You are getting ready to leave, and your dog’s tail stops wagging. Your cat starts following you from room to room. If you have a pet, you have probably seen something like this before. It’s never an easy moment. Time away from your pet can be stressful for both of you, whether you’re away for a few hours or a few days. But here’s the thing: there are several simple ways to help your pet feel more comfortable while you are away. If you will be away for a while, a trusted pet sitting service can help your pet stay comfortable in a familiar environment. Your furry friend doesn’t have to spiral into stress every time you walk out the door. Alright, let’s jump into 10 proven tips that will keep your pet calm, happy, and totally comfortable while you are away.
Create a Consistent Goodbye Routine
Your pets learn to recognize the little things you do before leaving, like picking up your keys or putting on your shoes. Eventually, they learn these little signs and know you are about to leave.
If possible, keep your goodbye routine the same each time. You might give them a favourite treat, leave a toy nearby, or spend a minute with them before heading out. Your pet will start associating these actions with “Okay, they are leaving, but they always come back.” It’s also best not to make your departure a huge emotional event. A small goodbye and a calm exit are usually better than a long, emotional farewell.
Set Up a Comfortable Safe Space
Choose a quiet area in your home and load it up with their favorite things. Place their favourite bed, a well-loved toy, and a blanket that smells like you nearby. Make the space feel as familiar as possible. For cats, consider a perch near a window where they can watch the world go by. Dogs might prefer a crate or a corner of the living room. The more familiar the space feels, the more comfortable your pet is likely to be. You could also leave the radio or TV on at a low volume if your pet is used to hearing those sounds during the day. Silence can actually make some pets more anxious because every little sound becomes alarming.
Keep Them Physically Tired Before You Leave
Before you leave, take your dog for a small walk or spend a few minutes playing with them. For dogs, a little exercise before you leave will make them happy to come home and rest. But if you don’t have enough time, dog walking services can be a good option. That way, your dog still gets regular exercise, even on busy days.
The table below highlights what different pets typically need:
| Pet Type | Daily Exercise Needs | Best Activities |
| High-energy dogs (Retrievers, Huskies) | 60-120 minutes | Running, fetch, hiking, swimming |
| Medium-energy dogs (Beagles, Bulldogs) | 30-60 minutes | Walks, moderate play, backyard games |
| Low-energy dogs (Pugs, Shih Tzus) | 20-30 minutes | Short walks, gentle play indoors |
| Active cats | 20-30 minutes (split sessions) | Laser pointers, feather toys, climbing |
| Senior pets | 15-30 minutes (gentle) | Slow walks, light play, mental games |
Use this as a guide, but remember every pet is different.
Use Calming Aids and Enrichment Tools
Keeping your pet occupied while you are away reduces boredom and makes the time pass more comfortably. Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and snuffle mats encourage dogs to stay engaged for longer because they have to work for their food or treats. For cats, puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and rotating their toys every few days keep them interested. Even bringing out a toy they haven’t seen for a while can encourage them to play. Some pet owners also use calming products such as pheromone diffusers or calming music. These won’t have the same effect on every pet, but some dogs and cats respond well to them. If your pet struggles with separation anxiety, they may be worth trying alongside a familiar routine and regular exercise.
Maintain Their Regular Feeding Schedule
Try to keep your pet’s feeding times the same, even if you are going to be away. Pets get used to eating at certain times of the day, so changing that routine may make the day feel a little different for them. If you won’t be home at mealtime, an automatic feeder can help. It dispenses food at the time you set, so your pet doesn’t have to wait longer than usual for its meal.
If someone else is looking after your pet, let them know your usual feeding times and portion sizes. Keeping the routine as close to normal as possible can help your pet adjust while you’re away.
Consider Professional Pet Sitting Services
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is bring in pet sitting services. If you are travelling for more than a day or two, experienced pet sitters can spend time with your pet, stick to their routine, and make sure they’re doing well. Along with feeding, they can also provide one-on-one attention, playtime, and companionship. Unlike boarding facilities, pet sitting services allow your pet to remain at home while someone visits to care for them. That means they can continue with their normal routine and stay surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and belongings.
