According to a number of pet owners in Qatar, ensuring the comfort and safety of their furry companions is paramount and leads to a reasonable portion of their travel cost being allocated to pet-sitting services.
A Doha resident highlighted the importance of finding a reliable facility for their two cats, saying: “While we love to travel, our pets’ health and happiness come first,” she said. “We pay QR60 per cat per day for boarding, which we find reasonable. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing that our pets are in good hands during our absence.”
Eid al-Fitr is traditionally a time for travel and vacation for many residents in Qatar, either returning to their home countries or exploring new destinations. Numerous establishments in Qatar, including pet hotels, meanwhile, witness a surge in demand for pet boarding services during this period.
It is learnt that these pet facilities offer a range of services catering to different preferences and budgets, with prices varying from QR50 to more than QR200 per night. Services may include nutritious meals, comfortable accommodation, and supervised playtime with trained staff. Some establishments go the extra mile by providing cage-free boarding, access to outdoor areas, and personalised care routines.
One pet facility, as advertised on its social media page, boasts about its commitment to ensuring the well-being of pets during their stay, offering both short and long-term boarding options.
The post noted that it aims to provide a nurturing environment where pets can feel at home even when their owners are away.
However, not all pet owners opt for professional boarding services. Some individuals rely on friends or colleagues to care for their pets during their absence, saving on boarding expenses and ensuring their pets receive personalised attention.
For others, the Eid al-Fitr break presents an opportunity to spend quality time with their furry companions.
Ruby, a Filipino expatriate, and her family decided to postpone their travel plans to prioritise bonding with their pets, Maki and Meow-meow.
“With our busy work schedules, we haven't been able to give our pets the attention they deserve. This break allows us to reconnect as a family and create cherished memories with our fur babies,” she shared.
Amidst the holiday hustle, veterinary clinics in Doha also witness an influx of patients as pet owners ensure their fur babies are up-to-date on vaccinations and receive necessary health checks before boarding.
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