From cats to owls: 6 UAE 'petting' cafes, animal centres offering pet experience without owning one

Animal lovers in the UAE can enjoy the complete pet experience without actually owning one. Several cafes and petting farms across the country allow residents to pet, stroke and play with various animals, giving them the opportunity to enjoy a pet bonding experience. This is a relief for many, who cannot adopt pets due to various constraints, including space, cost and health conditions.

Numerous studies have shown that petting and cuddling with animals can have positive effects on people’s health. It is shown to decrease instances of anxiety and depression and boosts the production of the ‘happy hormone’ oxytocin.

Here is a list of six places in the UAE that allow residents to get up close and personal with animals.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Pet Me Pet Cafe

Located inside the Pet Me premises in Oasis Centre Dubai, this cafe offers a unique experience for all visitors, allowing them to play with little dogs and cuddle them endlessly. Open daily from 10am to 8pm, the cuddling sessions are 30 minutes long. The visitors can enjoy time with over 15 well-trained, vaccinated, and friendly breeds.

Owl Cafe

Imagine standing like Harry Potter with your own little Hedwig on your arm. That is exactly the experience visitors to the Boomah owl cafe in Abu Dhabi will get. From Sheikha the spectacled owl to Mars the rock eagle owl, the cafe is home to several breeds of the nocturnal bird including the short-eared, tawny and milky owls.

The supposedly first owl cafe in the Middle East is open from 2pm to 10pm during the weekdays, and from 12pm to 12am on weekends.

Cat Cafe

Here is a chance to pet the furry felines while enjoying a cup of coffee. The Cat Cafe Vibrissae, located in Safa Park complex and Dubai Creek Harbour, allows visitors to enjoy interacting with cats in a safe environment.

Priced at Dh70 for an hour with the cats as well as a beverage or snack, the cat cafe has several rules which must be followed. This includes not disturbing a sleeping cat, always maintaining clean hands and not feeding the furry animals.

Stray Dog Centre, Umm Al Quwain

For those who want to spend more time with dogs and contribute to a good cause, the Stray Dog Centre in Umm Al Quwain hosts dog walking sessions every weekend for free. Suitable for children and adults alike, the centre has several slots for those who want to volunteer to walk the dogs at the shelter.

• UAE: Travelling with a pet? Permit, process, vaccines explained