If you are figuring out how to find a pet boarding service in the UAE that will keep your dog or cat safe, comfortable and well fed while you are away, you have more options than you might think. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah all have a growing number of licensed boarding facilities, from large day-and-night kennels to small home-style boarders who take in a handful of pets at a time. The challenge is not finding a place — it is finding the right one.
Boarding is a big decision. Your pet will spend days or weeks somewhere unfamiliar, and a bad experience can leave a lasting impression, especially on anxious animals. This guide walks you through where to look, what to check on a visit, which questions to ask, what boarding typically costs in the UAE, and the warning signs that tell you to walk away.
Quick Answer
- Start with licensed facilities: In Dubai, pet boarding businesses need a commercial licence, and pets must be registered with Dubai Municipality.
- Visit before you book: Never commit to a boarding place without seeing it in person and meeting the staff.
- Ask about staff, space and routines: Staff-to-pet ratios, exercise schedules, feeding routines and overnight supervision matter more than fancy decor.
- Budget for daily rates: Boarding in the UAE typically runs from around AED 50 per night for cats to AED 250 or more for large dogs in premium facilities.
- Book early: Good facilities fill up weeks ahead of school holidays, Eid and the summer travel season.
Where to Look for Boarding Services in the UAE
The search usually starts in one of four places, and each has its strengths.
Your veterinarian’s recommendation
Most veterinary clinics in the UAE either run their own boarding service or work closely with trusted facilities nearby. Because vets see the results — healthy, calm pets versus stressed ones — their recommendations carry real weight. Our companion guide on how to find a veterinary clinic near you can help you locate one if you do not have a regular vet yet.
Online search and review platforms
A quick search will turn up plenty of options, but take reviews with a pinch of salt. Look for detailed, specific reviews that mention staff names, routines and how pets settled in, rather than one-line praise. Be wary of places with only glowing five-star reviews and no criticism at all — that pattern is rare in any real business.
Dubai Municipality-licensed businesses
In Dubai, any business that boards animals needs a valid trade licence, and dogs must be registered with Dubai Municipality. Ask a facility for its licence details before you hand over your pet. Licensed premises are subject to inspection, which gives you a basic level of accountability that an unlicensed home boarder cannot offer.
Word of mouth and pet communities
Other pet owners are often your best source. Ask neighbours, colleagues and friends with pets where they board, and what their experience was like. Expat and pet-owner groups are full of honest accounts — including the bad ones, which are just as useful.
How to Find a Pet Boarding Service That Fits Your Pet
Not every good facility is right for every animal. A nervous rescue dog may do better in a quiet home-style setup with one carer, while a sociable young dog may thrive in a larger kennel with group play. Cats, on the other hand, often prefer smaller, calmer environments with separate cat-only areas away from barking dogs.
Before shortlisting, make a note of your pet’s needs:
- Species, breed and size: Some facilities only take cats, or only small dogs. Giant breeds need appropriately sized kennels and runs.
- Temperament: Anxious, reactive or very shy animals need calmer environments and experienced handlers.
- Age and health: Puppies, senior pets and animals with medical needs require closer supervision and sometimes medication routines.
- Social preferences: Does your pet enjoy other animals, or do they need a private space? Good facilities will ask you this themselves.
Use that profile when you visit each facility, so you can judge honestly whether it suits your animal rather than just looking impressive.
What to Check During a Facility Visit
Always visit in person, ideally unannounced or at a normal operating time rather than a staged tour. A reputable facility will welcome the visit. Here is what to look at:
| What to check | Good signs | Warning signs |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness | Fresh-smelling areas, clean bedding, tidy feeding stations | Strong odour of urine or faeces, dirty water bowls |
| Space | Roomy kennels or rooms, safe outdoor exercise areas | Cramped cages, no outdoor access, overcrowding |
| Separation | Dogs and cats housed separately; incompatible animals kept apart | Mixed housing with no regard for species or size |
| Ventilation and temperature | Air-conditioned indoor areas, shaded outdoor runs | Stuffy, overheated rooms with no airflow |
| Staff | Calm, knowledgeable handlers who know the animals by name | Too few staff, rough handling, evasive answers |
| Safety | Secure fencing, double-gated entrances, escape-proof enclosures | Gaps in fencing, doors left open, chaotic entry |
Pay attention to how the animals already there behave. Relaxed pets playing or resting comfortably are the best endorsement a facility can have. If most animals look stressed, cower or bark frantically, trust what you see.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Bring a list. A good boarding provider will answer every one of these without hesitation:
- How many staff are on duty at night, and is someone always present?
