Sharjah Desert Park does not allow pets. If you have a dog, a cat or another animal at home, you need a plan for it before you set off, as a visit usually takes six to eight hours including travel.
This guide explains your options: where your pet can stay, who can look after it, and how to choose what suits your pet best.
What to Do With Your Pet
You have three practical choices. Each one keeps your pet safe, comfortable and out of the heat.
1. Keep your pet at home with someone visiting
Your pet stays in its own home, and a carer comes in while you are out. During the visit, they give fresh food and water, clean the litter tray or cage, take a dog out for a toilet break and spend time with your pet.
This option suits most pets. It works especially well for cats, birds and rabbits, which are calmer in familiar surroundings.
2. Let your pet stay in a carer’s home
Your pet spends the time in someone else’s home and has company throughout. It sleeps indoors, eats at its usual times and, for dogs, goes out for walks.
This option suits dogs that dislike being alone, puppies, and any pet whose owner is away overnight.
3. Leave your pet at home alone for a short visit
A healthy adult cat can manage a day on its own with food and water left out. An adult dog can manage four to six hours after a good walk.
This option is not suitable for a full-day trip with a dog, or for puppies, kittens and older pets.
One option to rule out: do not bring your pet and leave it in the car. A parked car in the UAE overheats within minutes.
Who Can Look After Your Pet
A friend, neighbour or relative. This works well if they know your pet and are free at the right time. Leave clear instructions on feeding, walks and anything your pet is not allowed to eat.
A professional pet sitter. A sitter is a good choice when nobody you know is available, or when your pet needs experienced handling. Look for someone who is vetted, has experience with your type of pet, and will meet your pet before the day. In Sharjah, you can arrange a pet sitter to visit your home through Pawland.
A home boarding host. If your pet needs company all day or you are away overnight, home boarding places your pet in a sitter’s home. It is a quieter and more personal setting than a kennel.
A dog walker. If your dog is comfortable alone but needs exercise, a dog walker can take it out in the cooler part of the day.
Whoever you choose, try to use the same person each time. Pets settle faster with someone they recognise.
Which Option Suits Your Pet
Dogs. A dog should not be left for a full day without a break. Choose a midday visit for a day trip, or a home stay if your dog becomes anxious alone.
Cats. Cats prefer their own territory. One visit covers a day trip. If you are away overnight, arrange a visit each day.
Puppies and kittens. Young pets need frequent meals and supervision. A home stay, or more than one visit in the day, is the safer choice.
Birds and rabbits. Both need fresh food and water daily and should not be left over a weekend. A visit at home is usually best.
More than one pet. One carer can look after all of them in a single visit.
How to Prepare Your Pet Before You Leave
- Walk your dog early, while it is still cool.
- Fill the water bowls and leave a spare.
- Leave the air conditioning on at a comfortable temperature.
- Secure balcony doors and windows.
- Write down feeding times and your vet’s number.
- Arrange care a few days ahead, so your pet can meet the carer first.
If You Are Staying Away Overnight
Some visitors combine the park with a longer trip to Sharjah’s east coast. In that case, plan for the full period. A dog is best placed in a carer’s home for the duration. A cat can stay at home with daily visits. Birds and rabbits need a daily check as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Pets are not allowed in the park.
The simplest option is at home, with a Pawland sitter visiting during the day. If your pet needs company throughout, it can stay in a sitter's home with home boarding.
A friend or relative who knows your pet, or a professional pet sitter. A sitter feeds your pet, refreshes its water, and spends time with it until you are back.
For a single day, most adult cats manage with food and water. For kittens, older cats and overnight trips, a sitter visit at home is advisable.
