Dubai says pets allowed, but how welcome are they?

Dubai - Many pet owners Khaleej Times spoke to said getting your hands on a furry friend is easy.

Dog owners across the city are crying out for more dedicated areas to walk and socialise their pets. And according to a Dubai Municipality spokesperson, a solution to tackle the issue could be under way. 
Many pet owners Khaleej Times spoke to said getting your hands on a furry friend is easy, but all agree that Dubai's practicality when it comes to providing "off the leash" facilities for pets just isn't cutting it.
For 17-year-old expatriate P. Finn, she said it's a shame that with all the construction going on they still don't want to make many of the apartment blocks and villa communities pet-friendly here.
"There are less and less areas now to walk dogs because most of the empty sand patches are now being developed. There would be a lot of happy pets if we had more pet-friendly parks or areas around residential buildings," she said.
Despite the Dubai Municipality's Public Parks department expanding its portfolio of dedicated green areas over the past few years, with Al Mamzar Park, Za'abeel Park, Mushrif Park and Creek Park among some of the most popular spots, all areas impose a strict no-pet policy. And the reason for this is health and safety.
"Regarding the rules on pets, as per the local order no. 11 of 2003 concerning public health and community safety in Dubai, dogs are not allowed in public parks, beaches and shopping malls," Faisal Ibrahim Almuammari, head of veterinary control unit, veterinary services section - Public Health Service Department, Dubai Municipality, told Khaleej Times.
He said they are allowed in other public areas "but with a leash". And if it is a large breed it should also be wearing a mask.
Finn, who has been dog sitting for Dubai residents for more than a decade now, said this decision may have a lot to do with the irresponsibility of some owners.
"People need to be more responsible and 'pick up' after their pets. Seeing dog waste turns a lot of people off supporting pet-friendly areas and that kind of laziness gives responsible owners a bad name."
Though some masterplan communities and apartment buildings across the city do allow tenants to have pets, many still fail to provide dedicated areas for dog walking without a leash - and some still exercise a no pet policy.
In a statement to Khaleej Times, a spokesperson from Nakheel said it welcomes pets across "most" of its residential developments.
"Pets are generally permitted in Nakheel communities, subject to the terms set out in our community rules and regulations, for which pet owners are responsible. In addition, the Dubai Municipality pet regulations apply too."
However, it did state that "restrictions on pets apply in certain areas", such as beaches and in specific buildings, as conveyed in these locations. Several other property developers were contacted for comment, but did not respond to the request.
Although some areas in Dubai boast pet-friendly environments including communities like The Springs, Arabian Ranches and The Greens, almost all areas require a leash-on policy.
But is that set to change? "Regarding plans to open the parks for dogs in the future, we will negotiate this issue with the departments concerned to find a solution," Almuammari said.
And a solution is what dog owner Maddie S. is looking. "I definitely think they can improve the amount of pet friendly parks/beaches/walking areas here. However, Dubai has adapted a lot in the last few years by providing more dog waste bins, more companies who offer pet day care, and pet sitting services.
For long-term resident H.S., who has been living in the UAE since 1979, things now are different to what they used to be. "We were able to take our animals all over the place back then. I remember even taking my dog to hotels," she told Khaleej Times.
"I moved to Dubai from Sharjah in 2009. I used to take my dogs to the beach on a leash with no problems. They were German Shepherds too, so fairly big dogs, but there was never any hassle. Not anymore though." Interestingly, like Finn, H.S. said she feels it's not necessarily the municipalities that have a problem with pets in public, it's more a people's problem.
"I used to take my dog down one of the biggest streets in Sharjah. I did that to get her socialised. The municipality didn't have a problem with it. It was other people who would see it as an issue. I guess the municipalities had to respond to that."
Now living in a community with a huge amount of greenery, H.S. said she can take her dogs for a walk while still on a leash. But for people who do not have these facilities - such as those living in apartment blocks - it is becoming a huge issue. She said the need of the hour for pet owners is the addition of more dedicated spaces to walk their animals on and off the leash.
And although paid dog parks do exist, which are alleviating a lot of issues for dog owners (including a park in Sustainable City and Bark Park in Al Awir) H.S. said to have to "pay to take your dog out for a walk is ridiculous".
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

Pet-friendly areas
> The Meadows, The Springs and The Lakes - Pets are not allowed in the neighbourhood parks, but there is plenty of open space and paths to walk dogs on. Additionally, dog-waste bins are situated throughout
> Arabian Ranches - Parks, paths and lakes situated throughout community that are perfect for dog-walking
> The Greens - Walkways, paths and lakes for dog-walking. A dog park for residents with access card requirement
Need-to-knows of pet owning
1. By law, your pet is required to have a microchip and the rabies vaccination. Without these, you cannot register your pet with the Dubai Municipality or get an ID tag
2. You have to register your pet annually. Additionally, renewal of the annual vaccinations (Dhppi/L and Rabies for dogs, Flu/Enteritis and Rabies for cats) is necessary
What to present during vaccination, registration, tagging?
a) Emirates ID or passport containing a valid UAE visa
b) Pet vaccination card with up-to-date annual vaccinations, microchip
c) Proof of residence in Dubai
How to register your pet
1. The clinic you use will log into a Smart Government website
2. Give full name, phone number, residence and email address along with copy of Emirates ID (or passport/visa). This will be uploaded and attached to your pet's registration record.
3. Pet information: Name, microchip number, date of up-to-date rabies vaccination, sex, species, breed, colour, updated municipality tag number, date of birth (or approximate).
> Approximate cost for registration: Dh80-100 at private veterinary clinic, reduced cost at Dubai Municipality veterinary centre.

• Dubai