DKC • The Aviary • Dubai, UAE

What are your enclosures like? What size are they?

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

<h5>What are your enclosures like? What size are they?</h5> <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>

Clipping my pet's claws ~ How often should I do it?

Answer

<h5>Clipping my pet's claws ~ How often should I do it?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_66.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>When to clip your dog's claws depends on the amount of exercise your dog gets and, importantly, the type of surface your dog exercises on. If you can manage to get some walkies time on rougher surfaces (such as roads (but be safe!)), this will usually be sufficient to maintain those claws at a good length. (Oh, and by the way, a good part of puppy training should always include playing with their feet ~ this gets them used to having their paws and claws touched, making it easier as they get older to clip those claws when necessary.)</p> <p>As for cats... well, they have retractable claws (very high-tech!), and so they keep them smooth by scratching on posts or (don't say it!!) your furniture... when they get their claws out! As for length, however, this usually requires a little hands-on maintenance on your part... or on the part of your vet... whichever of you has more confidence. <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_wink.png" height="15" width="15"> (It's not too difficult, though, so why not ask for some training?)</p> <p>The amount to be cut off depends on the nail length and the length of the small blood vessel within the nail, all of which you need to learn a bit about and can ask any vet or a good kennels/cattery handler about, and then you're off and running.</p> <p>Oh, and by the way, don't forget to clip your bird's claws too!</p></div>

Clipping my pet's claws ~ How often should I do it?

When to clip your dog's claws depends on the...

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!!

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

<h5>Boarding Reservations: How far in advance do I have to book?</h5><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>

What's the minimum age a bird should be when I first get/purchase her?

12 weeks old!

It's important for young birds to be fully weaned before they are taken away from their mother, so no younger than 12 weeks old. And it's best for only experienced bird people to attempt to handle rare baby birds.

What are your opening hours?

Take a look...

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

Can I have pictures and videos and daily updates of my pet while I'm away? And do you have webcams?

Answer

Pictures? Videos? Daily updates?

Yesssiiirrree!

If you let us know you'd like tha

<h5>Can I have pictures and videos and daily updates of my pet while I'm away? And do you have webcams?</h5><p>Pictures? Videos? Daily updates?</p> <p>Yesssiiirrree!</p> <p>If you let us know you'd like that... your wish is our command. And we also post our "DKC Weekly Photo Shoot" on our Facebook and Instagram pages, which includes pics of all the pets currently staying with us ~ including yours, of course.</p> <p>As for the webcam thing... sorry, no, we don't have webcams (did we just spoil it for you?).</p>

What's DKC's Collection & Delivery schedule?

Answer

<h5>What's DKC's Collection & Delivery schedule?</h5> <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-Friday. We don't offer this service on Saturday. (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-Friday. We don't offer this service...

What should I do if my bird lays an egg?

Answer

RUN FOR THE HILLS!!!!! (No, just joking.)

Female birds may lay eggs even without the pres

<h5>What should I do if my bird lays an egg?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_119.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>RUN FOR THE HILLS!!!!! (No, just joking.)</p> <p>Female birds may lay eggs even without the presence of a male bird. There are a number of possible reasons for this, such as being exposed to more light in the day and forming an <em>unnatural</em> bond with their owners. Birds may also form an attachment to other birds that they see or also to objects, such as toys. The reason we don't want eggs to be laid on an ongoing basis is that they may result in "egg binding", osteoporosis and malnutrition if your bird continues to do this. <br><br>So, if your bird begins to lay eggs, it's a good idea to do the following:</p> <ul> <li>Decrease the amount of daytime hours your bird is exposed to down to a maximum of 8 hours.<br><br></li> <li>Take away any toys that she may show a preference for and also take them away from any area in which she may see other birds as mates because having those toys there can act like a trigger of sorts.<br><br></li> <li>Place an artificial egg in their nest ~ she may well stop producing her own eggs if she's already got an egg present. (Birds are intelligent but apparently not THAT intelligent!)</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>And, of course, if you're concern... see a vet!</p> <p> </p></div>

Does my bird need dietary supplements?

Answer

<h5>Does my bird need dietary supplements?</h5> <p>If your bird is eating a good quality, complete diet, including fresh fruit and vegetables, there is usually no need for extra dietary supplements. Yay! <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png" height="15" width="15"></p>

Is someone looking after my pet during weekends, holidays and at night?

Answer

<h5>Is someone looking after my pet during weekends, holidays and at night?</h5> <p>Simply, yes. Even when we are closed to our two-legged customers, we have staff on-site every single day of the year. Full stop.</p> <p>Furthermore, we have staff on-site even at night. And because of our relocations work, which takes place mostly at night, every night, we have at least a couple of hours spread throughout the night when things are going on at DKC. Now, in fairness, we're not actually working with all the animals during the night as we do during the day, but after all folks, your pets need to sleep too! <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png"></p>

What's the best birdie food?

Answer

<h5>What's the best birdie food?</h5> <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...

Bathing my pet ~ Should I do this regularly?

Answer

<h5>Bathing my pet ~ Should I do this regularly?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_65.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>No doubt much to your surprise, you should bathe your dog (or cat) only when really needed ~ in most cases never more than once a month unless there are medical needs which require it more often (i.e. vet-prescribed medicated shampoos, etc.). So unless your pet has been enjoying a mud bath or rolling around in something unthinkable, there really is no need for a scheduled scrub in the tub. Seriously ~ most pet owners, for all the loving reasons you can think of, simply bathe their pets too often. The thing is, you see, that dogs and cats have natural oils in their skin and fur to keep them feeling and looking healthy and shiny, and excessive bathing can remove these oils causing the fur to look, and indeed to be, dull and dry.</p> <p>More important than bathing, in most cases, and especially for long-haired critters, is a regular brushing out. Put your energy into THIS and you've got a good thing going.</p> <p>So restrain yourselves, you lovey-dovies!</p></div>

Bathing my pet ~ Should I do this regularly?