- What is the daily routine — feeding times, walks, play sessions and rest?
- What is your staff-to-pet ratio during the day?
- Which vaccinations do you require, and do you check records on arrival?
- What happens if my pet gets sick or injured? Which vet do you use, and how quickly can they get there?
- Can you handle medication, special diets or specific feeding instructions?
- Do you allow me to bring my pet’s own food, bedding and toys?
- Will my pet be exercised or walked, and by whom?
- Can I get photo or video updates, and how often?
- What is your cancellation policy, and are deposits refundable?
The answers tell you everything about how the place is run. Vague or defensive responses are a signal to keep looking.
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
No matter how convenient the location or attractive the price, leave if you spot any of these:
- No licence or refusal to show business registration details.
- Refusal to let you tour the full facility before booking.
- No requirement for vaccination records — this puts every animal there at risk.
- Overcrowding, with animals stacked in small cages and no rotation.
- No overnight staff or unclear emergency procedures.
- Pressure to pay a large non-refundable deposit before you have seen the place.
- Staff who cannot answer basic questions about feeding, exercise or veterinary emergencies.
Your instinct matters too. If something feels off during the visit, it probably is. There are enough options in the UAE that you never need to settle.
Understanding Boarding Costs in the UAE
Prices vary widely by emirate, facility type and the size of your pet. As a rough guide, expect daily rates along these lines — always confirm the current price directly with the facility:
| Pet type | Typical daily rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | AED 50–120 | Cat condos and suites cost more than standard boarding |
| Small dogs | AED 75–150 | Home boarders often charge at the lower end |
| Medium dogs | AED 100–180 | Group play and daycare extras add to the bill |
| Large dogs | AED 150–250+ | Premium kennels with suites and webcams charge more |
Ask exactly what is included. Some quotes cover food, walks and playtime; others charge separately for every extra, and the final bill can look very different from the headline rate. Common add-ons include grooming, one-to-one play sessions, extra walks and medication administration.
Also worth considering is pet insurance, which can help if your pet needs unexpected veterinary care while boarded. The concept is similar to the cover described in our guide to UAE health insurance plans — check what a policy includes before you need it.
Paperwork and Booking Timeline
Most UAE boarding facilities ask for the same documents: a vaccination booklet showing up-to-date core vaccines (rabies is mandatory), proof of Dubai Municipality registration for dogs, and sometimes a copy of your Emirates ID. If your pet’s records were issued outside the UAE, keep translated copies handy; the document attestation process used for other official paperwork shows how foreign documents are formalised if a facility ever asks for it.
Timing matters. For normal periods, booking one to two weeks ahead is usually enough. For Eid holidays, National Day, Christmas and the summer exodus, book four to six weeks ahead — the better facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi fill up fast. Many places also require a short trial stay for first-time boarders so staff can see how your pet settles in. Treat it as a good sign, not an inconvenience.
Once you have chosen a place, read our guide on preparing your pet for boarding and run through the pet boarding checklist so nothing is forgotten on drop-off day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far in advance should I book pet boarding in the UAE?
For ordinary weeks, one to two weeks ahead is usually fine. For peak travel periods — Eid, National Day, Christmas and the summer months — book four to six weeks in advance, because popular facilities fill up quickly.
Do boarding facilities in Dubai require vaccinations?
Reputable ones do. Expect to show an up-to-date vaccination booklet, including rabies, which is mandatory for dogs in Dubai. Any facility that does not ask for vaccination records is a red flag.
Is home boarding better than a kennel?
It depends on your pet. Home boarders offer a quieter, family-style environment that suits anxious or senior animals, while larger kennels often provide more structured exercise and socialisation. If you are weighing boarding against someone staying in your home, the pet sitting overview on Wikipedia explains how the two options compare. Licensed, inspected premises of either type can be excellent — visit and judge for yourself.
Can I check on my pet while I am away?
Most good facilities offer photo or video updates on request, and some have webcams in the kennels. Ask about this before booking so your expectations are set.
What if my pet has never been boarded before?
Many facilities offer a trial day or overnight stay so your pet can get used to the environment and the staff can assess them. It is a sensible step, especially for first-time boarders.
The Bottom Line
Finding a pet boarding service in the UAE comes down to doing the legwork: shortlist licensed facilities, visit them in person, ask direct questions, and watch how the animals already there behave. The cheapest or closest option is rarely the best one. Take your time, book early for holidays, and choose the place where you would feel comfortable leaving a family member — because that is exactly what you are doing.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.