If you are a pet parent in the UAE, you already know the basics: feeding, walks, the occasional bath. But if you have ever gone on a business trip, booked a last-minute flight from Dubai, or found yourself working a 12-hour day in Abu Dhabi, you know that the basics are rarely enough. That is exactly why additional pet care services in the UAE have become such a big deal in 2026 - and why more pet owners are turning to platforms like Pet Watch to make sure their four-legged family members get exactly the right care, even when life gets hectic.
I manage the Pet Watch community, and I also happen to be a pet parent myself. My Shih Tzu Tito and my cat Toto have both benefited from add-on services at different life stages - and if I have learned anything, it is this: one-size-fits-all pet care does not work. Different pets, different ages, different health needs. That is why understanding what extra services are available - and how to choose the right ones - matters so much.
In this guide, I will walk you through all the add-on pet care options available on Pet Watch in the UAE, who they are for, how to decide what your pet actually needs, and how the app keeps everything safe and transparent for both pet parents and sitters.
Why Add-On Pet Care Services Matter in the UAE
The UAE lifestyle is fast. Work schedules stretch long; travel is constant, and many pet parents live in apartments without easy access to outdoor spaces. At the same time, pet ownership in the UAE has grown significantly - more residents are choosing to share their homes with cats and dogs than ever before.
This growth means the demand for professional, flexible, and trustworthy pet care add-ons in the UAE is at an all-time high. Pet parents want more than just a basic drop-in visit. They want tailored support - an extra walk when their puppy has too much energy, someone reliable to administer medication when they travel, or a sitter who understands how to comfort a senior dog during the scorching UAE summer.
That is precisely what Pet Watch was built for: a UAE-based pet care app connecting verified sitters with pet parents who need flexible, trustworthy, additional support beyond the basics. Available on both iOS and Android, the app makes booking, communicating, and paying for extra services as smoothly as possible.
A Full Overview of Additional Pet Care Services Available on Pet Watch
Before we dive into specific add-ons, here is a quick map of what is on offer for both dogs and cats through Pet Watch in 2026.
Dog Services
Head over to the Pet Watch dog services page and you will find a solid range of services designed for the realities of UAE dog ownership:
- Dog Walking - 30-Minute Walk (55 AED)
Perfect for busy weekday mornings. Your dog gets fresh air, exercise, and one-on-one attention from a verified sitter. The sitter follows Pet Watch's leash policy strictly and will only walk dogs from the same household at the same time. - Dog Walking - 60-Minute Walk (85 AED)
Built for high-energy breeds and super-active dogs that need more than a quick spin around the block. Also ideal for puppies during their energetic phase or for dogs recovering from cabin fever during a busy work week. - Dog Day Care - Up to 10 Hours (130 AED)
Your dog spends the day at the sitter's home while you're at work or out for the day. Great for dogs that do not do well alone for extended periods. - Dog Boarding - Daily (145 AED)
Full 24-hour care at the sitter's home. Ideal for when you travel and want your dog in a warm, home-like environment rather than a kennel. - Dog Sitting - Day Care (150 AED)
A sitter comes to your home for up to 10 hours. Your dog stays in their own environment — which is a big comfort factor for anxious dogs or breeds that are sensitive to change. - Dog Sitting - Daily (160 AED)
Overnight care in your home for 12–24 hours. Your sitter manages feeding, walks, playtime, and everything in between. - Dog Grooming
Available as a bookable add-on for bath, brush, nail trim, and more — keeping your pup looking and feeling their best.
Cat Services
Cats have their own very specific set of needs - and the Pet Watch cat services page reflects that:
- Home Visit - Feeding and Playtime 30 min (50 AED)
A sitter pops in, prepares your cat's meal with your exact instructions, provides fresh water, cleans the bowl, and engages your cat with toys and activities for 30 minutes. - Home Visit - Feeding and Playtime 60 min (70 AED)
Same as above but with an extra 30 minutes of playtime and stimulation — ideal for cats that get bored easily or need more engagement. - Cat Day Care - Up to 10 Hours (100 AED)
Your cat stays at the sitter's home for the day. Great if you prefer not to leave them alone and want them to have company. - Cat Boarding - Daily (110 AED)
Full 24-hour care at the sitter's home. The sitter provides a warm, comfortable environment tailored to your cat's needs. - Cat Sitting - Day Care (130 AED)
Up to 10 hours of in-home care at your place — your cat never has to leave their comfort zone. - Cat Sitting - Daily (160 AED)
12–24 hours of in-home overnight care with feeding, litter management, playtime, and companionship.
Extra Dog Walks: When Are They Really Necessary?
One of the most searched additional dog care services in the UAE right now is - you guessed it - extra walks. And it makes total sense. Not every dog has the same exercise needs, and not every owner's schedule allows for regular walking.
