the kennels, the catteries & the kennatteries

<h5>What's the best birdie food?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_115.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>It all depends on the species! (Surprised?) Falcons, for example, are true carnivores and require a meat diet. Large amazon parrots, such as macaws, require lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, in addition to a good quality, complete pellet diet. Small birds, like canaries and finches, will need a seed-based diet, and it's important to source good quality seed because seeds and nuts can be the source of <em>aspergillus</em>, a fungal infection, which affects their respiratory system.</p> <p>Read more about diet <a href="/what-we-do/dkc-veterinary-clinic/veterinary-care-for-birds" target="_blank">here</a>.</p></div>

<h5>Do you have a vet on-site?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_48.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Yes! Uh... No! Uhhhh... let us explain.</p> <p>We do not have a vet <em>on-site</em> at our boarding facility in Umm Ramool.</p> <p>HOWEVER... that really should not worry you. Our own vets at <a href="/what-we-do/dkc-veterinary-clinic" target="_blank">DKC Veterinary Clinic</a> in Motor City are available to our boarding staff 24 hours a day, every single day of the year, so if anything is ever wrong, we do have the resources that you and your pet need. Additionally, our veterinary clinic is open 24/7. All Day. All Night. Always.</p> <p>Furthermore, in almost all cases when a pet is needing veterinary attention, it is not an emergency situation. So we will be able to book appointments with our own clinic or your preferred vet if you wish, and we will also of course always let you know in advance that we are doing that unless for some reason you are unreachable and it cannot wait.</p> <p>Finally, because of <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/love-and-other-stuff-too" target="_blank">the way we work</a> on a daily basis, we almost always discover very early if there are any developing problems, which also does a lot to keep your pet well and, most importantly, to avoid emergency situations almost all the time.</p></div>

<h5>Do dogs stay only in kennel enclosures or do you have other spaces for them?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_103.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Besides our kennels enclosures, we also have other spaces where our dogs spend their time and sleep. Since not all dogs cope their best in the kennels area, we have our Lounge, Feedroom and two office areas ~ and all these spaces have handlers and other staff around all the time, as well as other dogs too, of course. For older and/or nervous dogs who are small-to-medium-sized and who feel comfortable in a bigger group of dogs, these spaces might be ideal.</p> <p>This said, be aware that we don't offer our Buddy-Boarding discount for dogs in these spaces. Also, in our reception and shipping offices, we can only have dogs who don't bark a lot and are by nature quite and calm. Oh, and if you're pooch tends to mark his territory all the time, we might decide that these spaces aren't quite right for him either (sorry).</p></div>

<h5>My dog stayed in your kennels and now he has a hangover!</h5> <p>No, we do <em><strong>not</strong></em> serve alcohol at DKC!  <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png"></p> <p>"Kennel hangover" is a rather common thing... and a good one, if we do say so ourselves! You see, there is so much activity and general stimulation in a good kennel, that when your dog gets home it is very common for him or her to be a little tired for a couple of days ~ all that running around, socializing and barking their heads off with all their kennel neighbours (watch for that hoarsey-throat! <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_wink.png" height="15" width="15"> ), and no sitting around vegging in front of the TV!</p> <p>So don't worry but do keep an eye. In almost all cases, this is just a happy, if a little tired, dog. If he or she continues being a little down or lethargic for more than a day or so, please do let us and your vet know. </p>

<h5>What's DKC's Collection & Delivery schedule?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_51.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Sunday-Friday. We don't offer this service on Saturday. (See our <a href="/about-dkc/two-legged-timings" target="_blank">Two-Legged Timings</a>.)</p> <p>We have a lot of customers asking for very specific appointments but this is often not possible, although we <em>do</em> try if we can, because each day presents its own unpredictable schedules, number of home-visits, number of pets and... traffic!</p> <p>However, we <em><strong>always call</strong></em> approximately 30 minutes before we get to you while we're doin' the rounds, so <em>do</em> feel free to go about your day as you need to and then, when you hear from us, you can return to your home to meet us.</p></div>

<h5>Should I be worried if my dog or cat has lost or gained weight during their boarding stay?</h5> <p>No and yes, depending.</p> <p>A little bit of weight gain or loss is very common. It doesn't happen to all pets during every stay in a boarding facility, but it does happen. Pet owners, understandably, often immediately feel that this must mean their pet has not been taken care of properly, but in fact it is more important to look at the entire context and the extent of the loss or gain.</p> <p>Commonly, pets staying in a boarding facility are not eating exactly as they do at home. They may or may not be eating exactly the same food (depending on the arrangements you've made with the kennel or cattery), and even if they are, they may not be eating exactly the same amounts because, despite every effort to get it just right, human beings differ and the precise amounts they provide may be a little different than you do when your pet is at home. So, all this small change can lead to weight gain or loss, in and of itself.</p> <p>More important and relevant than this, however, is that pets are generally much more active in a boarding facility than they are at home. Now <em>wait</em>! We're <em>not</em> saying that you aren't taking good care of your pet by not giving him or her lots of activity. No, not at all. It's just that in a boarding facility, especially one that has a good number of staff and lots of other animals around, the whole environment is very stimulating and there is a lot of exercise for dogs and lots of other general interest for both dogs and cats. And this keeps them more active and generally more stimulated, even if they're in their enclosures. And this, in turn, often leads to a bit of weight loss.</p> <p>And one more thing: In many cases, a little bit of weight loss for dogs and cats is a good thing and although we have many customers who do worry about this, we also have a great many who are pleased to see that their pet has lost a little weght in our care because, in fact, they came in to us a little overweight.</p> <p>But of course, everyone has a different perception of this, and if the weight of your pet is not medically bad, one way or the other, then we do try to maintain the weight your pet comes in with.</p> <p>This all said, too much weight gain or loss IS a problem and if you feel there has been too much either way, we truly hope you'll talk to us about this. We monitor this aspect of your pet's health very closely, with a weight check when they first arrive for boarding and then regular checking every week, or more often if we perceive a potential problem. And if there is a problem, we always let you know about it while you're away and take action when required by adjusting feeding or even consulting your vet.</p> <p>If you're interested in more insight about this important subject, take a look at our page, "<a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/weight-loss-or-gain-while-boarding" target="_blank">Weight Loss or Gain While Boarding</a>".</p>

