These 5 pet sitters in Belfast passed my meticulous mum test!
Sick of pet caregivers who never respond, overcharge their fees, juggle too many pets, or cancel last minute? Me too! I’m a mother, and my children also include my adorable pups—and I only want the best for my little ones.
I’m usually more lenient with other things (as a cool mum). But when it comes to leaving my kids in another person’s care, I background-check everything. And for our previous family trips where we can’t take our dogs, I already went through loads of carers.
So whether you’re a pet owner planning your holiday, a busy professional needing your dogs walked every day, or someone overwhelmed with multiple pets, these are my top-rated pet sitters in Belfast worth looking into.
How much does a pet sitter charge in Belfast?
Pet sitters in Belfast will set you back between £9 and £32 per visit, depending on the type of service, duration, and number of pets.
Other factors contributing to rates are extra home errands and more complex, custom services.
1. Home Comforts Pet Sitting Belfast
Service Areas: BT4 to BT9, BT16, and BT18 (outside this radius, Home Comforts can find you an alternative)
Phone: +44 7753 440433, [email protected], Booking Form
Business hours:
- Open 24 hours
Home Comforts Pet Sitting Belfast is owned by Rachael, who grew up with all types of animals. She can cater to cats, dogs, birds, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, and farm animals.
What I like most is that she’s available any day and time for house visits to feed the pets, change their litter tray, and help them take medications (with detailed instructions discussed beforehand, of course).
It’s also great for me that this pet sitter is known to send a bunch of photo updates throughout the service, so the owners can feel at ease.
And if the owner needs extra errands done, they can tick the specific task box on the booking form. You can ask the sitter to water plants, empty the letterbox, and take the bins out.
I also appreciate that she’s fully insured with PetPlan Sanctuary Pet Sitters Insurance for home visits and dog walking services.
Her company vehicle is also unmarked, so it won’t draw much attention to the client’s residence (especially since they likely won’t be home). I reckon this can give pet owners more peace of mind.
Nevertheless, remember that this is a one-woman company, so booking can be limited.
And since house keys are usually returned through the house’s letterbox, this could pose a potential risk. So if you want the keys returned in person, you’ll have to pay an additional cost of £10 to cover mileage.
Sends Regular Updates
“Rachael is fantastic, has a really lovely way with animals. She sends regular updates, photo or video for every visit. Would highly recommend.”
-Ms. Fiona, Google Review
Came Home to a Very Happy and Relaxed Cat
“I have just had the experience of Rachael pet sitting my cat, Honey and it was a roaring success. Honey is a little timid but she appears to have taken to Rachael from the outset. I was provided with twice daily updates which were much appreciated and came home to a very happy and relaxed cat. In addition Rachael had hoovered and emptied the bins,imagine. This will definitely be my go to option in the future. Very many thanks Rachael.”
-Ms. Jane Graham, Google Review
2. We Love Pets Belfast
Service Area: BT1 (Belfast City Centre), BT3 (Titanic Quarter), BT4 (Strandtown, Sydenham), BT5 (East), BT13 (Shankhill), BT14 (Cliftonville, Ardoyne), BT15 (Antrim Road, Grove Park, Cave Hill), BT36 (Carnmoney, Mossley), and BT37 (Whiteabbey)
Phone: +44 7736 089727, [email protected], Contact Form
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
We Love Pets Belfast is among the most reliable pet sitter companies in Belfast. Besides pet sitting, it offers dog walking, home boarding, and pop-in visits.
It can look after a good number of animals too, such as dogs, cats, horses, ponies, birds, and other small ones. I think it’s incredible that the company can look after reptiles and some exotic animals too!
What’s more, you can hire a dog walker to help your dog play and exercise. I love that the team ensures not to walk dogs in a pack so they won’t get overwhelmed or overlooked. Each pet will get a customised service.
Also, I feel at ease that all members of its team are fully insured, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked, and trained in pet first aid. This ensures your pets are in good hands.
If interested, there are no fixed prices, but you can get a personalised quote online.
But unlike some independent pet sitters, this team doesn’t seem to be as easily available for last-minute bookings. That’s why I think it’s better to book this sitter in advance.
