As UAE residents prepare for their summer travels, many rely on pet-sitting services to care for their furry friends. Industry experts report a significant demand for pet-sitting services during the summer and end-of-year holidays, with some pet owners spending up to Dh3,750 for extended care.
Specialized pet sitters offer services ranging from Dh70 to Dh170 per visit, with some families taking up to three weeks’ vacation. “During peak seasons like July and August, December and January, and over the Easter break, we experience a surge in bookings,” said Paulita Hesketh, owner of The Pet Sitter Dubai.
Hesketh added, “Our customers often secure their slots six months in advance, and new inquiries typically flood in about two weeks before school holidays.”
Increased Summer Demand
Hesketh emphasized how her team handles the increased demand during summer: “Despite being a small team of skilled multicultural women from diverse backgrounds, we ensure high-quality service without hiring additional staff. We pride ourselves on managing workload efficiently to meet our clients’ needs.”
According to a Dubai-based pet-sitting website, a standard 30-minute visit costs Dh85, which applies to two pets of the same species. “Our services range from 30 to 60-minute visits, all conducted in the familiar surroundings of the client’s home,” Hesketh explained.
Hesketh detailed their service model: “When a client contacts us, we initiate a comprehensive questionnaire to gather essential details such as medical history and behavioral traits. Matching the pet with the most suitable sitter is crucial, followed by a face-to-face meeting and a transparent contractual agreement that adheres to all municipal regulations.”
Starting with Personal Experience
Paulita’s journey into pet sitting began when she left her job to care for her senior pet, Doodle. “It all started when I left my dream job to care for my senior pet, Doodle,” she shared. “From there, word spread, and soon my services were sought out across the city.”
Home Comfort for Pets
Andrea Petrovic, a Serbian expat who has been in the UAE for eight years, used pet-sitting services and became a part-time pet sitter in 2020. “I had to leave the country to get married and leave my cat in a boarding facility for three weeks,” Andrea shared.
She noticed changes in her pet, knowing cats are sensitive animals. “Cats are very sensitive, so they prefer their own home. I noticed my cat Milo became weak,” she said.
While Andrea sometimes uses daycare or boarding facilities for her dog, she prefers pet sitters for her cat. “For my dog, it will never work because I have a hyperactive dog. But for my cat, I will use pet-sitting services because I need to travel. So, I will need to hire licensed pet sitters.”
Andrea also worked as a part-time pet sitter for a year and noticed peak times for pet-sitting requests, especially during holidays. “Whenever there is a holiday season, people will travel, so they hire a sitter. The same with boarding facilities being full.”
Satisfied Customers
Layla Binbrek, a Canadian expat, has used Paulita’s pet-sitting services for several years. As a first-time pet owner who adopted a stray cat named Milo in 2020, Binbrek was initially apprehensive about leaving her pet behind during her travels.
“It was difficult, I was very concerned,” Binbrek shared. “But at least I knew that even though I was away, he’s taken care of in the comfort of his own home.”
The Dubai South resident continues to use the service whenever she needs to travel. “They play with him and inform me if there are any issues. They take care of him well.”
Beyond Pet-Sitting
Even during unexpected situations, such as recent storms in Dubai, Binbrek was impressed by the pet sitter’s dedication. “The cat sitter assigned to me still made it to the house when everyone struggled. She even sent me a video of my apartment to let me know everything was okay, Milo was okay.”
Binbrek values the reasonable rates and the peace of mind the service provides. “It’s not like I don’t have friends who can check in on him, but they have their jobs and responsibilities. This is someone completely dedicated to taking care of your pet.”
Reliability and Convenience
Hassan M, a Lebanese expat and Dubai resident, has also used a pet-sitting service for years. As a busy professional who often travels for work, Hassan found it challenging to ensure his dog was cared for during his absence. “I couldn’t always count on friends or family to check on my dog, especially on short notice,” Hassan shared.
He discovered a pet-sitting service that proved to be a lifesaver. “It’s been a lifesaver for me. I can now travel for work without worrying about my dog being alone or not getting the attention he needs.” Hassan has even become friends with some of the pet sitters he’s worked with, and they often walk their dogs together. “In case of emergency, I can even call one of them to quickly check on my dog if I can’t get back home immediately.”
For Hassan, the convenience and reliability of the pet-sitting service are invaluable. “It’s the most convenient service I’ve come across, and I’m grateful to have found it. It gives me peace of mind knowing my dog is in good hands while I’m away.”