Here is a simple guide to help you decide:
- Puppies (under 12 months)
Puppies need short, frequent walks rather than long, exhausting ones. Multiple short 30-minute walks a day help burn energy, build social confidence, and establish good habits - without overstraining developing joints. - High-energy breeds
Huskies, Border Collies, Labradors - if your dog was built to run, a single morning walk simply will not cut it. Booking an additional midday 60-minute walk can make the difference between a calm evening and a chewed-up sofa. - Elderly dogs
Senior dogs still need daily movement to keep joints supple and maintain healthy weight, but they do better with shorter, gentler walks. An extra 30-minute stroll paced to their comfort level is often a sweet spot. - Dogs with separation anxiety
For some dogs, the walk itself is secondary - it is the human company and the change of scenery that helps. An additional midday visit or walk can break up a long day home alone and reduce stress behaviors.
One more thing worth noting: Pet Watch sitters are trained and follow a strict policy - dogs always stay on leash, and a sitter will only walk dogs from the same household together. This is not just a rule for the sake of it; it genuinely reduces the risk of incidents and keeps your pet safe.
Medication Administration as a Pet Care Add-On in the UAE
This one is close to many pet parents' hearts - including mine. When Tito had to take medication after a minor health scare, coordinating his schedule with my work schedule was genuinely stressful. If you have ever tried to give a determined Shih Tzu a pill, you understand.
Medication administration is one of the most important extra dog and cat care services available for pet parents in the UAE who:
- Are managing a pet with a chronic condition (diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid issues)
- Have a pet recovering from surgery or illness
- Travel often and cannot interrupt their itinerary to return home for doses
- Simply find it difficult to administer medication themselves
On Pet Watch, you can add medication administration as a specific requirement when booking a home visit, sitting, or boarding service. When setting up your booking in the app, you can detail the medication name, dosage, and timing in your instructions. The sitter is trained to handle these needs responsibly, and the in-app messaging and photo updates mean you can confirm your pet has received their medication without having to make a panicked phone call.
Pro tip: always meet your pet sitter before your trip if medication is involved. Pet Watch's booking system allows you to connect with sitters in advance so you can walk them through your pet routine personally. That first meeting builds trust - for you and for your pet.
Travel-Friendly Pet Care Support for UAE Pet Owners
The UAE is one of the most travel-heavy countries in the world. Dubai International Airport alone serves hundreds of millions of passengers a year. If you live here, chances are you leave the country regularly - for work, for family, for holidays. And every single time, you face the same question: who looks after my pet?
Travel-friendly pet care services on Pet Watch are specifically designed for busy, mobile pet parents who need coverage that is flexible, reliable, and easy to manage remotely. Here is what that looks like in practice:
- Overnight boarding (at the sitter's home)
Your pet stays in a warm, home-like environment rather than a commercial kennel. Sitters are vetted, trained, and rated by other pet owners - you know exactly who you are trusting. - Extended home sitting (in your home)
For pets that are highly territorial or stressed by new environments, having a sitter come and stay in your home is often the least disruptive option. Your pet keeps their routine, their scent, and their bed. - Multiple daily check-ins
For shorter trips, you can book several home visits per day - morning and evening feeding, midday walks, and a bedtime check-in. All bookable in one go through the app. - In-app real-time updates
This is where Pet Watch genuinely stands out for travelling pet owners. Sitters send photos and status updates directly through the app, so no matter where you are in the world, you can see your pet is safe, happy, and eating their breakfast.
There is something uniquely reassuring about receiving a photo of your cat curled up happily on the sofa while you are sitting in an airport lounge. Toto has been cared for by a Pet Watch sitter on more than one occasion - and those little in-app updates made the trips so much less stressful.
How to Choose the Right Pet Care Add-Ons for Your Pet
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options? That is normal. Here is a simple decision framework to help you figure out which additional pet care services in the UAE actually make sense for your situation.
Ask Yourself These Questions
- How long will you be away?
A few hours → home visit. A full workday → day care. Overnight or longer → boarding or overnight sitting. - What is your pet's personality?
Anxious or territorial pets usually do better with in-home sitting. Social, adaptable pets often enjoy boarding with a sitter. - Does your pet have health needs?
If medication, special feeding schedules, or physical limitations are involved, look for sitters who have experience with health-dependent care and note the specific requirements in your booking. - What is your pet's age and energy level?
Puppies and energetic breeds need more walks and stimulation. Senior pets need gentler, more predictable routines. - How far are you traveling?
A short domestic trip might just need daily home visits. An international trip of a week or more benefits from boarding or live-in sitting for continuity of care.
