Getting Pet In Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Getting Pet In Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide

11 Mar 2025

Photo: Kateryna Hliznitsova

Over the past several years, the number of pet owners in the UAE has grown at an unprecedented rate — rising by over 30% since the pandemic. One major reason is the large expat community; many get pets to feel more at home, while others bring their furry companions with them when they move.

Anyway, the trend keeps growing, and more and more people around me are thinking about getting a new little friend. That said, every pet owner will tell you that getting a pet is a big decision — it takes time, patience, and (let us be honest) quite a bit of money. So, what should you know before getting a pet in the UAE, and where can you find one? Let us dive in.

The growing trend of pet ownership in the UAE

Like many trends, the surge in pet ownership in the UAE saw its biggest boost during the 2020 pandemic. As people searched for emotional and mental support, having a furry friend became an essential source of comfort. The shift towards remote work (read more here) also played a role — more time at home meant more opportunities to care for a pet.

Rough statistics suggest that there are around 1.5 million pet owners in the UAE, with over 2 million pets — cats outnumbering dogs two to one. Considering the UAE’s total population of approximately 11 million, this means nearly one in four households has a cat or a dog. So, what is driving this trend?

First, the post-pandemic lifestyle changes have had a lasting impact — they are mentioned above. But that is not all. Secondly, the rising standard of living has made pet ownership more accessible — more people can afford not just their own well-being but also the additional expenses that come with having a pet (and trust me, there are some!).

Another key factor is the rapid development of pet-friendly infrastructure and the growth of pet services. The UAE’s pet market is projected to reach $2 billion by 2025, with growing access to online shopping for pet essentials, temporary pet boarding services, pet-friendly cafés, and more relaxed pet transportation policies.

Where to buy a pet in Dubai

In most places, pets are sold with all the necessary documents and vaccinations. However, websites do not always provide much information, so my biggest advice is to first decide on the breed you are looking for and then visit pet markets in person. Here are some of the best places to check out:

Warsan Birds & Pet Market

This is a large pet market offering everything from common pets like cats and dogs to more unique ones such as parrots, tortoises, and chameleons. The widest selection is, of course, in dogs and cats — most of them are kittens and puppies, typically around three months old but rarely older than six months.

Prices vary depending on the breed and pedigree. For example, the puppy we fell in love with was 3,000 AED, while some dogs can cost as much as 20,000 AED.

Pet Holics

This place specialises in cats, dogs, reptiles, and parrots. As with the previous place, everything is here — there is a variety of breeds and colours to choose from for every budget! Another great thing about Pet Holics is that they offer potty and obedience training — perfect for those who don’t have the time to handle the early stages of pet training themselves.

Photos: Pet Holics

Pet Mania

Pet Mania mainly specialises in dogs and cats. Their website provides detailed information on each pet, including size, weight, and personality traits. Most pets here are already microchipped (which is a legal requirement in the UAE) and come with a pet passport.

Adoption spots

Another option is adoption. There are many pet adoption services in the UAE for those who aren’t set on a specific breed but want to give a pet in need a second chance. Some great options include K9 Friends, Easy Adopt Dubai, Moon Puppies, and others. Adopting a pet is a wonderful way to give an animal a second chance at a loving home.

What you need to know before getting a pet in Dubai

I have always wanted a pet, but I still don’t have one. The reason? The only animal I truly want is a dog — and as much as I love them, they also come with the most challenges. Thinking logically and weighing the pros and cons — that is great! But sometimes, the best way to understand what pet ownership really entails is by hearing from those who has been through it.

Sofia, Publisher of The Sandy Times, and her dog Kenny

— How expensive is dog care in Dubai?

— Basic things like vaccinations and check-ups are not too costly. I usually pay around 500–600 AED for a vaccination, a quick check-up, and a basic blood test. But if you need more complex tests or medication, it gets really expensive. For example, I had Kenny’s teeth and a hernia removed, and it cost me 8,000 AED in total.

— How hard was it to find a pet-friendly apartment?

— As far as I know, all Emaar buildings allow dogs. I have never really faced any issues, and to be honest, I am always surprised when I hear about buildings that do not allow pets.

— How pet-friendly are people in Dubai, considering the UAE is a Muslim country?

— My neighbours are fine with my dog as long as he is quiet. But sometimes, it can be a bit tricky because the walls and doors are quite thin, and you can hear everything. I also get annoyed when other dogs bark non-stop in my building. Luckily, Kenny is super quiet. When it comes to cafés, I have never had any trouble bringing Kenny to outdoor terraces, even in Downtown Dubai. No one minds, and I always make sure to bring a water bowl for him. There is even a dog-friendly café called Pawdy Neighbors, where dogs are allowed inside, and another one is opening right in my building, which is pretty cool.

— Has Kenny’s health changed because of Dubai's heat?

— I am not sure if the heat has directly affected Kenny’s health, but his issues started after we moved to Dubai. He developed an ear infection, which I think is heat-related since dogs sweat through their ears. It is nothing serious — Kenny just needs ear drops. He also caught the flu twice, which is strange because he does not interact with other dogs. During one of our vet visits, they noticed that his teeth were not in great shape. Dental work for dogs is done under general anaesthesia, so while he was under, I also had his umbilical hernia (which he had had since birth) removed.

— Overall, do you consider Dubai a good place for dogs?

