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Dubai pets: All the VIP services you need to know

Here are some premium services in UAE for pets that can be availed by pet parents

Research by the global pet industry shows the local market, currently valued at $300 million, is set to reach $2 billion by 2025–and businesses are responding with services fit for the emirates’ four-legged residents.

According to a study by the globalpetindustry, UAE “wants to increase the number of pets. It is believed that nowadays, there are 1.5 million pet owners with over 2 million pets, mainly cats and dogs.”

That said, from concierge service to chauffeur rides, UAE pet owners can access a variety of VIP treatments for their pets. Here are some premium services in UAE for pets that can be availed by pet parents:

Pet taxis

A pet taxi (or pet transportation service) in Dubai is a specialised service that provides transport for pets in air-conditioned, specially equipped vehicles.

These services typically cater to transporting your pet to/from vet appointments, pet grooming salon pickups and drops, airport transfers for pets, transport between homes (for moves or pet sitting) or school or daycare transport for pets

The vehicles are usually fitted with secure crates, temperature monitoring, and sometimes GPS tracking. Drivers are trained in pet handling and safety protocols. Some services offer additional features like: 24/7 availability, door-to-door service, multiple pet transport, online booking systems, WhatsApp booking options and last-minute emergency transport.

Costs typically vary based on distance and time, with most services charging a base rate plus per-kilometre fee. Some companies may require advance booking, while others offer on-demand service.

Pet flights

Pet flights and private jet services in Dubai cater to owners looking to transport their pets with maximum comfort and minimal stress.

For commercial flight services, dedicated pet travel agencies handle documentation and arrangements. There are also temperature-controlled cargo sections for pets. Other services include door-to-door services including pickup and customs clearance, flight arrangements to and from major global destinations and pre-flight vet checks and documentation preparation.

Pet owners can check the requirements for travelling with their pets on flight websites of Emirates, Etihad, Air France, and other airlines offering the same service.

In addition, there are also private jet options which allow pets to travel in cabin with owners, and take advantage of luxury amenities like pet beds and feeding stations. Some flights even offer personal pet attendants, custom catering for pets as well as flexible scheduling and departure times and direct ramp access to avoid terminal stress.

Requirements typically include: Pet passports, vaccination records, microchip documentation, health certificates, import/export permits, breed clearances (as some breeds are restricted).

However, both services often include: pre-flight consultation, transport to/from airport, customs clearance assistance, pet accommodation arrangements and emergency vet support.

Pet day care

Pet daycare in Dubai offers supervised care for pets while their owners are at work or away. Services typically include:

  • Full-day and half-day care options
  • Indoor air-conditioned play areas
  • Outdoor exercise zones
  • Structured activity schedules
  • Socialisation with other pets
  • Feeding and rest periods
  • Webcam monitoring for owners
  • Training sessions
  • Swimming pools at some facilities
  • Pick-up and drop-off options

However, pet owners would like adhere to requirements set by the daycare such as pre-admission temperament assessment, and vaccination requirements.

The pet would be taken care of based on size and breed-specific play groups, professional pet handlers with owners receiving regular updates via WhatsApp/apps, flexible timing (early drop-offs/late pickups), monthly packages, daily rates and holiday special programs.

Health and safety measures:

  • Vet checks
  • Sanitised facilities
  • Air purification systems
  • Heat monitoring
  • Regular cleaning
  • Separate areas for different pet sizes
  • Emergency protocols

Most centers require:

  • Updated vaccination records
  • Health certificates
  • Behaviour assessment
  • Registration forms
  • Trial day evaluation

Pet boarding

Pet boarding in Dubai spans from basic kennels to luxury pet hotels, with facilities offering air-conditioned spaces and 24/7 staff supervision.

Standard services include daily feeding, exercise routines, basic grooming, and supervised playtime, while luxury options elevate the experience with private suites, TVs, memory foam beds, and spa treatments.

Most facilities require updated vaccinations, health certificates, temperament assessments, and advance booking—particularly crucial during peak periods like summer months and major holidays.

Services can be customised with pick-up and drop-off options, holiday packages, special diet accommodation, medication administration, and daily photo or video updates for owners.

Webcam monitoring, pool access, and in-house vet services round out the premium offerings, making Dubai’s pet boarding sector a comprehensive solution for pet owners needing short or extended care for their animals.

Pet insurance

Insurance coverage for pets in Dubai has evolved to meet rising pet care costs. Most policies cover accidents, illnesses, and routine care with annual limits ranging from AED10,000 to AED50,000.

Basic plans typically include vet consultations, surgeries, medications, and emergency treatment, while premium packages add coverage for dental care, vaccinations, behavioral therapy, and third-party liability.

Policies generally require pets to be microchipped, vaccinated, and between 8 weeks and 8 years old at enrollment.

Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded, and some breeds may face restrictions or higher premiums.

Most insurers offer flexible payment plans with monthly, quarterly, or annual options, and claims can usually be processed through mobile apps or online portals.

Some providers partner with specific vet networks, offering direct billing services to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Pet sitting

Pet sitting in Dubai offers personalised in-home care for pets while owners are away.

Services typically range from basic daily visits to live-in care, with professional sitters providing feeding, exercise, medication administration, and companionship.

Most pet sitters offer flexible scheduling including overnight stays, daily drop-ins, and extended care packages.

Services often include daily photo updates, houseplant watering, mail collection, and home security checks.

Professional sitters typically require meet-and-greet sessions before booking, hold pet first-aid certifications, and maintain insurance coverage.

Many operate through established agencies or platforms that conduct background checks and provide backup sitters if needed. Rates vary based on service duration, number of pets, and special requirements like medication administration or specialised care.

During peak travel seasons—particularly summer months and major holidays—advance booking is essential, with many sitters being fully booked weeks ahead.

Pet relocation

Pet relocation services in Dubai manage the complex process of moving pets domestically or internationally.

These companies handle the entire journey, from initial consultation to final delivery, including documentation, flight bookings, custom crates, and door-to-door transport.

Services typically cover pet passport preparation, microchipping, vaccination requirements, health certificates, import/export permits, and breed clearance documentation.

For international moves, companies navigate country-specific requirements, quarantine regulations, and airline policies, while coordinating with overseas partners to ensure smooth transitions.

Most providers offer temperature-controlled transport, pre-flight vet checks, flight booking on pet-friendly airlines, customs clearance, and temporary boarding if needed.

Additional services often include pet insurance arrangements, temporary accommodation bookings, and new vet recommendations in the destination country.

Some companies specialise in complex routes or challenging destinations, offering tailored solutions for difficult cases.

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