Your dream Dubai holiday has just been booked over dunes, luxurious skyscrapers, and world-class beaches. However, as the anticipation grows, this one thought will pull at your heartstrings: Who will be watching my Dog? This is not a question but a significant source of stress to many pet owners in Dubai. The stakes have never been higher, with the local pet care market undergoing explosive growth.
Indeed, the UAE pet care market is already worth about US $300 million, catering to more than 1.5 million pet parents, and is still growing at a double-digit pace, mainly due to a wave of new pets taken in during the pandemic.
At the same time, the pet sitting market in the UAE alone was worth US $25.5 million in 2024 and will supposedly soar to US $44.1 million by 2030, with a strong CAGR of 14.7%.
As fast as it is developing, the issue of dog boarding vs. dog sitting has become an important decision for Dubai pet owners. Which will fit your pup and your pocket?
We will break down both of these choices, divulge which type of care the majority of dog owners in Dubai use, and assist you in discovering the most suitable care option to choose regarding your four-legged family member.
What is Dog Boarding?
Dog boarding services are among the most requested pet services, particularly in cosmopolitan cities such as Dubai.
Definition and General Characteristics
Dog boarding is usually a commercial operation in which your dog is cared for when you are not around. Imagine it is some kind of a pet hotel. These facilities are usually fully equipped with kennels or suites, attended playrooms, feeding schedules, and some even offer grooming services.
Types of Dog Boarding Facilities in Dubai
An extensive range of boarding options is available in Dubai:
- Luxury Dog Hotels: They feature air-conditioned suites, webcams, spa services and gourmet meals.
- Standard Boarding Kennels: The cheaper option, though well-kept with safe sleeping areas and social play groups.
- Home-Based Boarding: These are held in the houses of professional dog handlers and are more personal.
Benefits of Choosing Dog Boarding Dubai
When selecting dog boarding Dubai, you will receive several advantages:
- Round-the-clock professional supervision
- Planned experiences and interaction
- Veterinary assistance on site in numerous locations.
- Hygienic, safe and engaging surroundings
It is therefore best suited to active social dogs with routine lives.
What is Dog Sitting?
Whereas boarding is a hotel, dog sitting is a nanny—your dog is in a home environment, whether your home or the sitter’s.
How Dog Sitting Works: At Home or at the Sitter’s Place
Dog sitting is when a professional or someone you trust watches your dog, most often in your residence. This enables your dog to stay in a place it is familiar with, and thus, it can stick to its routine.
Other dog sitters may agree to take your dog to their place; it all depends on the arrangements that suit both of you.
Types of Dog Sitting Services Available in Dubai
- Drop-in Visits: The sitter will visit your house to feed, take walks and play with your child.
- Overnight Stays: A sitter will be in your house when you are not around.
- Full-time Sitting at the Sitter’s Home: This is like boarding, but less formal.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Dog Sitter
Pros:
- Your dog is used to the surroundings
- Minimal inconvenience to routine
- Excellent with nervous/or elderly pets
Cons:
- Reduced socialising
- Danger of unmonitored time
- Sitters may differ significantly when it comes to quality and reliability
Dog Boarding vs Dog Sitting: A Detailed Comparison
When deciding on dog boarding vs dog sitting, it may not be a one-way or the other question, but rather what is best for your four-legged friend.
Cost Comparison in Dubai: What Do You Get for the Price?
- Dog Boarding: The cost of this service ranges between AED 100 and AED 200 a day, depending on the facilities.
- Dog Sitting: Prices range from AED 80 to AED 150 per day, depending on the type of service and location.
Note: Dog sitting could be more cost-affordable, yet dog boarding usually includes extra services such as grooming, group play, and access to the vet.
Socialisation and Supervision Levels
- Dog Boarding: Extreme amount of contact with people and other dogs.
- Dog Sitting: More personal attention, less socialisation to play.
Safety and Emergency Handling
- Dog Boarding: Kennels are usually managed by trained personnel and usually have stand-by veterinarians.
- Dog Sitting: hugely variable based upon experience and readiness of sitter.
Note – Boarding, emergency preparedness and professional care.
Flexibility and Convenience for Pet Owners
- Dog Boarding: Dogs have to be dropped off and picked up, which does not fit into everybody’s schedule.
- Dog Sitting: Easier since the sitter will travel to your place.
Dog sitting is more convenient for the owners who have restricted travel schedules.
Which Option is Best for Different Dog Personalities
- Active Social Dogs: Do well in a routine boarding facility.
- Nervous or elderly Dogs: They would rather stay home with a sitter, where they can relax in familiar surroundings.
What Do Most Pet Owners in Dubai Choose?
So what’s the preferred option in Dubai when it comes to dog boarding vs dog sitting?
Trends from Local Surveys and Pet Communities
According to surveys and reports of pet platforms based in Dubai, the following trend is increasing:
- 65% of pet parents choose dog boarding over sitting services, which is attributed to professional care, excellent facilities, and peace of mind.
- Dog sitting services are more in demand among the owners of senior or special-needs dogs.
Why Dog Boarding is Becoming More Popular
The popularity of dog boarding in Dubai may be explained by growing access to high-quality pet lodging facilities.
- Value-added services, such as a webcam, so that you can remotely monitor
- Opportunities for dogs to socialise and be active.
Read more about the benefits of boarding your dog to understand why it’s often the top pick for modern pet owners.
How to Decide Between Boarding and Sitting for Your Dog
When you are torn between dog boarding and dog sitting, consider the following:
- The age and temperament of your dog: Is your dog shy or gregarious?
- Duration of your travel: The longer the trip, the more likely professional boarding will be necessary.
- Your budget: Be honest with yourself concerning the services you can afford.
- Health conditions: Dogs with special medical requirements might fare better under the watchful eyes of a boarding house.
Discuss with your vet or consult professionals, such as Bruno’s Play Centre, to evaluate the most suitable one.
Conclusion
Dog boarding and dog sitting are possible solutions for caring for your dog when you are away. Nevertheless, in a dynamic city like Dubai, where safety, professionalism, and pet comfort are considered, dog boarding is gaining popularity.
Which is the correct choice for your pup, then?
Are you ready to find the best care solution for your dog? Come to Bruno Play Centre to find out more and book your dog’s next stay!
