Pet Boarding & Daycare • Pet Hotel • DKC • Dubai, UAE

We are a for-profit, commercial (but lovely and homey!) boarding and daycare business. However, there are many not-for-profit, equally lovely organisations in the UAE who are totally focused on helping people rehome family pets and strays. A quick search in Google will get you headed in the right direction.

Do you have discounts for long-term boarding or buddy-boarding?

We sure do.

Take a look at our price list.

If your pet boards with us for 28 or more consecutive days, we give you a 10% discount; if 60 days within a year, you get 7 days free boarding for future use. Also, if your pet buddy-boards with another family's pet, then it's a 20% discount! Yay!!

Should I be worried if my dog or cat has lost or gained weight during their boarding stay?

Answer

<h3>Should I be worried if my dog or cat has lost or gained weight during their boarding stay?</h3> <p>No and yes, depending.</p> <p>A little bit of weight gain or loss is very common. It doesn't happen to all pets during every stay in a boarding facility, but it does happen. Pet owners, understandably, often immediately feel that this must mean their pet has not been taken care of properly, but in fact it is more important to look at the entire context and the extent of the loss or gain.</p> <p>Commonly, pets staying in a boarding facility are not eating exactly as they do at home. They may or may not be eating exactly the same food (depending on the arrangements you've made with the kennel or cattery), and even if they are, they may not be eating exactly the same amounts because, despite every effort to get it just right, human beings differ and the precise amounts they provide may be a little different than you do when your pet is at home. So, all this small change can lead to weight gain or loss, in and of itself.</p> <p>More important and relevant than this, however, is that pets are generally much more active in a boarding facility than they are at home. Now <em>wait</em>! We're <em>not</em> saying that you aren't taking good care of your pet by not giving him or her lots of activity. No, not at all. It's just that in a boarding facility, especially one that has a good number of staff and lots of other animals around, the whole environment is very stimulating and there is a lot of exercise for dogs and lots of other general interest for both dogs and cats. And this keeps them more active and generally more stimulated, even if they're in their enclosures. And this, in turn, often leads to a bit of weight loss.</p> <p>And one more thing: In many cases, a little bit of weight loss for dogs and cats is a good thing and although we have many customers who do worry about this, we also have a great many who are pleased to see that their pet has lost a little weght in our care because, in fact, they came in to us a little overweight.</p> <p>But of course, everyone has a different perception of this, and if the weight of your pet is not medically bad, one way or the other, then we do try to maintain the weight your pet comes in with.</p> <p>This all said, too much weight gain or loss IS a problem and if you feel there has been too much either way, we truly hope you'll talk to us about this. We monitor this aspect of your pet's health very closely, with a weight check when they first arrive for boarding and then regular checking every week, or more often if we perceive a potential problem. And if there is a problem, we always let you know about it while you're away and take action when required by adjusting feeding or even consulting your vet.</p> <p>If you're interested in more insight about this important subject, take a look at our page, "<a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/weight-loss-or-gain-while-boarding" target="_blank">Weight Loss or Gain While Boarding</a>".</p>

Does my bird need vaccinations?

Yes... maybe.

There are different vaccines available for different species of birds, with the main vaccinations being for poultry. Parrots tend not to need vaccines unless it's a requirement of the country they are in or travelling to.

Boarding Reservations: How far in advance do I have to book?

Answer

Now that's an important question!

During more than half the year, you can book anytime, ev

<h3>Boarding Reservations: How far in advance do I have to book?</h3><p>Now <em>that's</em> an important question!</p> <p>During more than half the year, you can book anytime, even last minute, and we'll be able to take your pet in. No problem.</p> <p>During about 5 months of the year, things are a bit more complicated than that. Take a look at <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/gotta-book-early" target="_blank">Gotta Book Early!</a></p>

Can my unneutered male cat board with you?

Answer

<h3>Can my unneutered male cat board with you?</h3> <p>You're probably not going to like this much, but no, sorry... with one strict exception: if your cat is <strong>less</strong> than 6 months old, then yes.</p> <p>The reason is that cats can be very territorial and as a result tend to mark their territory rather aggressively which, as you can imagine, isn't something that works too well in a community of cats (even though all the cats are of course in their own enclosures). And whooohooo!, the smell! <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png"></p> <p>If you're really in need of boarding for your unneutered cat, you might consider neutering before you leave. If you're in a rush with a sudden unexpected trip, <a href="/what-we-do/dkc-veterinary-clinic/to-neuter-or-not-to-neuter" target="_blank">we can manage the neutering and post-operative care for you</a>.</p>

Will my cat stay with other cats?

