DUBAI Dubai is now home to what has been billed as the world’s largest indoor dog park, complete with customised luxury suites, 24/7 webcams, flat screen TVs and orthopedic mattresses.
Launched during Easter at Dubai Investment Park, My Second Home already has many takers with 40 of its 200 residential luxury rooms booked for summer.
The brainchild of a group of dog lovers who wanted to bridge the gap between boarding kennels and restrictive outdoor community play areas, the facility offers both daycare and boarding facilities.
“Dogs crave interaction and the freedom to play,” said Vaughn Pillay, My Second Home co-founder and behaviour specialist. “But there are so many restrictions and so few places to play when they’re not at home with us. Thankfully, there are some excellent facilities in Dubai, but we felt we needed to go a step further and create a world-class environment that focuses on providing our best friends’ most essential need - space to have fun, learn and interact safely.”
Size matters
Spread across 60,000 square feet or the equivalent of 18 tennis courts, with two thirds indoors, the pet resort and spa has a capacity of 200 rooms and high-end suites with indoor and outdoor pools. The first phase can accommodate 90 dogs, all of whom can have their hotel room customised with favourite toys and comfort possessions, including flat screen TVs and orthopedic mattresses.
Pillay said the facility has specially invested in dog-friendly paint and air quality management. Entry criteria are also very stringent.
He said: “We currently have 40 dogs assessed and registered. Before any dog can set foot he/she must undergo a health check up, vaccination appraisal and behaviour and temperament assessment. This is followed by an induction during which we introduce the pet to different dogs to make sure all’s well. The dog park is a major draw card as the temperature climbs, and we are welcoming daily walk-in visitors. We’re also taking a steady stream of residential bookings for the summer and so far have 40 room nights booked.”
Families will be able to keep an eye on the dogs via webcam as there is 24/7 video surveillance. A round the clock pick-up and drop off service is also available, as is a pet food, accessories and gifts store.
The facility has a resident first aid officer and ready access to consulting vets. A Groomingdale’s Pampering Parlour will be opened in May to help fix the dogs’ bad hair days. Owners will have the option to use a DIY washtub.
Pillay said the facility has an experienced team of trainers and behaviour experts equipped with latest techniques to deal with canine attitudes, temperament adjustment, socialisation, behaviour management and puppy progress.
The rates range from Dh100 for a full day of attended play and care to Dh500 a night for a double occupancy villa. Basic grooming service comes for Dh120 while training sessions range from Dh450 for a private training to Dh4,500 for a 15-day training boot camp with accommodation. Shared taxis for pick-up and drop-off cost Dh25 while the private limo service (one way) comes for Dh150. Members can also sign up for various packages to obtain discounts.
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