Gradually Increase the Time They Spend Alone
If your pet isn’t used to being alone, try not to leave them for long periods straight away. Start with a few minutes, then slowly increase the time over the next few days or weeks. This gives your pet a chance to get used to the routine little by little. When you come home, keep things calm. Once your pet has settled, spend some time with them as you normally would. With time, your pet gets used to the routine. If possible, practise this when you’re home on weekends or have a day off. That way, you can build up the time gradually instead of making a big change all at once.
Leave Behind Your Scent
Pets are comforted by familiar smells. Before you leave, consider leaving one of your recently worn T-shirts or a blanket your pet already likes to sleep on. A familiar smell can be comforting for your dog when you are away. Cats can respond in a similar way, which is why many of them like curling up on their owner’s clothes or favourite blanket. That makes them feel secure
Monitor Your Pet Remotely
If you are going to be away for several hours, a pet camera can help you check in from time to time. Many models let you watch your pet through your phone, and some also include two-way audio if you want to speak to them.
It’s also an easier way to see how your pet spends the day. If they are resting comfortably, you will know they are doing fine. If they are showing signs of stress or behaving differently than usual, you will notice that too.
How Homemaids Keep Your Pet Calm and Happy
Every pet has its own routine, and maintaining that routine as consistent as possible is important when you’re away. That’s why we begin by studying how your pet is cared for at home, including feeding times, walks, playtime, medication or any special instructions. Rather than following the same routine for every pet, we follow the one your pet is already familiar with. Many people searching for pet sitting near me are looking for more than someone to feed their pet. They want a service that follows their pet’s routine as closely as possible. That’s the approach we take at Homemaids. Before the first visit, we discuss feeding times, walks, playtime, medication, and any other instructions so our pet sitters know exactly how your pet is cared for at home.
We have been providing professional pet sitting in Dubai for many years. And looking after different pets has shown us that there is no single approach that suits every pet. Some pets need regular walks, some need medication at set times, and others need someone to spend time with them while their owners are away. Our experienced pet sitters don’t just show up to feed and leave. We maintain your pet’s exact routine because we know that consistency is important. Same walk times, same play routines, same spot on the couch for afternoon naps.
Conclusion
Your pet deserves to feel safe and loved, even when you can’t be there. With the right approach, they absolutely can. You can mix and match the above tips to create the perfect plan for your specific pet. Some pets are more comfortable staying at home than travelling or spending time in a boarding facility. In those situations, pet sitting allows them to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving the care they need. Need reliable, caring pet sitting while you are away? Reach out to Homemaids today and learn more about how we will keep your pet calm and happy.
FAQs
- How long can I leave my pet alone at home?
Dogs shouldn’t be alone longer than 8-10 hours maximum. Cats can manage 24-48 hours with proper food and water. Puppies and kittens need attention every 2-4 hours for safety.
- Is professional pet sitting better than leaving my pet in a kennel?
Yes. Professional pet sitting keeps animals in their familiar home environment, maintains their routine, reduces stress, and provides one-on-one attention without exposure to other animals’ illnesses.
- How do I find reliable pet sitting near me in Dubai?
Search for licensed pet sitting companies with strong local reviews. Ask for references, verify insurance coverage, and confirm they understand Dubai’s climate considerations. Request a meet-and-greet before booking services.
- Can pet sitters handle both dogs and cats during the same visit?
Absolutely. Experienced providers offer pet sitting for dogs and cats simultaneously, managing different feeding schedules, exercise needs, and temperaments. They customize care plans for each pet’s unique requirements and preferences.
- What are signs my pet needs professional pet sitting instead of just automatic feeders?
Watch for separation anxiety, destructive behavior, excessive barking or meowing, appetite changes, or health conditions requiring medication. Senior pets and high-energy breeds especially benefit from professional companionship and monitoring.