What Do I Do With My Pet When I Travel From Saudi Arabia?
Traveling is exciting whether it’s a quick weekend in Bahrain or a long trip abroad.
But for pet owners in Saudi Arabia, one question always hits right before booking:
“What am I going to do with my pet?”
If you’ve ever felt that stress, you’re not alone. Leaving your pet behind isn’t just a logistical issue, it’s emotional. They’re part of your routine, your home, your life.
Let’s break down your options and what actually works best.
Option 1: Leave Your Pet With Family or Friends
This is the most common solution in Saudi.
Pros:
Someone you trust
Usually free
Your pet may already know them
Cons:
Not always available
They may not understand your pet’s routine
Can feel like you’re “burdening” someone
This works well for short trips but not always reliable long-term.
Option 2: Pet Boarding (Kennels / Clinics)
Pet boarding services are available in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Pros:
Structured environment
Supervised care
Good for emergencies
Cons:
Stressful for many pets (especially cats)
Unfamiliar environment
Limited personal attention
Can be expensive for longer stays
👉 Some pets adjust well… others don’t. It really depends on their personality.
Option 3: Leave Your Pet Alone at Home (Not Recommended)
Some owners consider this for short trips.
Reality:
Cats can survive alone longer than dogs
But “survive” ≠ “okay”
Risks:
Loneliness & anxiety
Missed meals or water issues
Health emergencies with no one around
👉 Even for cats, more than 24–48 hours alone is risky.
Option 4: Hire a Pet Sitter
This is becoming more popular in Saudi Arabia and for good reason.
A pet sitter either:
Visits your home daily
orStays with your pet while you’re away
Pros:
Your pet stays in their own environment
Less stress and anxiety
Maintains routine (feeding, walks, playtime)
Personalized care
Cons:
Trust is a big concern
Hard to find verified, reliable sitters
👉 This is where many pet owners get stuck:
“Who can I actually trust?”
So… What’s the Best Option?
It depends on:
Your pet’s personality
Length of your trip
Your comfort level
But generally:
👉 For short trips: family or friends can work
👉 For longer trips: pet sitting is often the safest and most comfortable option
The Real Problem Pet Owners Face in Saudi
Let’s be honest…
The issue isn’t “finding options”
The issue is trust
Who’s reliable?
Who has experience?
Who will actually care about your pet?
This gap is exactly why many pet owners feel stuck every time they travel.
A Smarter Way Is Coming
Because of this growing need, new solutions are starting to emerge in Saudi Arabia.
Platforms like Anis are being built to:
Connect pet owners with verified pet sitters
Ensure safe and reliable care
Make the whole process simple and stress-free
Planning a Trip Soon?
If you’re thinking about traveling and don’t want to go through the same stress again:
👉 Join the Anis waitlist
Be the first to access trusted pet sitters near you.
