A visit to Al Mahatta Park pairs well with the aviation museum next door. Together they fill a pleasant half day, and with travel time most visitors are away from home for four to five hours.
Pets are not allowed in the park or the museum, so your dog or cat will be at home. This guide explains how to keep your pet safe and comfortable there, and when it is better to have someone look in.
Make Your Home Safe Before You Leave
A pet left alone will explore. A few checks before you go prevent most accidents.
- Balconies and windows. Close and lock them. Cats and small dogs can slip through narrow gaps.
- Food on counters. Put it away. Chocolate, grapes, onions and anything with xylitol are harmful to pets.
- Rubbish bins. Use a bin with a lid, or move it behind a closed door.
- Cables and chargers. Unplug and tidy them, especially with puppies and kittens that chew.
- Medicines and cleaning products. Keep them in closed cupboards.
- Small objects. Pick up hair ties, string, coins and children’s toys, which pets may swallow.
If your pet is young or very curious, keep it to one or two safe rooms while you are out.
Settle Your Pet Before You Go
A pet that is fed, exercised and calm will rest for most of the time you are away.
- Dogs. Give a proper walk before you leave. A tired dog sleeps.
- Cats. Play for ten minutes, then feed. Most cats nap after a meal.
- All pets. Leave fresh water, and put a favourite toy or blanket within reach.
Keep your goodbye short and calm. A long farewell makes some pets more anxious.
When Your Pet Needs Someone
A healthy adult cat is fine alone for half a day. An adult dog that has been walked can manage four to six hours. For many visits to the park and museum, that is enough.
Arrange for someone to look in if:
- You are coming from another emirate, and the trip adds several hours.
- Your pet is a puppy, a kitten, elderly or on medication.
- Your dog becomes distressed when left alone.
- You plan to stay out for the evening.
In those cases, a sitter can visit your home in Sharjah to give food and fresh water, take a dog out, clean the litter tray and spend time with your pet. They can also check that the home is still secure.
If you are making a full day of it or staying overnight, your pet can stay in a sitter’s home, where it has company throughout.
Will My Pet Be in Good Hands
With Pawland, your sitter meets you and your pet before the day, so they arrive as someone your pet already knows. They follow the routine you give them and send you photos while you are out.
It means you can enjoy the park and the museum knowing your pet is safe at home and being looked after.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Pets are not allowed in either.
Give it a good walk first, leave a safe chew, and keep it to one room. A sitter visit also helps break up the time.
No. Kittens need frequent meals and supervision. Arrange a visit, or a stay in a sitter's home.
A few days before your visit, so your pet can meet the sitter first.