Answer

<h3>Will my cat stay with other cats?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_37.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Well, yes and no.</p> <p>Your cat will stay in a separate and secure enclosure, so there won't be any other cats in there with him. But because it's a cattery, we obviously have a lot of cats staying in a lot of enclosures, all of which are next to each other. So, although your cat <em>will</em> be in his own enclosure, there will indeed still be lots of other cats around.</p> <p>This said, if you have more than one cat and want them to be in the same enclosure together, then perfect! (Did you know that there's a <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/prices-admission-requirements" target="_blank">20% discount for buddy-boarding</a>?) Aaaaaannnnd... if you'd like to explore the possibility of socialising your cat with other cats from a different family (yes, you read that right!), then just talk to us about this ~ we have a <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/the-kennels-the-catteries-the-kennatteries" target="_blank">cat jungle</a> and we <a href="/docs/A_Fair_Share.pdf" target="_blank">Buddy-Board cats</a> too, in the right circumstance and with your permission/request.</p></div>

Will my cat stay with other cats?

Well, yes and no. Your cat will...

Does my dog have to be neutered to board or daycare with you? And can my dog socialise with others if not neutered?

Answer

Nope, your dog does not have to be neutered to board or daycare with us or to socialise with othe

<h3>Does my dog have to be neutered to board or daycare with you? And can my dog socialise with others if not neutered?</h3><p>Nope, your dog does not have to be neutered to board or daycare with us or to socialise with other dogs.</p> <p>But... (isn't there <em>always</em> a "but"?!)... there are some good reasons to neuter, so we'll offer some of them up for you here.</p> <p>We have found that dogs who are neutered tend to socialise better and also buddy-board better. Neutering your dog can help calm down his instinct to dominate, which of course can make being with other dogs a little more likely to be an agreeable experience, as you can imagine ~ once neutered, he'll likely (there are never guarantees!) be more interested in actual play than dominance. From a health point of view, it can also be a good decision to neuter. Spaying helps to lower the incidence of uterine infection and breast cancer in females which, when the latter occurs, is fatal in 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. And neutering helps to prevent testicular cancer and disincline males to marking their territory in your home. Finally (well, not "finally" as much as "this is everything we're going to tell you here!), unneutered little 'uns can often be more aggressive, or more easily triggered to aggression, while being neutered can help their (and your) focus on their human family.</p> <p>(Did we mention over-population?)</p>

Vaccinations ~ How often?

Answer

Dogs can receive their first course of vaccinations at 8-10 weeks old, and cats at 9-12 weeks old

<h3>Vaccinations ~ How often?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_77.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Dogs can receive their first course of vaccinations at 8-10 weeks old, and cats at 9-12 weeks old. They then require their second course of vaccinations 4 weeks later, which should then be followed by yearly booster vaccinations.</p> <p>Are there exceptions to these rules? Yep!</p> <p>Some babes need to be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age if their mother wasn't vaccinated at all. (You see, these babes borrow and benefit from their mum's vaccinations). Result? A total of three vaccinations at 6, 9 and 12 weeks old.</p> <p>Learn about this <a href="/what-we-do/dkc-veterinary-clinic/vaccinations-the-lazy-way" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="/what-we-do/dkc-veterinary-clinic/dubai-pet-municipality-tags-registration" target="_blank">here</a>.</p></div>

Will you clip my pet's nails if needed?

Answer

<h3>Will you clip my pet's nails if needed?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_42.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Yes we will.</p> <p>Our staff are well trained for this and we always check for such things with all dogs, cats and birds... and anyone else that might need it. (Yes, yes, of course we'll clip yours too... but only if ask you <em>real</em> nice.) We won't do any actual clipping without your permission, however, so just ask us to and/or we'll let you know if we think it's needed.</p> <p>For dogs and cats, no charge!</p> <p>For birds, this can sometimes require sedation and, therefore, veterinary involvement, and therefore charges, but we'll talk to you about that if we think it's needed, of course, and don't hesitate to ask.</p></div>

Will you clip my pet's nails if needed?

Yes we will. Our staff are well...