No doubt much to your surprise, you should...

My pet is taking medications ~ can DKC Boarding manage this?

Answer

As Barack Obama said... YES WE CAN!

Just talk to us about it and we'll organise the rest.

<h5>My pet is taking medications ~ can DKC Boarding manage this?</h5><p>As Barack Obama said... YES WE CAN!</p> <p>Just talk to us about it and we'll organise the rest.</p> <p>(Don't like Barack Obama quotes? Oops!)</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.

Can I export my bird?

Answer

<h5>Can I export my bird?</h5> <p>Yes, definitely, birds can be exported. However, there very strict guidelines and lots of paper work to arrange. It's always best to check with both the country of origin and the desintation country to learn what they each require, as the rules differ from country-to-country.</p> <p>You'll also need to check the CITIES list to see if your bird (species or family order) are required to have a CITIES permit to travel. Take a look <a href="https://www.cites.org/eng/disc/species.php" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

Will you board my bird • rabbit • ferret • guinea pig • hamster • mouse • lizard • snake... any animal at all?

Answer

You bet! Just about any animal at all.

And we have quite a lot of knowledge about these an

<h5>Will you board my bird • rabbit • ferret • guinea pig • hamster • mouse • lizard • snake... any animal at all?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_30.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>You bet! Just about any animal at all.</p> <p>And we have quite a lot of knowledge about these animals too, so it's not just a matter of sticking them somewhere in our facility and hoping for the best. We've spent a lot of time and energy over the years making sure that we have handlers who have real knowledge and experience in dealing with all manner of domestic pet and exotics, including and especially appropriate feeding and enclosures/spaces for them. And if there's anything we don't know, we have excellent contacts in the realm of wildlife husbandry and care who we can talk to.</p> <p>Take a look here: <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/pet-boarding-other-animals" target="_blank">Other Creatures Too</a></p></div>

Will you clip my pet's nails if needed?

Answer

<h5>Will you clip my pet's nails if needed?</h5> <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...

Can DKC help me rehome my pet?

No, sorry. This is not something we are involved in.

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.

Will my bird have time outside her cage and some interaction with your handlers? What if she's staying in one of your offices?

Answer

<h5>Will my bird have time outside her cage and some interaction with your handlers? What if she's staying in one of your offices?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_100.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Yes!</p> <p>Little birds have to stay in their cages because they can so easily get <strong><em>too</em> </strong>free for their own good, but they nevertheless very often spend all or most of their time in our offices, while in their cages, where there are always staff and customers to experience and interact with.</p> <p>As for large birds (cockatoos, macaws, African greys), if they tend to be very noisy (talkative?) we need to be cautious in our promises to you because we also have to serve our other customers on the phone and in person, as you know, so a really "talkative" large bird can make all that pretty difficult, meaning we might not be able to have them in our offices at all. BUT... DON'T WORRY... no matter what kind of squawker your bird is, all large birds in our care get a lot of time out of their cages and with our handlers, and spend a lot of time in our aviary ~ sometimes inside their cages, sometimes outside, but always given lots of attention. And in our lovely aviary (for both large and small birds), they have plenty of time to check things out and interact with staff, in addition to the regular feeding and bathing times they always get.</p></div>

Will my bird have time outside her cage and some interaction with your handlers? What if she's staying in one of your offices?

Yes! Little birds have to stay in their cages because they can so easily get too free for their own good, but they...

Do I have to provide my own pet food? What type of food do you provide?

Answer

<h5>Do I have to provide my own pet food? What type of food do you provide?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_43.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>No you don't. We provide everything.</p> <p>We rely primarily on dry Royal Canin, wet Lily's Kitchen for dogs and wet Catit for cats... and also chicken, tuna and rice when needed or specifically wanted.</p> <p>Of course, if you have a special diet (your own concoction or a veterinary prescription) we can do that too... although for these there <em>might</em> be additional charges.</p> <p>To learn more, take a look here: <span class="span_link cursorpointer" data-href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/love-and-other-stuff-too#Special-Diets">Love... and other stuff too/Special Diets</span>.</p></div>

Do I have to provide my own pet food? What type of food do you provide?

No you don't. We provide everything. We rely primarily on dry Royal...

Do you have a vet on-site?

Answer

Yes! Uh... No! Uhhhh... let us explain.

We do not have a vet on-site at our boarding faci

<h5>Do you have a vet on-site?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_48.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Yes! Uh... No! Uhhhh... let us explain.</p> <p>We do not have a vet <em>on-site</em> at our boarding facility in Umm Ramool.</p> <p>HOWEVER... that really should not worry you. Our own vets at <a href="/what-we-do/dkc-veterinary-clinic" target="_blank">DKC Veterinary Clinic</a> in Motor City are available to our boarding staff 24 hours a day, every single day of the year, so if anything is ever wrong, we do have the resources that you and your pet need. Additionally, our veterinary clinic is open 24/7. All Day. All Night. Always.</p> <p>Furthermore, in almost all cases when a pet is needing veterinary attention, it is not an emergency situation. So we will be able to book appointments with our own clinic or your preferred vet if you wish, and we will also of course always let you know in advance that we are doing that unless for some reason you are unreachable and it cannot wait.</p> <p>Finally, because of <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/love-and-other-stuff-too" target="_blank">the way we work</a> on a daily basis, we almost always discover very early if there are any developing problems, which also does a lot to keep your pet well and, most importantly, to avoid emergency situations almost all the time.</p></div>

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!