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AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: April 2026.
🪪 Expat lifeFamily✓ Verified Apr 2026

Pet Boarding in UAE: Costs Reviews What to Look For

UAE pet boarding now ranges from AED 120 to 280 per day in 2026. Learn costs, trusted options, and what to check before booking.

·5 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
a brown and white dog carrying a ball in its mouth
Photo by Oh Hi Mish on Unsplash

Current Pet Boarding Costs in 2026

Daily rates for cats start around AED 120 in shared rooms and reach AED 180 in private suites with webcams. Dogs cost AED 150 for standard kennels and AED 250 plus for climate-controlled suites that include two walks. Extras such as grooming or medication add AED 50 to 80 per service. Most boarders require payment upfront for the full stay.

Official Requirements Before Boarding

Every facility must see a current vaccination record and a microchip number registered with the municipality. Dubai and Abu Dhabi also ask for a recent health certificate from a DHA or DOH licensed vet. Without these documents, staff will turn pets away at the gate.

What to Verify on a Site Visit

  • Air-conditioned indoor runs with non-slip flooring and daily cleaning logs posted on the door.
  • Separate play zones for small and large dogs to prevent size-related incidents.
  • Live camera access that works on both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
  • Staff-to-pet ratio of one carer for every eight animals during peak hours.
  • Emergency vet agreement with a 24-hour clinic located less than 15 minutes away.

Trusted Boarding Options by Emirate

In Dubai, Pawfect Boarding in Al Quoz offers 24-hour CCTV and daily photo updates for AED 220. Abu Dhabi residents use Pet Haven in Khalifa City where rates start at AED 160 and include two supervised play sessions. Sharjah boarders such as Whiskers Resort charge AED 130 for cats and provide transport from Dubai for AED 80 each way.

Booking Timeline and Cancellation Rules

Peak periods around Eid and school holidays fill four to six weeks ahead. A 50 percent deposit secures the slot, with full payment due 72 hours before arrival. Cancellations made more than seven days prior receive a full refund minus AED 50 admin fee. Shorter notice refunds drop to 25 percent.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a health certificate for boarding?▾

Yes. DHA or DOH licensed vets must issue the certificate within 14 days of check-in.

Are there extra fees for medication?▾

Most boarders add AED 50 to 80 per day for giving prescribed medication.

Can I board two pets together?▾

Yes, if they are from the same household and both have up-to-date vaccines.

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