Do I get a discount if I bring my own food?

Answer

<h3>Do I get a discount if I bring my own food?</h3> <p>Sorry about this, but no. Food for your pets is, of course, a cost for us but another very significant cost factor is the actual time, effort and resource to do the feeding itself. With all the pets we have in our care, special feeding, even if it's your own food, requires that much more involvement.</p> <p>We hope you understand.</p>

What's the best birdie food?

Answer

<h3>What's the best birdie food?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_115.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>It all depends on the species! (Surprised?) Falcons, for example, are true carnivores and require a meat diet. Large amazon parrots, such as macaws, require lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, in addition to a good quality, complete pellet diet. Small birds, like canaries and finches, will need a seed-based diet, and it's important to source good quality seed because seeds and nuts can be the source of <em>aspergillus</em>, a fungal infection, which affects their respiratory system.</p> <p>Read more about diet <a href="/what-we-do/dkc-veterinary-clinic/veterinary-care-for-birds" target="_blank">here</a>.</p></div>

What's the best birdie food?

It all depends on the...

Birds get bored??!

Answer

<h3>Birds get bored??!</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_124.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Yes! Birds get bored!</p> <p>In fact, it's <em>very possible</em> that your bird is getting bored. You see, birds are highly intelligent, especially parrots of all sizes and types, and they truly do thrive with stimulation and interaction. If they don't have enough stimulation, they can become destructive and agitated, including self-destructive in the worst cases, such as plucking their own feathers and going through unwanted and unhealthy personality changes.</p> <p>So please DO take this seriously and make sure that your lovely birdie-bird has an interesting environment to live in, is connected to and engaged with the humanoids in your home, and even has a birdie-partner to live with, if at all possible.</p> <p>Who wants to be alone and bored, right? <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_wink.png" height="15" width="15"></p></div>

Birds get bored??!

Yes! Birds get...

Does my bird need to be microchipped?

Answer

Microchipping is a great way to identify and register your bird in case he ever flies off into th

<h3>Does my bird need to be microchipped?</h3><p>Microchipping is a great way to identify and register your bird in case he ever flies off into the unknown. A microchip is also a permanent, more reliable method of identifying your bird than feet-rings which can wear out or become damaged and can even break and fall off entirely.</p> <p>Microchips for birds are smaller than those for cats and dogs but nevertheless sometimes birds require a light sedation to have them placed. Not something to worry about, though. <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png" height="15" width="15"></p> <p>Do be very aware that all birds will always need a microchip, and possibly other forms of identification, if they ever need to travel abroad.</p>

I'm a new dog/cat owner! Help!

Answer

<h3>I'm a new dog/cat owner! Help! </h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_0.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Help indeed!</p> <p>Download <a href="/docs/New_Dog_and_Cat_Owners_-_The_Beginnings_of_WISDOM!.pdf" target="_blank">this document</a> ~ it might help you get started.</p></div>

I'm a new dog/cat owner! Help!

Help indeed! Download this...

Can my cat/kitten socialise with other cats/kittens?

Answer

As you know, cats and dogs are VERY different when it comes to socialising. Most cats prefer to b

<h3>Can my cat/kitten socialise with other cats/kittens?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_107.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>As you know, cats and dogs are VERY different when it comes to socialising. Most cats prefer to be loners or to only socialise with their own family members. However...</p> <p>We actually do have quite a few cats and kittens stay with us who are much more interested in and amenable to socialising than you might anticipate. Yep, it's true.</p> <p>If you're interested in us playing around with the playing around of your cat or kitten, including Buddy-Boarding, just talk to us about it and we'll see what we can do. It's not a guaranteed thing (as it often is with dogs) but we can certainly try and, rather wonderfully, it goes really well quite often, indeed. It's easier with kittens, of course, due to their youth and fun and playful nature, but it doesn't always stop there. And older cats often enjoy the camaraderie too.</p></div>

Do dogs stay only in kennel enclosures or do you have other spaces for them?

