a little tiredness and a big drink are normal after an exciting stay. Note what worked, book the next peak dates early if you were happy, and you will travel with far more peace of mind.