Middle East's first dog water park opens in Dubai

Petsville boarding kennels unveils purpose-built swimming pools for dogs

Amr Youssef, the owner of Petsville, plays with a dog at his centre. Antonie Robertson / The National

A staff member entertains a dog in the waterpark section of Petsville. Antonie Robertson / The National

A staff member entertains a dog in the waterpark section of Petsville. Antonie Robertson / The National

A dog waterpark has opened in Dubai's Al Quoz district. Petsville specially caters to dog owners that would like to give their pets some water-based exercise while also allowing them to cool down during the hot summer months. Antonie Robertson / The National

A Petsville staff member plays with some of the dogs at the waterpark. Antonie Robertson / The National

The Petsville extension is the first waterpark for dogs in the region. Antonie Robertson / The National

Staff bring dogs to the waterpark section of the centre. The water is specially treated to be sanitary but also safe to drink. Antonie Robertson / The National

Water-loving dogs can now enjoy their very own spa day thanks to a new pet pool opening in Dubai.

Aqua Pawk in Al Quoz is ready to welcome the first canine visitors to splash into two refreshing pools complete with water jets and fountains.

Inspired by a similar purpose built dog park in Spain, owner Amr Youssef said Dubai’s latest pet attraction is the perfect place for pups to cool-off in the scorching summer heat.

“It is healthy for the dogs to swim, socialise and get use to new surroundings,” said Mr Youssef, a former professional tennis player who has been in Dubai for 13 years.

“We can take up to 50 dogs at a time during day care, but with people in with them we reduce the number to 10 to keep things under control.”

During a soft launch event on Thursday, pools were rammed full with bounding beagles, lounging Labradors and sporty spaniels launching into the water, chasing balls and chewing Frisbees.

From just Dh75 for two hours, dogs can get the run of two purpose built pools next to the Petsville boarding kennels, one for smaller dogs and another for larger, more boisterous guests.

A special drainage system regularly flushes the artificial turf to ensure the pool surround remains fresh and free from odour.

Pools are chlorine free and use bio-organic products developed in Germany designed to be gentle on a dog’s skin.

Dogs can even drink the water without suffering any ill effects.

Boutique boarding kennel Petsville has become one of Dubai’s success stories.

Since opening in 2018, it has doubled in size and now offers the region’s first purpose built water facility.

It is part of a 929-square-metre extension, which includes an expansion of the outdoor area.

Thirty staff, including trained swimming specialists, help dogs who may be experiencing water for the first time.

With capacity for up to 180 pets, the boarding house is currently operating just over 50 per cent capacity, but Mr Youssef expects that to increase as more people travel.

“It is a safe environment and perfect for dogs during the Dubai summer," said Mr Yousseff, who keeps two kennels reserved for rescued strays brought in by the Animal Action charity.

“Dogs can swim in some ponds or off beaches around Dubai, but it is not always safe.

“Here we try to provide an environment for dogs and owners to enjoy together, as most dogs love to swim.”

Special swimming sessions can be booked from 7-9am and then 6-8pm, with booking essential, as numbers are limited due to social distancing requirements.

Between 9am and 6pm the pools will be used by dogs boarding at Petsville.

“This idea is very cool,” said Gabriella Lima, whose dog Max was one of the first to try out the splash pool.

“The dogs were very happy, it’s a great place for them to cool down and exercise safely when it is so hot outside.”