What To Do With Pets During The Winter Break

It’s that time of year again! There’s a chill in the air and suitcases are being pulled out of summer storage. There’s an undeniable excitement that comes with the holiday season but…what about our furry friends? As wonderful as it would be to take our beloved pets with us on winter jaunts, it’s not really feasible.

So what are your options for pet care while on vacation?

catteries and kennels in Dubai

In true Dubai style, there’s a huge chance that your cat, dog (hamster, bird, bunny…) will have a more luxurious winter than you will, thanks to the world-class kennels and catteries in the city. Posh Paws, located in Dubai Investment Park, is one such luxe option, where your furry friends will have their own room (siblings and families can board together), be fed regularly throughout the day – with special diets and/or medicines also being accounted for. Your cat and dog will also have plenty of space to play, rest, exercise, and Posh Paws will even pick up and drop your pets from all over the UAE and make sure they’re regularly groomed.

Another well-respected option is the Dubai Kennels and Cattery (DKC). These pet-pros offer wonderful accommodation for pets as well as having the added benefit of access to the vets at DKC, should something go wrong while you’re away – don’t worry, they will always inform you before treating your pet for anything! If you have a cat and dog who are used to living together as well, DKC will let you home them together – provided your pooch is laidback and not too large. What we especially like about them, however, is the fact that they’ll also send you daily photos and videos of your cat or dog not to mention featuring them on their Facebook page…perfect for keeping tabs on Mr Whiskers or Spot!

Dubai Pet sitters

If you have a particularly sensitive feline or canine that won’t take kindly towards being uprooted for the holidays, a pet sitter is a great option. Pet Sitting Dubai will send someone who has been screened (and approved) to check in on your pets a few times a day (as need be), take them out on walks, make sure their food and water bowl is topped up, give them a cuddle…basically everything you could possibly want while you’re away. They also offer a range of bespoke services and, if you want them to, take your pet home with them…allowing your cat or dog to enjoy the creature comforts of home (pardon the pun). The good folks at Pet Sitting Dubai will definitely sort you out, regardless of budget.

Another option is to visit Trusted Housesitters. This membership only community will take care of your pets for free! If letting a stranger into Fido’s life feels a bit strange, each of the members has their own profile and reviews on the website, so you can feel comfortable in making an informed decision. The good folks who sign up at Trusted Housesitters are also likely to keep you entertained with plenty of photographs, videos and will probably water your plants while you’re away as well – talk about peace of mind!

Ask A Friend or colleague

While this seems obvious, most people are a bit wary of asking a friend or colleague to care for their pets. However, for those away from their families at this time, taking care of a cuddly creature can be a welcome treat! Almost every office has a resident cat lady who would probably be more than willing to come over and check up on your feline. If your pets need a bit more care and you trust your colleague/friend enough, have them stay over! Just make sure that you leave them enough pet food, extra cash, some snacks, soda and water so that they’re not too put out. Oh, and don’t forget to bring them back something special from your holidays…they are taking care of your precious pet after all!

If you can’t think of anyone who would be willing to take care of your pet while you’re away, maybe ask around and see if someone has family or friend visiting and was planning on staying in a hotel. Offer them your house for free…all they have to do in return is give your pet some TLC.

And if you live in one of these marvellous pet-friendly communities in Dubai, you’re sure to find a neighbour who’s willing to take care of a pet along with their own for a few days.

What to do before you leave

• Remember to tell your pet sitter about the weird quirks your pet might have. If you’re having someone visit regularly, inform them that your dog has a habit of getting into the cupboards or your cat tends to chew shoes that aren’t in a cupboard.
• If you’re leaving pets at home while on vacation, tell your pet sitter about all their hiding places!
• If you’re sending your pet away for the first time, send something of yours along with it – a comfy jumper, towel…something with your scent to keep your pets happy. This also works if you’re having someone take care of your pet in situ – leave some laundry behind…it’ll make all the difference.
• Remind your in-house pet sitter about the rules of the house! Felines are especially prone to ‘forgetting’ that they’re not allowed on the countertop and will likely take the new face as a chance to make some new rules.
• If you’re feeling especially worried about separation anxiety, install a cheap webcam in some of your pets’ favourite spots so you can check in. Just remember to tell whoever is taking care of your pet about them before!

• If you are having someone come visit, it’s a good idea to have them over for dinner a few days before, so your pet isn’t caught off guard.
• If you’re opting to have a pet sitter, it’s a good idea to get your pet used to being alone in the weeks leading up to your holiday. Leave your cat or dog alone for increasing amounts of time (two hours to more) so that when the time comes, it isn’t too unhappy at being left alone!
• This one’s important – be honest with whoever is taking care of your pet cat or dog. What might be something sweet and adorable to you may not be something that a pet sitter or kennel will find quite as charming. Does your dog go berserk during fireworks? Does the cat have a habit of jumping on the TV during Masterchef? The more information you give your pet’s carer…the better.

With a little pre-planning, your pet is sure to have a safe and fantastic winter holiday too!