July 17, 2025

Dog Boarding in the UAE: The Best Option for Your Dog

Dog Boarding in the UAE: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Dog

Leaving your beloved dog behind while you travel is never easy—especially during the hot summer months in the UAE. Whether you’re heading abroad or planning a staycation, ensuring your dog is safe, happy, and well cared for is a top priority. Fortunately, the UAE has a wide range of trusted, licensed dog boarding options to help ease the stress for both you and your furry friend.

In this article, we caught up with Michelle – the owner of The Dog Retreat in Dubai and asked what every dog owner should be asking when considering boarding their beloved pets.

Find out what you need to know about dog boarding in the UAE, from types of facilities to safety tips, packing checklists, and emotional prep—so you can travel with peace of mind.

What is The Dog Retreat and why did you start it?

The Dog Retreat is a boutique doggie daycare & hotel, that feels like a true home away from home – but with a different twist. We started TDR because we felt there was something missing in the market: a place that recognised that every dog is unique and deserves a tailor-made approach, not a one-size-fits-all routine. Besides this I wanted to build a place based on transparency and trust – where pet parents feel informed and reassured because they know exactly how their dogs are doing, and where honest feedback is part of the care. As a dog parent myself, I know how much it means to feel confident that your dog is not only safe, but genuinely happy and understood. That’s the standard we strive for every day. ‘Tailor-made care, Built on trust.’ With our top priority, to find the perfect balance between the physical and mental stimulation.

What safety measures do you have in place for the dogs?

Safety is our top priority. Every dog goes through a behavioural assessment before joining, so we can place them in the right group and ensure they’re comfortable. Dogs are supervised 24/7 by trained staff, with playgroups separated by size, temperament and energy level to keep everyone happy and safe.

We’ve also designed our place with safety in mind: avoiding crucial things like artificial grass or swimming pools, which may look appealing but increase risks for dogs. Instead, our clean, secure and practical environment is built around what dogs truly need (not what people fancy).

Double gated, full CCTV, daily disinfection, deep cleans; only using the best and safest products from F10. Followed by strict vaccination & body checks and most importantly: we limit numbers, so every dog gets the care and space they deserve. No chaos, No exhaustion.

What should pet parents look for when they are considering daycare or boarding facilities for their fur kids?

We always advise pet parents to visit the boarding facility in person and meet the owners (to observe the environment; for cleanness, safety and calmness). We (as owners) usually spend at least 1 hour with new clients – to get to know them properly. This is needed to be able to prepare their tailored programs.

Also important: to understand if the staff are knowledgeable, caring and willing to answer all your questions. Make sure they separate dogs appropriately, always have supervision and have clear vaccination and health policies. Finally, trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel perfect to you, it probably won’t feel right for your dog either.

What’s the most peculiar request you’ve had from a pet parent for their dog?

We’ve had quite a few funny and sweet requests, but yes some really stand out. A dog who would only sleep with soft background jazz music playing and a dog that needed a fully decorated room, including customized wallpaper and framed pictures of the family.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love seeing the transformation in the dogs. The shy/anxious ones, we give time and support to come out of their shells at their own pace, the energetic ones who go home happy & calm (due to a balanced approach) and the way their tails wag when they arrive in the morning. It’s incredibly rewarding to know we’re really improving their quality of life and giving peace of mind to their parents.

What do you think is missing in the UAE / Dubai to become more ‘pet friendly’.

Dubai has made great progress in becoming more pet-friendly, but there is still work to do. One of the biggest gaps I see is education around dog wellbeing. For many people, having a dog as a pet is something quite new, often due to cultural or religious backgrounds where dogs haven’t traditionally been part of the household. Helping more people understand a dog’s needs, behaviour and what responsible ownership really means would make a big difference for the whole pet community.

Of course, I would love to see more dog-friendly outdoor terraces and spaces too. Though we need to understand this will take a little more time, as we all continue blending into this country and respecting its rules and pace of change. Dubai is evolving and we as pet parent must evolve with it. Being patient and respectful while advocating for a positive change.

