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:
Cat Services
Cats have their own very specific set of needs - and the Pet Watch cat services page reflects that:
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:
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:
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:
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 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:
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:
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.