Starting a pet sitting business in Dubai involves choosing a legal structure, registering a company, preparing paperwork, obtaining approvals, securing a trade license, setting up and launching your services, and marketing your business.
The numbers are striking. The Gulf is home to more than 1.5 million pet owners, caring for an estimated 2 million pets. Most are cats and dogs, but you’ll also find birds, rabbits, and the occasional exotic pet. The sector has been booming, growing at double-digit rates each year – a trend that reflects not just Dubai’s rising incomes, but also the deep emotional bond people have with their pets.
For entrepreneurs, that bond is the foundation of opportunity. Set things up the right way, and you can create a business that’s both rewarding and financially stable. In this article, we’ll take you through how the industry looks today, the steps you need to launch, and why working with Trade License Zone is the simplest way to get started.
Pet sitting industry in Dubai: Overview
The pet sitting industry in Dubai is growing quickly, driven by lifestyle changes, stricter welfare standards, and a growing community of pet owners who want dependable care.
Ten years ago, pet sitting was still something of a luxury here. Today, it has become a necessity. Families often keep pets for companionship, while many expats adopt animals to soften the challenges of living abroad. When owners head away for business trips, school holidays, or simply long days at the office, they need help. That’s where pet sitters step in.
The role has grown far beyond topping up food bowls. Many sitters now offer daily walks, grooming add-ons, or even overnight stays in the pet’s home. Others specialize – caring for puppies during the day, managing pets with medical needs, or offering enrichment activities like play and training. The common thread is peace of mind. Owners want to know their pets are not only safe, but happy.
Dubai’s authorities also play a part in shaping this sector. The Dubai Municipality and Public Health Department have established clear rules around hygiene, safety, and proper animal care. Unlike some countries where pet sitting might remain informal, here it’s a licensed service. That professional framework reassures clients and raises standards, but it also means entrepreneurs need to be serious about compliance.
Another unique factor is culture. Dubai’s population is made up largely of expats, many of whom come from strongly pet-friendly nations. They arrive expecting the same standards of care they’d receive back home. The result is an ecosystem of services – vet clinics, cafés, grooming salons, and supply shops – where pet sitting has found its natural place.
Looking forward, analysts predict further growth. As household incomes climb and Dubai invests in lifestyle facilities, pet spending is likely to keep increasing. For new business owners, this translates into steady demand in a market where reliability and professionalism matter just as much as passion.
How to start a pet sitting business in Dubai
The five steps to starting a pet sitting business in Dubai are selecting a legal structure, registering your company, preparing documents, securing approvals, setting up operations, and growing your brand.
Step 1: Selecting your legal structure and registering the company
Your first call is deciding between a mainland setup and a free zone. A mainland license lets you serve clients across the city. Free zones can be quicker and often cost less upfront, but they may limit you to the zone unless you secure extra permits.
Once you’ve chosen, you’ll need to lock in your company name and apply for a “Pet Care Services” license. On the mainland, this is done through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). In a free zone, it’s handled by that zone’s authority. Without this license, you simply can’t operate.
Here’s a simple example: a solo sitter working with a small network of clients might choose a free zone for affordability. An agency with multiple employees covering all of Dubai would almost certainly benefit from the flexibility of a mainland license.
Specialists such as Trade License Zone can streamline the process – which saves stress, avoids mistakes, and keeps you focused on the bigger picture.
Step 2: Documents required for a pet sitting business in Dubai
Dubai’s licensing system is organized, but paperwork is essential. Authorities will ask for:
• Passport copies of shareholders or owners
• Visa copies and Emirates ID (if available)
• A trade name reservation certificate and a completed trade license application form
• Proof of residential address, such as a utility bill or tenancy contract
• Financial statements or bank reference letters (if requested)
• A business plan or outline of your intended services
Step 3: Obtaining approvals for pet care services
Beyond your license, additional approvals from the Dubai Municipality and the Public Health Department are mandatory. These bodies want to ensure your service meets strict hygiene and welfare standards.
If you operate from a physical location – for example, a facility offering both boarding and sitting – inspectors may visit to confirm standards. Even mobile sitters must show that their processes align with regulations.
Approvals are not red tape for the sake of it. They’re a stamp of credibility that clients recognize, and they shield you from compliance issues later on.
Step 4: Setting up operations and launching your pet sitting service
Once the paperwork is in place, the real work begins. Setting up involves:
• Insurance to protect against accidents or unexpected situations
• Workspace readiness, even if it’s just a small office to satisfy requirements
• Digital presence, including a website and active social media
• Trust-building measures, like clear service packages, transparent pricing, and early reviews
Think of this stage as laying your foundation. A strong, professional presence is what convinces pet owners to pick you over competitors.
Step 5: Growing your pet sitting business in Dubai
Growth comes down to visibility and trust. Partnerships with vets, groomers, and pet shops expand your reach and create referral opportunities. Online visibility – SEO, targeted ads, or listings on pet directories – helps clients find you.
In Dubai, word-of-mouth is especially powerful. Expats often share recommendations quickly, so one satisfied client can open the door to many more. Loyalty programs and trial discounts also help build repeat business.
Over time, your reputation will be your greatest marketing tool.
Benefits of starting a pet sitting business in Dubai
The advantages include strong demand, high earning potential, flexible growth, a lifestyle that animal lovers enjoy, and an entrepreneur-friendly system.
1. Expanding market potential
Pet ownership is rising steadily, which means long-term demand for reliable care. Every new adoption becomes a potential client.
2. High revenue opportunities
Owners here spend generously on pets. Professional sitters who deliver trustworthy care can charge premium rates and establish recurring income.
3. Flexible business model
This industry adapts to your goals. You can remain a solo operator or expand into an agency with multiple employees. Some specialize in high-end services, others in affordable community offerings.
4. Community and lifestyle appeal
For many entrepreneurs, this business is more than income. It’s daily contact with animals, meaningful work, and the chance to be part of Dubai’s thriving pet-friendly culture.
5. Government support for entrepreneurs
Dubai’s streamlined setup processes and pro-business environment make it easier to start here than in many other cities. Regulations are clear, timelines are fast, and support is available.
Why work with Trade License Zone
Launching a pet sitting business in Dubai requires navigating licenses, approvals, and compliance processes that can seem overwhelming at first glance. That’s where Trade License Zone comes in.
From selecting the right legal structure to preparing documents and securing approvals from the Dubai Municipality and Public Health Department, we handle the details. This support allows you to focus on building your services and reaching customers rather than worrying about paperwork and regulations.
With us, you gain an experienced partner who simplifies the process, reduces setup time, and ensures compliance from day one. Take the first step: contact Trade License Zone today.
