What No One Tells You About Getting Your First Pet in Dubai
So you’ve made the decision: you’re finally getting a pet. Maybe it’s a playful kitten, a chill senior cat, or something a little more exotic. Either way, welcome to the start of a wild, rewarding, slightly chaotic journey.
But here’s the part that no one talks about — especially in a fast-paced city like Dubai: choosing the right pet is only the beginning.
The Reality Behind Pet Ownership in the UAE
Dubai is a pet-friendly city, but there’s still a steep learning curve when it comes to finding quality pet care. There are vet clinics on every corner, yes. Grooming salons? Dozens. But the everyday essentials — choosing the right food, finding enrichment toys, understanding breed-specific behaviors — aren’t always obvious.
When I brought home my first cat, I thought the basics would be simple. Food, litter, toys. Done. But within a week, I was googling “why won’t my cat eat,” “how often should I change litter,” and eventually, “animal shop nearby that actually knows what they’re doing.”
You Don’t Just Need a Pet Store. You Need a Partner.
What I didn’t realize back then is this: the store you choose for pet supplies can shape how successful and stress-free your first few months are.
I found this out after hopping from one cat shop to another. Some were cramped. Some were overpriced. A few were just disorganized chaos. And almost none had staff who could confidently answer questions about health, behavior, or nutrition.
That changed when I walked into Petsky.
Instead of pushing brands, they asked questions: What breed is your cat? What’s her temperament? Does she prefer dry or wet food? Suddenly I wasn’t shopping — I was learning. And that made all the difference.
👉 Start your journey at Petsky
The Small Stuff No One Warns You About
Here are a few unexpected things I wish someone had told me before I became a pet parent in Dubai:
- Your AC matters. Certain breeds are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, especially during summer.
- Tap water isn’t ideal. Always check what kind of water your pet’s food is mixed with.
- Local food brands vary in quality. Don’t assume the fanciest packaging means the best formula.
- Shipping delays are real. Having a reliable, local store can save you in a pinch.
- Your pet will get bored. Yes, even indoor cats. Enrichment toys aren’t optional — they’re survival tools.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Buying. It’s About Belonging.
Owning a pet is about commitment — but it’s also about community. You’ll want a place where you can ask dumb questions (trust me, there will be many), learn from others, and access good-quality products without digging through 15 sketchy websites.
For me, Petsky became that place. Not just a shop, but a support system.
And if you’re just starting out in your pet journey, my best advice is this:
Don’t just look for an animal shop nearby. Look for one that actually knows pets — and knows you.