Dubai Pet Life: What Your Furry Friend Will *Really* Cost You
April 21, 2025
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Bringing a furry friend into your life in Dubai is incredibly rewarding, but let's be honest, it comes with responsibilities – including financial ones
[5]
[27]. Planning your pet budget is crucial, especially considering Dubai's unique lifestyle factors like high-rise living and the warm climate, which can influence daily care needs and associated costs
[13]
[22]
[32]. This guide breaks down the typical daily and routine expenses you can expect in 2025, using recent data to help you budget realistically for food, grooming, essential supplies, and preventative health care[5][13][27].
The Biggest Daily Expense: Pet Food Costs
Food often takes the biggest bite out of the monthly pet budget[5][27]. For dog owners, daily food expenses can swing anywhere from AED 10 to AED 50, heavily depending on your dog's size, breed, age, and whether you opt for standard dry kibble, wet food, a raw diet, or premium organic options[13]. Generally, dry food is the more budget-friendly choice[13]. Annually, this can add up to anywhere between AED 2,000 and a hefty AED 15,000[5]. Cat parents might budget around AED 300 per month per cat for food, though this varies based on individual needs[27]. As an example, one Dubai resident budgets AED 1,125 monthly just for food (both wet and dry) for their household of two dogs and three cats
[1]. It's also worth noting the "pet humanization" trend means more owners are choosing higher-cost, premium foods, reflecting a desire to give pets the very best
[23]. Remember, your feeding routine, typically twice daily for adult pets, directly impacts portion sizes and thus, your daily cost
[12]
[30]
[35].
Keeping Clean & Comfortable: Grooming Expenses
Regular grooming isn't just about looking good; it's essential for your pet's hygiene and comfort, especially in Dubai's climate[13]
[18][22]. You have two main routes: professional services or tackling it yourself. Professional grooming costs depend on your pet's size, breed, coat condition, and the services included, like bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, and ear cleaning
[10]
[14]. Basic grooming might start around AED 89 for smaller pets
[29], while a full session can range from AED 150 to over AED 450[5][13]. Specific examples include Pet's Delight, charging AED 231-273 for a full dog groom[14], or Woof Pet Services, ranging from AED 210 to AED 315 depending on size and coat
[26]. For extra convenience, mobile groomers come to you, often starting at AED 180+
[15]. Many salons offer packages, and luxury options are available too
[7]
[16]. On average, expect to budget AED 100 to AED 300 monthly for professional grooming[13].
Alternatively, DIY grooming can save significant money[5][27]. You'll need initial supplies like brushes, pet-safe shampoo, nail clippers, ear cleaner, and pet toothpaste/toothbrush, which might cost AED 50-100 initially and last a while[13]. However, DIY requires your time, some skill (especially for nail clipping or haircuts), and patience[27][32]. Even if you groom at home, an occasional professional visit might be needed for trickier tasks[27]. Essential DIY tasks include regular brushing, bathing as needed, nail trims, ear checks, and dental care[32].
Stocking Up: Routine Supplies Costs
Beyond food and grooming, other regular supplies add to the daily and monthly tally. For cat owners, litter is a key expense, with costs varying by type (clumping, silica gel, natural) and brand
[3]
[11]
[28]. You might pay around AED 23-40 for a 5kg bag of Thomas Cat Litter[11][3], AED 29-56 for 10L of bentonite litter
[9][28], or AED 20.50 for 1.8kg of silica gel
[33]. Don't forget a scoop, usually under AED 10[9]. These are readily available at major retailers like Amazon.ae, Carrefour, Spinneys, and ACE Hardware[3][9][11][33]. For dog walks, waste bags are a must but relatively cheap – think around AED 10 for 10 rolls
[21].
Toys are vital for keeping your pet mentally and physically stimulated[13]
[20]. Costs range wildly from just AED 6 for simple items to much more for durable or complex toys[21]. A rough daily estimate for toy wear-and-tear or replacement could be AED 1-5[13]. Budgeting smartly helps; one owner spends about AED 75 monthly by choosing durable toys and rotating them[27]. Other items like collars, leashes, beds, and bowls are usually initial or occasional replacement costs, though luxury versions exist if that's your style
[2][5]
[19]
[25].
Essential Health Maintenance: Parasite Prevention Costs
Keeping your pet healthy involves routine preventative care, particularly against common parasites[32]
[36]. Flea and tick prevention is crucial, with options like monthly spot-on treatments (e.g. Frontline), sprays, or medicated shampoos
[37]. A medicated shampoo might cost between AED 50-100[37]. Regular application, often monthly, is key for effectiveness[32]. Deworming targets internal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms, which is especially important for young pets or those spending time outdoors[36]. Oral tablets like Caniverm (around AED 60 for 5 tablets) or Tenizol are common options
[24]
[31]
[34]. Deworming frequency varies based on lifestyle and age, usually every few months, so it's best to consult your vet[32][36]. While some treatments are over-the-counter, vet-prescribed options might offer broader protection[36].
The Bottom Line: Total Daily & Monthly Budget Estimates
So, what's the total picture? For a dog in Dubai, monthly expenses covering these routine items typically range from AED 300 to AED 1,600[5]. Annually, that translates to roughly AED 3,700 to AED 19,000[5]. Another estimate places the average annual cost per pet (including food, vet visits, and grooming) between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000[23]. Interestingly, about 30% of pet-owning households in Dubai and Abu Dhabi report spending AED 500-1,000 monthly on pet services[23]. Looking at a real-life example, the owner with five pets budgets AED 3,625 per month, which includes food, treats, grooming, plus savings for vet bills, potential relocation, and emergencies[1]. Remember, these are estimates; your actual costs will vary based on your pet's specific needs and your choices[5][13][27].
Budgeting Strategies for Every Dubai Pet Parent
How can you manage these costs effectively? If you're budget-conscious, focus on economical yet nutritious food, try DIY grooming for basic tasks, buy supplies like litter or food in bulk or during sales, choose durable toys that last longer, and look for affordable pet sitting or boarding options (some start around AED 40-55 per day/visit)
[4][5]
[6]
[8][27]. Prioritizing essential needs and preventative health care can also help avoid larger, unexpected vet bills down the line[1][27].
On the other hand, if you prefer a more luxurious approach, Dubai offers plenty of options: premium organic foods, frequent visits to high-end grooming salons, designer collars and beds, and premium daycare or boarding facilities[2][7][16][19][23][25]. Your lifestyle also plays a role. Single professionals might need to budget more for services like dog walkers (around AED 40-60 per visit) or daycare to cover potty breaks and exercise during work hours[6][7]
[17]. Families might share pet care duties, potentially saving on service costs but still needing to invest the time[32]. A crucial tip for everyone? Track your expenses diligently and always set aside funds for those unexpected vet visits or emergencies – because they do happen[1][27][32]. Planning makes pet ownership in Dubai a joyful and manageable experience.
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