Pet enthusiasts in the UAE have the chance to fully immerse themselves in the pet experience without the commitment of ownership. Various cafes and petting farms throughout the country provide residents with the chance to interact with, pet, and play with a variety of animals, offering them a chance to bond with pets. This is a boon for many who are unable to adopt due to constraints such as space, financial considerations, and health issues.
Research has consistently demonstrated that interacting with animals through petting and cuddling can have beneficial effects on human health. It has been shown to reduce instances of anxiety and depression and increase the production of the 'happy hormone' oxytocin.
Here are five venues in the UAE where residents can engage closely with animals:
Pet Me Pet Cafe, located within the Pet Me premises in Oasis Centre Dubai, offers a unique experience where visitors can play with and cuddle small dogs. Open daily from 10am to 8pm, the cafe provides 30-minute cuddling sessions with over 15 well-trained, vaccinated, and friendly dog breeds.
At the Boomah owl cafe in Abu Dhabi, visitors can experience the thrill of having an owl perched on their arm, similar to Harry Potter with Hedwig. The cafe houses several owl breeds, including spectacled and rock eagle owls, and is open from 2pm to 10pm on weekdays and 12pm to 12am on weekends.
Cat Cafe Vibrissae, situated in Safa Park complex and Dubai Creek Harbour, allows guests to interact with cats while enjoying a beverage. Priced at Dh70 for an hour, the cafe has rules to ensure the cats' well-being, such as not disturbing sleeping cats and maintaining clean hands.
The Stray Dog Centre in Umm Al Quwain offers free dog walking sessions every weekend, suitable for both children and adults. Volunteers above 14 years old can also groom the dogs and participate in socialisation sessions to overcome fear of dogs.
For horse enthusiasts, Al Jiyad Stables in Al Qudra provides opportunities for group rides or private lessons. With an indoor arena and special pricing until the end of September, the stable is ideal for improving horse riding skills.
Green Planet is the go-to place for those interested in wild animals. The facility offers a range of activities, including the zookeeper for a day experience, where visitors can observe piranha feeding and explore the region's only bat cave.
