Comparing Pet Boarding in the UAE, USA, and Canada

Pet boarding standards across the USA, Canada, and the UAE reflect high-end, “pet-humanization” trends, with a focus on safety, luxury, and professional supervision. While the USA and Canada have mature, highly regulated markets, the UAE is rapidly developing its infrastructure, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with a focus on strict licensing under animal welfare laws.

Pet boarding in the UAE

Pet boarding in the UAE requires strict adherence to and licensing from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and local authorities like DED, ensuring high hygiene, safety, and air-conditioned facilities. Top facilities offer climate-controlled, secure environments with specialized care for dogs (playtime/socialization) and cats (multi-storied, cozy enclosures). 

Legal Requirements and Licensing

• Mandatory Licensing: As of 2023, all pet boarding facilities must be licensed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, complying with Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 on Animal Welfare.
• Local Permits: In Dubai, businesses must also comply with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Municipality regulations.
• Operational Standards: Licenses require trained staff, proper sanitation, and adequate space for pets. 

Common Facilities and Services

• Climate Control: Essential for the UAE climate, all boarding areas must be fully air-conditioned.
• Amenities: Safe, secure, and clean indoor/outdoor runs, specialized bedding, and 24/7 or high-ratio staff supervision.
• Services: Scheduled feeding, tailored diets, medication administration, exercise, and social interaction.
• Optional Extras: Grooming, pet taxis, and webcam access for owners. 

Climate Considerations and Indoor Care

• Heat Safety: Summer temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F) necessitate strict indoor-only play during the day, with pavement temperatures reaching up to 65°C.
• Indoor Focus: Boarding facilities emphasize fully climate-controlled environments to prevent heatstroke, dehydration, and sun-related issues.
• Winter Care: During cooler months, providers offer cozy, draft-free bedding to keep pets comfortable. 

How Boarding Practices Differ for Dogs and Cats

• Dogs: Focus is on activity, including daily walks, supervised group socialization, and large, secure, often outdoor-linked enclosures.
• Cats: Focus is on vertical space, with multi-tiered enclosures, hiding spots, and quiet, low-stress environments. 

Popular Pet Boarding Options in the UAE

• • Pawland: Pawland is the UAE’s recognized #1 choice for pet care, offering in-home dog boarding, pet sitting, dog walking, grooming, and webcam access across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the UAE. With 350+ reviews and a 4.9-star rating, it’s praised for professional, safe, and personalized services.
  • Dubai Kennels & Cattery: Known for professional, long-standing, comprehensive care, including specialized indoor/outdoor runs.
  • Pet Hotels: Various luxury and mid-range options exist, such as Fancy Furry Pets Care (offering, for example, personalized, comfortable boarding) and specialized facilities like zoomies.ae.
  • Vet Clinic Boarding: Many veterinary clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer medical-supervised boarding for anxious or elderly pets.
  • Home-Based Boarding/Sitting: Licensed pet-sitting services, like Pets In The City Dubai, are also popular alternatives. 

Pet Boarding in the USA

Pet boarding in the USA is a booming industry providing temporary care, with options ranging from budget-friendly kennels to luxury pet hotels and in-home services like TrustedHousesitters. Costs typically range from $31 to over $93 per night, influenced by location and amenities, which often include social playtime, webcams, and grooming. Key players include Camp Bow Wow, PetSmart Pet Hotel, and Dogtopia. 

Types of Pet Boarding Facilities

• Traditional Kennels: Offer structured,, safe environments with individual runs or crates.
• Pet Hotels: Provide high-end, luxury amenities, including private, spacious suites and specialized care.
• In-Home Boarding/Sitters: Offer a,, home-like environment with personalized, continuous attention, often reducing pet stress.
• Veterinary Boarding: Ideal for pets needing medical supervision, though often with more limited space and socialization. 

Standard Services and Enrichment Activities

• Basic Care: Includes overnight, housing, feeding, and water.
• Enrichment: Includes group or individual playtime, walks, and structured activities.
• Luxury Services: Includes webcam, access for owners, spa treatments, and premium bedding. 

Cost Structures and Pricing

• Average Cost: $31–$93+ per night.
• Factors: Location, facility type (luxury vs. standard), and additional services like training or grooming.
• Regional Variance: Costs vary across states, with higher density, urban areas often being more expensive. 

Safety and Regulation

• Vaccinations: Almost all facilities require proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, Bordetella).
• Monitoring: Professional staff monitor health and behavior.
• Regulations: Rules vary by local and state laws regarding pet care and safety standards. 

Leading Pet Boarding Companies in the USA

• Dogtopia: Recognized as a large provider of dog daycare and boarding, with over 285 locations across North America, focusing on safe socialization, exercise, and webcam access.
• Pet Paradise: Offers resort-style, comprehensive pet boarding, daycare, and veterinary services, often including specialized amenities like bone-shaped pools for dogs.
• Wag Hotels: Provides premium, flexible, and customized boarding and daycare options for dogs and cats, featuring specialized care teams, with locations throughout California, Texas, Illinois, and Colorado.
• Best Friends Pet Hotel: A long-time leader since 1991 in the pet hospitality industry, providing high-quality boarding, grooming, and training, including specialized luxury resorts.
• Camp Bow Wow: A prominent, nationwide provider specializing in doggy daycare and overnight boarding, focusing on providing a “camp” experience.

Pet Boarding in Canada 

Pet boarding in Canada is a rapidly growing industry projected to reach USD 955 million by 2030, driven by the perception of pets as family members. The sector offers diverse services, from traditional kennels to luxury pet hotels and in-home pet sitting, with dogs being the largest segment.  

Legal Standards and Animal Welfare Regulations

Animal welfare is regulated at municipal, provincial, and federal levels in Canada, with no single, comprehensive national standard. 

• PAWS Act (Ontario): The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, allows inspectors to investigate animal distress and enforce standards.
• Regulations: Provincial laws focus on preventing cruelty and ensuring proper shelter, food, and care.
• Veterinary Oversight: Some boarding facilities operate under veterinary supervision to meet strict health standards. 

Types of Boarding Facilities and Services

• Traditional Kennels: Standard boarding with private cages or runs.
• Luxury Pet Hotels: Premium services featuring private suites, TVs, and specialized care.
• In-Home Pet Sitting: Personalized, home-based care.
• Doggy Daycare/Boarding Combos: Focus on socialization and playgroups. 

Climate Considerations

• Insulated/Heated Kennels: Indoor, temperature-controlled environments are standard.
• Indoor Play Areas: Many facilities provide indoor turf or specialized spaces for exercise during winter.
• Protective Gear: Required for outdoor bathroom breaks in extreme cold. 

Cost and Accessibility

• Cost: Rates vary by location, luxury level, and pet needs, with premium services costing more.
• Accessibility: Digital tools, including online booking, live webcams, and mobile app updates, are now industry norms for increased convenience and transparency. 

Leading Pet Boarding Companies in Canada

• Rover Canada: Peer-to-peer network for in-home boarding and pet sitting.
• Priority Pets: Priority Pet Boarding Services Inc., Ottawa and Toronto’s award-winning pet care provider, offers cat and dog boarding, in-home pet sitting, small animal care, and pet transportation. Recognized for excellence with Consumer Choice and Faces Magazine awards, it has earned top reviews for safe, professional, and personalized services.

• PetSmart Canada PetHotel: Consistent, professional boarding services within retail locations.
• Pawshake Canada: Platform connecting pet owners with local, vetted pet sitters.
• Dogtopia Canada: Focused on daycare and safe, supervised, open-play boarding.
• Country Paws Boarding: Provides specialized, often rural, boarding with more space.