There are plenty of factors to bear in mind when considering taking on a pet in Abu Dhabi. One of the biggest dilemmas is what to do with those furry friends when it comes time to travel. Dr Rachel, a vet for Strays of Abu Dhabi and the American Veterinary Clinic, offers these suggestions:
Boarding Kennels
The American Veterinary Clinic operates a kennel in Mussafah. The first and largest boarding clinic to be established in Abu Dhabi, AVC’s kennels are fully air-conditioned. Larger dogs will enjoy both an indoor kennel and outdoor run; smaller dogs get indoor kennel space only.
AVC charges according to the weight of the dog, and you can get a discount for a second dog sharing the same run. The maximum number of dogs per run is two.
All dogs staying at the AVC Kennels in Abu Dhabi must have written proof of vaccination (including kennel cough) and annual health examination prior to admission. Additionally, all vaccinations must be current and must not expire during the boarding period. The final determination of vaccination status will be left to the discretion of the AVC veterinary staff.
? You can take your dog directly to the kennel in Mussafah near Emirates Driving School or drop it off at the AVC Clinic villa on 9th Street/Al Falah Street on the island. You’ll find maps at www. avcclinic.com under the ‘contact us’ tab.
? For more information, e-mail AVC kennel manager Duard Hoffman at kennels@ avcclinic.com or call 02 551 1578.
Another option is the Pet Hotel at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. With large air-conditioned rooms and an enclosed garden adjacent to the boarding facility, dogs have the option to go outside or stay in. ADFH can also board other small pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits, turtles, hamsters, and birds.
ADFH also charges for dogs according to size, ranging from AED 40 per day for dogs under 10kg to AED 75 for those over 45kg. Smaller animals cost AED 25 per day, birds are AED 35 per day. You can also take advantage of doggie day care—a half-day stay is AED 30 for any size dog.
You will need to provide proof of vaccination upon admitting your dog. All vaccinations will need to have been done at least 10 to 14 days before admission, and all animals will need a health certificate at the time of admission. If you don’t have a health certificate, the experts at ADFH can get one for you.
Upon admission, all pets will be sprayed with Frontline against fleas and ticks and dewormed to ensure the health of all boarding dogs. If your dog has not already been vaccinated against kennel cough, ADFH can provide this vaccination in their pet clinic. ADFH reserves the right not to accept biting or aggressive dogs.
? The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is located just past the airport right off Mussafah Road. You’ll find a map at www.falconhospital.com.
? For more information, email info@ falconhospital.com or call 02 575 5155.
Catteries
The American Veterinary Clinic can accommodate cats at its villa on 9th Street/Al Falah Street between 28th and 30th Streets. The large cattery is split into different colour-coded mood rooms, most having large windows with natural light.
The cost is generally the same for all cats, although long-haired breeds will cost more than short haired ones. Each cat is socialised and allowed out of its cage for 10 to 20 minutes each day; long-haired cats are groomed daily.
More information: AVC manager Dr Reid at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 02 551 1578.
For a flat rate of AED 35 per day, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital can also board cats in a luxury cattery. Adhering to the belief that cats need space to roam, the good folks at ADFH provide rooms that allow cats to lounge on a sunbathing shelf gazing through the window. These spacious suites, which adhere to European standards for pet boarding, are also equipped with individually designed scratching posts.
? More information: info@falconhospital. com or 02 575 5155.
? Both the British Veterinary Centre on 30th Street/Khaleej Al Arabi Street on the island and the German Veterinary Clinic in Khalifa City A on the mainland offer cat boarding. Check out the websites at www.britvet.com and www.germanvet.ae.
Pet-sitting
Perhaps the most convenient way to keep your pet happy while you’re away is to hire a pet-sitter. People often advertise this service on notice boards in the clinics and grocery stores around town, or you can check the classified ads in the paper or online.
A full time pet-sitter is ideal if you have large animals that need daily walking or extra attention, and it’s an especially convenient option if you need someone to look after your house as well as your pets.
Another option is a part-time pet-sitter, better for cats or small animals that don’t need as much attention. You can hire these sitters to come in and feeds, water, walk, and check your animals once or twice a day –and it’s an excellent service to trade with neighbours who may be out of town at different times than you are.
If you find these instructions have changed or have any useful information to add, let us know via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we’ll post an update.