What are your honest thoughts about ‘Where My Paws At’ app and smart pet tags?

I believe the app and smart tags are a fantastic idea. They give pet parents added peace of mind by making it much easier to reunite with their pets if they ever get lost. Anything that helps to keep our fur kids safe and reduces the time they spend lost or scared, is something I will always fully support. It’s a great example of how technology can really make a difference in pets’ lives if you ask me!

You can find out more about The Dog Retreat Dubai here.

Types of Dog Boarding in the UAE

Each dog has a unique personality, and different boarding setups suit different temperaments. Here are the most common options:

1. Kennel Boarding

Licensed kennels offer individual or shared spaces with scheduled feeding, exercise, and supervised play.

2. Luxury Dog Boarding

Think five-star amenities

3. Pet Sitting at home for Dogs

Your dog stays in their home environment with a pet sitter.

4. Veterinary Boarding

Best for pets with medical needs, as it ensures access to professional care around the clock.

Dog Boarding Is Growing in the UAE

Pet ownership is on the rise across the UAE, particularly among expats in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. But with long summers and frequent travel, many pet parents are turning to dog boarding kennels in Dubai or opting for home-style dog boarding services to ensure their pets are properly looked after.

As the demand grows, so does the variety—from luxury dog boarding in the UAE to budget-friendly kennels and vet-run facilities.

What to Look for in a Dog Boarding Facility

Before you book, here’s a checklist to help you choose the best dog boarding in the UAE:

Clean, well-ventilated, air-conditioned environment
Licensed by relevant UAE authorities (Dubai Municipality, etc.)
CCTV or webcam access for pet parents
Secure indoor/outdoor play areas
On-site or on-call veterinarian
Structured routines (feeding, playtime, sleep)
Transparent communication and updates
Comfort items allowed from home
In place safety and emergency protocols

Dog Boarding Safety Tips for Summer in the UAE

Summer temperatures in the UAE can soar beyond 45°C, posing serious risks to pets. Make sure your chosen facility:

Has powerful air conditioning and ventilation
Offers indoor playtime during the heat of the day
Provides fresh water at all times
Someone who is trained to identify heatstroke in dogs

If you’re unsure, ask: “How do you ensure dogs stay cool and hydrated during the day?”

Bonus Tip: Before boarding, ensure your pet’s Where My Paws At smart tag is updated — just in case!

What to Pack for Dog Boarding in the UAE

Here’s a handy checklist to prepare:

Your dog’s usual food (avoid upset tummies!)
A favourite toy or blanket from home
Any medications with clear instructions
Vaccination records
Updated ID tags and smart tag
Your contact details and emergency backup, as well as your registered vet contact details
Comforting items that smell like home

Boarding can be stressful—especially for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. Here are some tips:

Schedule a trial day or overnight stay to ease them in
Leave a worn T-shirt that smells like you
Stick to routines before drop-off
Stay calm — dogs mirror your emotions

Apps like Where My Paws At can help you stay connected through digital pet profiles, emergency alerts, and safety tracking, offering even more peace of mind while you’re away.

Find the Best Dog Boarding Near You in the UAE

Search terms like “dog boarding near me UAE” or “licensed dog boarding in Dubai” on Google Maps or use pet-specific directories and apps to compare options and read reviews.

Don’t forget to check for boarding reviews on Instagram, Facebook groups, or pet parent communities in your city.

Final Thoughts + Pet Safety Reminder

Boarding your dog doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right research and preparation, you can enjoy your time away while knowing your pup is in loving, professional hands.

Before you go:

Ensure your dog is microchipped and wearing an ID tag
Download the Where My Paws At app and register all their details for FREE
Set up emergency contacts in your pet’s profile
Share emergency contact numbers with your boarding facility

Download the "Where My Paws At" App for Extra Pet Safety

Our pet safety app and smart pet tags:

Identify your dog in less than 30 seconds if found
Trigger a missing pet alert instantly
Access emergency vet contacts
Store vaccination records
Create a personalised missing pet poster
Reach over 11,000 pet lovers in our community

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