How to choose a pet sitter
Travelling or working long hours? Someone who visits or stays with your pet can be easier on it than boarding. How to choose them, and what to leave in writing.
Cats in particular like to stay home, and many dogs get stressed in a new place. So a trustworthy person who visits or stays with your pet can be better than boarding. But you're handing over your keys and your pet, so choose carefully.
The options
- Daily visits: someone comes once or twice a day to feed, clean and play. Good for cats and calm pets.
- House-sitting: someone stays overnight in your home. Good for dogs, and for pets that need medicines on time.
- Dog walking: if you work long hours.
If your pet needs medical care, or you can't find someone you trust, read choosing boarding for your pet.
Before you decide
- Meet them first at your home. Watch how they handle your pet, and whether your pet is relaxed with them.
- Ask about experience with the same kind of animal, and ask for people they've worked for.
- Check who they are: see their ID and know where they live.
- Agree everything in writing: number and length of visits, the price, daily photos, and what to do in an emergency.
Dogs and the law
Law 29/2023 says a dog outside the home must be with someone 18 or older, wearing a muzzle, collar and leash. So whoever walks your dog must be over 18 and know these rules. See walking your dog in Egypt.
What to leave in writing
- Meal times and amounts, plus the food your pet is used to.
- Medicine times if any, with the dose your vet set written next to each one.
- Your number, a backup contact nearby, and your vet's number and address.
- Where the carrier, leash and vaccination card are, and a photo of the dog licence.
- Things to watch: windows and balcony closed, and the door never opened with the cat right there.
While you're away
- Ask for a photo or video every day.
- If your pet stops eating for more than a day, vomits several times or seems unwell, the sitter must call you and take it to the vet.