— Apart from the heat, I think life for dogs in Dubai is actually very comfortable. There are dog-friendly beaches, parks, and cafés. In Downtown, for example, there are plenty of places to walk a dog. That said, it really depends on the breed. I wouldn't recommend getting a Husky, Labrador, or Doberman here — I just can't imagine walking them for hours in the summer when they need that much exercise. But for a small, fluffy couch potato like Kenny, who does not need long walks and does not destroy the apartment when left alone, Dubai is absolutely fine.

One more thing to note: travelling from the UAE can be tricky, so you either have to think about dog hotels or find someone who can watch your dog. Kenny is affectionate, calm, and obedient, but if a dog is loud, it could be a headache.

Bianca, DJ, and her three cats

— Tell me more about the cats and what their care looks like?

— Having three cats is definitely a handful, but it helps that they get along well and take care of each other. Their daily care is quite basic — cleaning the litter, refilling food and water — but technology makes it easier. We use automatic feeders and water fountains, which are especially useful when we travel. Still, they require maintenance, like cleaning filters and refilling supplies.

Two of our cats have long fur, so regular brushing is a must, and sometimes they need professional grooming. Boda, our outdoor cat, is another story — he comes home with scratches, bites, and sometimes even brings us “gifts” like birds or lizards. But honestly, I love having them around, so all the effort feels natural.

— How do you handle vet visits and medical expenses?

— It really depends on the cat. Apollo, for example, has had a tough time — when we first got him, he had parvo, which nearly killed him, and later he developed an autoimmune issue. He recently battled FIP, a serious and expensive illness. Treatment was not straightforward; we had to source medication from outside the UAE and care for him intensively at home.

Vet bills can vary — routine vaccinations cost around 500 to 1,000 AED, but unexpected health issues can be costly. Apollo’s hospital stay alone was about 20,000 AED. Fortunately, we have vet friends who help with costs, but having pets anywhere in the world is not cheap.

— Do your neighbours mind the cats?

— It depends on the cat! Apollo and Astrid stay indoors, but Boda is a free spirit. In our previous apartment, we discovered he was secretly living in another house across the garden — he would come home carrying chicken, and we later found out he was sneaking onto someone’s balcony.

In our current place, a neighbour once messaged me asking if Boda was ours because he and his cat friends had been knocking over plant shelves in the communal garden. But overall, the neighbours are fine with them. Cats aren't noisy, though Boda can be a bit destructive. Since that incident, no further complaints!

— Who takes care of the cats when you travel?

— We usually rely on friends or family. Ideally, we prefer someone to stay in the house rather than just drop by because our cats are quite needy. They need attention and love, not just food and water. And, I would say, we are lucky to have a strong network of fellow pet owners who understand this.

— What are the biggest pros and cons of having cats?

— Every cat has a unique personality, so each relationship is different. They are intelligent, affectionate, and bring so much joy. The biggest downside? The sheer amount of cleaning. They pee and poop a lot, so finding the right litter is key. But honestly, the benefits outweigh the challenges — cuddling, playing, and just watching them be their quirky, adorable selves makes up for everything. My phone is filled with cat photos because they are just so aesthetic!

Ksenia, SMM Manager, stayed with the parrot Coco

We once had the experience of living with a macaw, and it was truly unforgettable. Macaws are incredibly smart, funny, and definitely full of personality.

Feeding him was the easiest part — you just pour some food, change the water daily, and he eats and drinks as much as he needs. But everything else? That is where the fun begins. He literally chewed up half of our curtain just because we didn’t turn on the light for him in the morning. He also had this habit — if something annoyed him or he felt ignored, he would scream like a fire alarm. He would scream if it was too dark, too bright, or just if he was bored. You could hear him as soon as you stepped out of the elevator. We tried to calm him down, but once he started screaming, stopping him was nearly impossible. Luckily, the neighbors never complained because he slept at night, but during the day, he put on concerts for the entire building.

On the bright side, he danced hilariously to upbeat music — if you earned his trust, he would try to copy your moves and dance to the rhythm. He was also incredibly sneaky. If he saw a treat in your hand — like nuts or dried fruit — he would instantly switch from aggressive to sweet, gently taking the food and sucking up to you. For some reason, he preferred men over women. If a woman had her hair down, he saw it as a threat and tried to bite. But honestly, he never really bit — he was just being defensive. Maybe he just needed time to adjust and trust us.

What you need to know about moving a pet from another country

If you are relocating with a pet (and let us be honest, for many expats, this is a big deal), there are two key things to keep in mind.

Pet Passport

A pet passport is an essential document, typically issued by your veterinarian. It contains details about your pet’s identification, vaccinations, and medical history. The passport includes:

A microchip
A vaccination record
A health certificate

Microchip

Your pet must be microchipped, as this links them to their pet passport and helps with identification.

One thing to keep in mind — bringing a pet from one country to another is one thing, but traveling frequently with them can be nearly impossible. Each trip requires extensive documentation, which takes time to prepare, and pet boarding services can be quite expensive.

I asked my friend to share his experience of bringing a pet to Dubai. Here are the key things you should know:

The process of transportation takes about 2.5 to 3 months. Costs can be around 10,000 AED, covering the flight, airline fees, taxes, vaccinations, and all required paperwork, including rabies certificates.
Document validity depends on the expiration dates of vaccinations. In most cases, you will need to go through the entry process again each time you bring your pet back into the country. However, exiting is much easier — only an exit permit is required.
Pro tip: Etihad allows pet transportation and provides clear guidelines, making the process smoother.

by Barbara Yakimchuk