Dog Walking in Riyadh: what to know
Riyadh is a large, car-centred city, with busy districts such as Al Olaya and fast-growing northern neighbourhoods like Al Malqa, Hittin, Al Yasmin and Al Sahafa. Cats are especially popular pets here, and many families live in villas or compounds — so in-home visits, sitting and pet transport are often more useful than long walks.
Dog walking in Riyadh usually happens within residential compounds, private grounds and quieter neighbourhood streets rather than in public parks. Tell your walker exactly where walks are allowed around your home, and prefer short, frequent outings in the hot months.
Heat and weather in Riyadh
Riyadh has a dry desert climate: summer highs regularly reach the mid-40s °C, while winter nights can be cool. Dust storms can arrive quickly. Outdoor time in summer belongs to early morning and late evening, and pets need constant access to water and shade.
Ask for walks before about 7am or after sunset in the hot months, keep them short, and let your walker skip or shorten a walk if the ground is too hot — a quick back-of-the-hand test on the pavement tells you in seconds.
Planning around the seasons in Riyadh
Save longer walks and new routes for the cooler months (November to March); during the hot months (May to September), stick to short outings at dawn or after dark and add indoor games for extra exercise.
Before you book
Walkers can offer extras such as photo updates, a report card, pick-up from home or an extra 30 minutes — you see what each walker offers before booking.
Keep your pet's vaccination records up to date and follow your compound's or building's rules on pets.
OnlyPaw is available worldwide. Availability in Riyadh depends on how many dog walkers have been approved near you — the app shows who's available for your address before you book.
Dog Walking in Riyadh — FAQ
Is dog walking available in Riyadh?
OnlyPaw is available worldwide. Availability in Riyadh depends on how many dog walkers have been approved near you — the app shows who's available for your address before you book.
How much does dog walking cost in Riyadh?
Dog walkers in Riyadh set their own prices in SAR, so you see each provider's rate before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
How are dog walkers in Riyadh vetted?
Every dog walker in Riyadh must submit a government ID and a selfie, and pass a pet-safety knowledge test with a 70% pass mark. The OnlyPaw team reviews each application — and each additional service — before it goes live.
Is it safe to walk my dog in Riyadh's summer heat?
Yes, if walks are timed and sized for the heat. Riyadh has a dry desert climate: summer highs regularly reach the mid-40s °C, while winter nights can be cool. Dust storms can arrive quickly. Outdoor time in summer belongs to early morning and late evening, and pets need constant access to water and shade. On OnlyPaw you can ask for early or late time slots and shorter walks, and discuss your dog's limits with the walker in the chat before booking.
What if I need to cancel?
Each provider uses one of three cancellation policies. Under the default moderate policy you get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start, 50% if you cancel at least 2 hours before, and nothing in the last 2 hours. The flexible policy refunds in full up to 2 hours before the start; the strict policy refunds in full from 48 hours and 50% from 24 hours before.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
