Pet Sitting 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.
Villas and compounds are common in Riyadh, alongside apartment buildings in central districts. For sitting and boarding, share compound gate access, parking and any rules on pets in shared areas.
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.
Before you leave, check the air-conditioning schedule, leave the sitter a backup plan if the power or AC fails, and make sure fresh water is available in more than one room.
Planning around the seasons in Riyadh
If you travel during school holidays, Eid and the winter break, book your sitter early and arrange a meet-and-greet before you leave. During the hot months (May to September), confirm the air-conditioning stays on while you're away.
Before you book
Sitters who host or visit are reviewed with photos of their home or boarding area as part of verification, and you can agree visit times and routines in the chat.
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 pet sitters have been approved near you — the app shows who's available for your address before you book.
Pet Sitting in Riyadh — FAQ
Is pet sitting available in Riyadh?
OnlyPaw is available worldwide. Availability in Riyadh depends on how many pet sitters have been approved near you — the app shows who's available for your address before you book.
How much does pet sitting cost in Riyadh?
Pet sitters 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 pet sitters in Riyadh vetted?
Every pet sitter in Riyadh must submit a government ID, a selfie and photos of their home, 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.
Can a pet sitter in Riyadh look after my cat?
Yes. Cats often do best staying in their own home, and many OnlyPaw sitters care for cats — feeding, litter, play and medication. Mention your cat's routine and any hiding spots in the booking notes.
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.