Answer

<h3>Do dogs stay only in kennel enclosures or do you have other spaces for them?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_103.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Besides our kennels enclosures, we also have other spaces where our dogs spend their time and sleep. Since not all dogs cope their best in the kennels area, we have our Lounge, Feedroom and two office areas ~ and all these spaces have handlers and other staff around all the time, as well as other dogs too, of course. For older and/or nervous dogs who are small-to-medium-sized and who feel comfortable in a bigger group of dogs, these spaces might be ideal.</p> <p>This said, be aware that we don't offer our Buddy-Boarding discount for dogs in these spaces. Also, in our reception and shipping offices, we can only have dogs who don't bark a lot and are by nature quite and calm. Oh, and if you're pooch tends to mark his territory all the time, we might decide that these spaces aren't quite right for him either (sorry).</p></div>

Do dogs stay only in kennel enclosures or do you have other spaces for them?

Besides our kennels enclosures, we also have other spaces where our dogs...

What's DKC's Collection & Delivery schedule?

Answer

<h3>What's DKC's Collection & Delivery schedule?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_51.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Sunday-Thursday and Saturday. We don't offer this service on Friday. (See our <a href="/about-dkc/two-legged-timings" target="_blank">Two-Legged Timings</a>.)</p> <p>We have a lot of customers asking for very specific appointments but this is often not possible, although we <em>do</em> try if we can, because each day presents its own unpredictable schedules, number of home-visits, number of pets and... traffic!</p> <p>However, we <em><strong>always call</strong></em> approximately 30 minutes before we get to you while we're doin' the rounds, so <em>do</em> feel free to go about your day as you need to and then, when you hear from us, you can return to your home to meet us.</p></div>

What's DKC's Collection & Delivery schedule?

Sunday-Thursday and Saturday. We don't...

Which vaccinations does my pet need?

Answer

If you're relocating your pet into the UAE, the best place to get this information is on our Pet

<h3>Which vaccinations does my pet need?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_17.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>If you're relocating your pet into the UAE, the best place to get this information is on our <a href="/what-we-do/global-relocations/pet-imports" target="_blank">Pet Imports</a> page and in our document <em>Relocating Pets into the UAE</em>.</p> <p>If you're planning to board your pet with us, or partake of doggy daycare, then take a look at our <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/prices-admission-requirements">prices & admission requirements</a>.</p> <p>Research and reading is just so much fun, don't you agree?</p></div>

Does my bird need exercise?

Answer

<h3>Does my bird need exercise?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_123.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>BIrds can become very overweight, especially if they're not given a large enough space to move around in. This can be especially true for birds with clipped wings, who are more likely to end up rather sedentary.</p> <p>And so, yes, exercise for your bird is very important in helping them stay fit and healthy, to say nothing of reducing or eliminating boredom. Give them as much opportunity to fly as possible, if at all possible, with lots of perches around their environment which they can fly from/to. And if you're developing a good connected relationship with your bird, calling her to you from a distance will encourage flying and general activity. Even encouraging your bird to walk along the floors of your home can be fun, explorative activity, especially if you've got her looking for toys and food!</p></div>

Does my bird need exercise?

BIrds can become very...

What's your daycare service like?

Answer

<h3>What's your daycare service like?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_32.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Dogs in daycare with us basically follow the same routine throughout the day that all our boarders do, including playtime in our large sandy, tree-filled yards, mixing with other dogs (if you let us), food (of course!) and generally lots and lots of excitement while in their enclosures because of all the other dogs around and the many many many staff we have constantly checking in and constantly around and about. Why don't you come and see for yourself?</p> <p>See our <a href="/about-dkc/two-legged-timings" target="_blank">Two-Legged Timings</a>. We even work out a schedule for those of you who need to drop-off and pick-up schedule outside these hours.</p></div>

What's your daycare service like?

Dogs in daycare with us...

What are your opening hours?

Take a look...

...at our Two-Legged Timings for Boarding, Daycare, Relocations and our Veterinary Clinic.

My dog and cat LOVE each other! Can they stay in the same enclosure?

Answer

<h3>My dog and cat LOVE each other! Can they stay in the same enclosure?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_38.JPG"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Yes they can!!... maybe.</p> <p>We have a small number of enclosures which are part of the catteries but not too far from the kennels and which, most importantly, are the right size and configuration for a small dog. Each year we have quite a few customers indeed who ask for this and in most cases it works very very nicely.</p> <p>Take a look at <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/the-kennels-the-catteries-the-kennatteries" target="_blank">The Kennels, The Catteries & The Kennatteries</a>.</p></div>

My dog and cat LOVE each other! Can they stay in the same enclosure?

Yes they can!!... maybe. We have a small number of enclosures which...