<h5>Cats outdoors SAFELY! And a "Cat Jungle"!</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_125.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Our cattery enclosures are replete with indoor and outdoor sections, meaning that your cat can independently and anytime decide for him/herself where to be happiest ~ indoors or outdoors, all year round, always safely in an enclosure.</p> <p>AAAAANNNNND... we've got the "Cat Jungle". This is a space entirely outdoors but enclosed for safety, where your cat can snooze or climb or play with other cats (or not), surrounded by plants and with some grass underfoot.</p> <p>There are times when we even find our handlers sitting in there, just for their own giddy pleasure.</p></div>

<h5>Does my bird need dietary supplements?</h5> <p>If your bird is eating a good quality, complete diet, including fresh fruit and vegetables, there is usually no need for extra dietary supplements. Yay!  <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png" height="15" width="15"></p>

<h5>I'm a new dog/cat owner! Help! </h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_0.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Help indeed!</p> <p>Download <a href="/docs/New_Dog_and_Cat_Owners_-_The_Beginnings_of_WISDOM!.pdf" target="_blank">this document</a> ~ it might help you get started.</p></div>

<h5>How often will my dog exercise each day and for how long?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_40.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>From about end of September to April, all your dogs get into our exercise yards at least 3-4 times a day for a good 15-30 minute romp each time, and if we have your permission they'll be playing with other dogs too. For those dogs with especially high energy levels or any good need for more of this time, or if you ask us to, because the weather is nice we just let 'em stay in the yards for much of the day. Our general approach during the cooler times of the year is to have as many dogs out in the yards as much as possible, which is quite a lot of the time.</p> <p>During the hotter summer months, just as when your dog is home with you, we need to be careful about being outside in the heat for too long. So they all still get out 2-3 times a day but the runs in the yards are for shorter periods of time, as we are very watchful to make sure the heat is not having an impact. And of course we don't leave the dogs out in the yards all day at this time of year for the very same reason.</p> <p>This all said, all our enclosures are indoor/outdoor with a/c, and designed so that all the dogs can see each other, intereact with each other in the general environment, and feel part of the community. So even when they're in their enclosures, they're still very active and generally having a very social time. Read more about this: <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/love-and-other-stuff-too" target="_blank">Love... and other stuff too</a> ~ take a look at the sub-sections called <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/love-and-other-stuff-too#Socializing-Dogs" target="_blank">Socializing</a> and <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/love-and-other-stuff-too#Socializing-Dogs2" target="_blank">Socializing ~ Part 2</a>.</p></div>

<h5>What's your daycare service like?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_32.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Dogs in daycare with us basically follow the same routine throughout the day that all our boarders do, including playtime in our large sandy, tree-filled yards, mixing with other dogs (if you let us), food (of course!) and generally lots and lots of excitement while in their enclosures because of all the other dogs around and the many many many staff we have constantly checking in and constantly around and about. Why don't you come and see for yourself?</p> <p>See our <a href="/about-dkc/two-legged-timings" target="_blank">Two-Legged Timings</a>. We even work out a schedule for those of you who need to drop-off and pick-up schedule outside these hours.</p></div>

<h5>What if my pet's vaccinations become due during their boarding stay?</h5> <p>We'll take care of it!</p> <p>Just bring along the vaccination book. We'll also need a copy of your Emirates ID. Then we can get the vaccinations done either at our clinic or at any clinic of your choice.</p> <p>Take a look at our <a href="/docs/Price_List-Boarding_Daycare_Collection_Delivery.pdf">Price List</a> for more information.</p>

<h5>My cat is an indoor cat. Can she stay indoors and will the space be small?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_104.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Your cat can definitely stay indoors. Our enclosures are not small at all, and if we're not too busy, we have a way of reconfiguring our enclosures to open up spaces and give the cats staying with us more space... than a cow in a field! (Well, sort of. <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_smiley3.png" height="15" width="15"> ). And on top of that, we even have Buddy-Boarding for cats from the same family and even from different families ~ yep, believe it. (Take a look at <a href="/docs/A_Fair_Share.pdf" target="_blank">A Fair Share</a>.)</p></div>

<h5>Will my cat stay with other cats?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_pet_photo_37.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Well, yes and no.</p> <p>Your cat will stay in a separate and secure enclosure, so there won't be any other cats in there with him. But because it's a cattery, we obviously have a lot of cats staying in a lot of enclosures, all of which are next to each other. So, although your cat <em>will</em> be in his own enclosure, there will indeed still be lots of other cats around.</p> <p>This said, if you have more than one cat and want them to be in the same enclosure together, then perfect! (Did you know that there's a <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/prices-admission-requirements" target="_blank">20% discount for buddy-boarding</a>?) Aaaaaannnnd... if you'd like to explore the possibility of socialising your cat with other cats from a different family (yes, you read that right!), then just talk to us about this ~ we have a <a href="/what-we-do/boarding-daycare/the-kennels-the-catteries-the-kennatteries" target="_blank">cat jungle</a> and we <a href="/docs/A_Fair_Share.pdf" target="_blank">Buddy-Board cats</a> too, in the right circumstance and with your permission/request.</p></div>