How Pet Watch Reduces Risk for Busy Pet Parents
For any pet parent, handing over care of your animal to someone you do not know is an act of trust. Pet Watch takes that seriously and has built several layers of protection into the platform specifically to reduce that risk.
Verified, Trained Sitters
Every sitter on Pet Watch goes through background checks and pet care training before they can start taking bookings. This is not optional - it is a baseline standard across the platform. Sitters can also earn Pet Watch certification through the Pet Watch Academy, which gives them additional credibility and gives you more confidence.
In-App Real-Time Updates and Photo Sharing
During any active service - whether it is a 30-minute walk or a week-long boarding stay - sitters send updates and photos directly through the Pet Watch app. You do not need to chase anyone for a text. You do not have to wonder. You can see your pet, in real time, wherever you are.
Two-Way Reviews for Full Transparency
After each booking, both the pet parent and the sitter can leave a review. This two-way accountability system means sitters are motivated to deliver excellent care (their reputation depends on it), and pet parents build a track record that makes it easier to match with great sitters in the future. It creates a feedback loop that genuinely improves the quality of care across the board.
Secure, Cashless Payments
All payments go through the app. No cash changes hands, no awkward conversations about money, and a clear record of every transaction. This is a small but meaningful thing - it keeps both parties protected and the whole interaction professional.
For Pet Sitters: How Add-On Services Help You Build Your Reputation
If you are reading this as a sitter (or someone thinking about becoming one), the add-on service model is great news for you too. The more types of additional pet care services you are comfortable offering in the UAE, the more bookable and competitive you become.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Complete the Pet Watch training program and certification to stand out on search results and build trust with new clients.
- Highlight any specific skills - medication administration, experience with senior pets, multi-cat households, or specific breeds - in your profile.
- Use every booking as an opportunity to collect reviews. Sitters with strong review profiles get matched more often and can grow a loyal client base quickly.
- Communicate proactively through the app. Sending photos and updates without being asked shows initiative and builds genuine trust with pet parents.
How to Get Started with Pet Watch in the UAE
Getting started takes less than five minutes. Download the app on iOS or Android, create your pet profile, and browse verified sitters in your area. You can:
- Filter by service type - walking, sitting, boarding, grooming
- Read detailed sitter profiles, certifications, and reviews
- Message sitters directly before booking to ask questions or discuss specific needs
- Book and pay securely in-app with full scheduling control
- Receive photos and live updates throughout the service
- Leave and read two-way reviews after each booking
Whether you are looking for a one-off midday walk while you are stuck in a meeting or a full two-week boarding arrangement during your summer holiday back home, Pet Watch has you covered.
Ready to Book Your Pet's Next Care Session?
Your pet deserves reliable, personalized care - not just the basics, but the full support they need at every stage of life. Whether you need an extra walk for an energetic puppy, medication management for a senior cat, or a trusted sitter for your next business trip, Pet Watch has verified sitters in the UAE ready to help.
Download Pet Watch now on iOS or Android and browse all available dog services and cat services today.
Your pet is waiting. Your sitter is ready.
FAQ
What are the most popular additional pet care services in the UAE right now?
The most in-demand add-on services are extra dog walks (especially midday walks for dogs left home during long workdays), overnight pet sitting or boarding for travel periods, and medication administration for pets with health needs. Home visits for cats - feeding and playtime - are also growing fast as more apartment-dwelling cat owners look for flexible daily support.
How do I know if a Pet Watch sitter is qualified to give my pet medication?
All Pet Watch sitters go through background checks and core pet care training. For medication administration specifically, it is highly recommended to meet the sitter in advance (you can arrange this through the app's messaging system) and walk them through your pet's medication needs in person. You can also detail medication instructions precisely in your booking notes. The in-app photo update feature lets you confirm your pet has been cared for without relying on text messages.
Is boarding or in-home sitting better for my dog when I travel?
It depends on your dog's personality. Sociable, adaptable dogs often thrive in a boarding environment - they get company and stimulation. Anxious dogs, territorial breeds, or dogs with strong home attachment generally do better with an in-home sitter who can maintain their usual routine in their familiar space. For puppies and elderly dogs especially, keeping the routine consistent is usually worth the extra consideration.
Can I book multiple services at once on Pet Watch?
Yes. The Pet Watch app allows you to schedule multiple services in a single booking flow - for example, a morning walk, a midday home visit, and an evening feeding check-in. This makes it easy to set up full-day or multi-day coverage without having to make separate bookings each time.
How does the two-way review system on Pet Watch work?
After each completed booking, both the pet parent and the sitter can leave a review through the app. Pet parents can rate and review their sitter's care quality, reliability, and communication. Sitters can review the pet and the booking experience. This mutual accountability helps maintain high standards across the platform and makes it easier for new users to choose sitters with confidence.