What are your enclosures like? What size are they?

Answer

The very best way to answer that question is for you to come meet us and take a look for yourself

<h3>What are your enclosures like? What size are they?</h3> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_34.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>The very best way to answer that question is for you to come meet us and take a look for yourself. In fact, that's what we always really strongly recommend.</p> <p>But that's not always easy to schedule, is it. We know. So you should definitely look at the images <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/the-kennels-the-catteries-the-kennatteries" target="_blank">here</a> and elsewhere around our site, as well as our video tour <a href="/video-tour" target="_blank">here</a>, because there are lots for you see, and this should help a great deal in understanding what your pet will experience.</p> <p>In short, though, our enclosures are like this:</p> <ul> <li>All our dog enclosures have an indoor and an outdoor run, and almost all our cat enclosures do too, and your pet decides where he or she wants to be. Those few cat enclosures which don't have an outdoor run, we try to reserve for cats which need or like to be inside most of the time anyway.</li> <li>All indoor runs are air-conditioned.</li> <li>Cat enclosures are multi-storied, with shelves and trapdoors and bedding and toys and all.</li> <li>All dog enclosures have various types of comfortable, snuggly bedding.</li> <li>Cat enclosures range in size. The smallest space we have is an indoor portion of a run which is L:0.8m x W:0.8m x H:1m. The largest space we have is an outdoor portion of a run which is L:4.2m x W:1.1m x H:2.2m.</li> <li>Dog enclosures also range in size. Our smallest enclosures are 1.5m x 1.5m both indoor and outdoor. Our largest are 2.2m x 1.8m indoor and 3m x 2.5m outdoor. And there are a couple of sizes in between.</li> </ul></div>

Are all dogs welcome?

Answer

<h3>Are all dogs welcome?</h3> <p>You bet! All dogs are welcome at DKC ~ young, old, calm, hyper, quiet, loud... you name 'em, we take 'em. And your dog does <span>not</span> need to be neutered or spayed in order to board with us or come for daycare either.</p> <p>We also do <span>not</span> require a behaviour assessment beforehand for dogs to stay with us ~ believe it or not, we really do have skilled and exhaustively trained handlers who will assess your dog's behaviour and needs "on the job", in real time, and get to know them and manage them appropriately as we go. We will, of course, make sure that intact males and females do not get the chance to be "amorous" with one another, but we'll still make sure that they have lots of opportunity for socializing with other dogs, just as any other dog staying with us would. Take a look here for a little more insight into our ways: <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/love-and-other-stuff-too#Socializing-Dogs" target="_blank">Love.. and other stuff too</a>".</p> <p>We've got the skills AND the (headache) pills for the job! <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_wink.png" height="15" width="15"></p>

Is the canine cough vaccination absolutely necessary for my dog to board/daycare?

Answer

The canine cough vaccine is an additional vaccination generally needed only for dogs who stay in

<h3>Is the canine cough vaccination absolutely necessary for my dog to board/daycare?</h3><p>The canine cough vaccine is an additional vaccination generally needed only for dogs who stay in a kennels, daycare or any other community of dogs for any period of time. It is often referred to as "kennel cough" because people understandably associate the "cough", and therefore the vaccine, with kennels, but in fact it's an illness, similar to a human cold or flu, which can be caught and spread around in any community of dogs, much like a human cold caught by kids at school or adults in an office environment.</p> <p>This is because when dogs are in close proximity to each other and are barking and playing and running around, they can easily transmit, or get, the disease. Canine cough is a highly contagious but generally not very severe upper respiratory infection and causes a dry, irritating and hacking cough. Kennels facilities use the vaccination as a way to limit outbreaks and to prevent the spread of the illness if it happens to be brought into the facility by an affected pet. Most facilities will not accept a dog without this vaccination being up-to-date and it is a good idea to have it administered because it generally either prevents or reduces the severity of the disease if it is indeed contracted.</p> <p>If your dog regularly, or even annually, spends time in a kennels, daycare or dog park (or with any group of dogs in any situation), it's a real good idea to keep this vaccination current, even if not asked for or required by the facility you're using.</p>

How long will my bird live for?

Longer than you think!!

It depends on the species of your bird. Small birds, such as budgies and cockatiels, can live for up to 20 years, and the larger parrots, like Macaws and African Greys, have been reported to live well over 60 years. OMG!