Will Definitely Be Repeat Customers
“We recently left our pointer Poppy with Karen for 2 weeks. We were sent photos and videos daily and it was obvious how settled and happy Poppy was. We honestly think she had a better holiday than we did! Highly recommend Karen and will definitely be repeat customers”
-Ms. Claire McLean, Google Review
Extremely Well Looked After
“Our 1 year old springer spaniel and parents 3 year old pooshon were looked after for 2 weeks in a wonderful we love pets home. Absolutely fantastic experience. They were extremely well looked after. Walked twice a day a daily photos and updates. The dogs were so happy during their stay.”
-Ms. Ciara Boyd, Google Review
3. Pet-Serve
Service Areas: South Belfast and Lisburn
Phone: +44 7753 389523, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Sun: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Pet-Serve is a pet-sitting company with more than 20 years of experience in caring for cats. This includes home visits to clear their litter tray, give them fresh water and food, and spend time with them.
I also like that the team only uses WhatsApp to send daily updates. In my opinion, this makes the communication more organised, rather than the messages being lost amid other busier social media messaging apps.
It also offers dog walks for your pet’s daily exercise. This is normally scheduled over lunch so they can be returned by early afternoon.
Do note that this walk is typically done in a dedicated, secure field with a group of other dogs. For me, this is great if you want your pets to improve their social skills.
Of course, I don’t recommend this if your dog is too shy or aggressive to get along with others. If this is your situation, I suggest reaching out directly so the team can give you more tailored services. You can also get a free quote online.
Amazing
“David has been looking after my cats since 2015 after my vet recommended him. He is amazing! My cats have all been little princes (spoiled) and they all love(d) his visits. He took time to meet them before his first visit and they really took to him right away. His manner is so caring and I immediately felt comfortable about him being there when I was away. I’d be lost without David and so grateful that I have someone I can trust to do a great job!”
-Ms. Cate Conway, Google Review
Reliable and Consistent
“We recently used David’s pet sitting service for our elderly cat. He was reliable & consistent and did a great job. We would highly recommend him.”
-Ms. Andrea Bradley, Google Review
4. Some Pup
Address: 34 Glendun Park, Dunmurry
Phone: +44 7980 312396, [email protected], Online Form
Business hours:
- Open 24 hours
Some Pup’s owner, Jackie, is a massive lover of animals in all shapes and sizes, so I bet she’s already knowledgeable about dealing with most types of dogs.
I love that she’s thorough in getting to know the pets before walking them. She checks their breed, age, energy level, and temperament so she can recommend the right walks with a suitable social group. There are no additional fees for this, too!
But while dog walking is her focus, she also offers pet sitting, cat care, and pet taxi services. Some pets are more independent than others, though, so I believe home visits are best for them. Here, your dogs or cats will be fed, watered, and walked.
Still, I noticed that there aren’t any mentions of this sitter giving specialised care for pets with complex medical needs. If this applies to your situation, I feel it’s wise to mention this from the get-go.
My Dog Just Adored Her
“Been using Jackie for 6 years now. Originally got her to walk my dog who was staying with family while I was on holiday for a week. I ended up keeping her on weekly as my dog just adored her. She has minded miley multiple times in her own home over the years and I have full confidence anytime he is with her. Fantastic service, couldn’t reccomend her enough. A genuine animal lover.”
-Ms. Melissa Bell, Google Review
Helped Me Out on Really Short Notice
“I would 100% recommend Jackie to anyone that’s in need of help with their dog.Jackie helped me out at really short notice my dog was very calm with her and I could tell straight away on meeting her for the first time that she was trust worthy and loves dogs.Thanks Again!”
-Mr. Lawrence Conn, Google Review
5. Holywood Cat Nanny
Address: 3 Belfast Rd, Holywood
Phone: +44 7731 460346, [email protected]
Business hours:
Open 24 hours
If you only have cats or kitties, Holywood Cat Nanny is one of the top pet sitters in the city to call.
Unlike catteries or cat boarding services, which often have allocated drop-off and pick-up times, I appreciate that this sitter works around the owners’ schedules.
Your cat will be fed and provided fresh water, played with, and groomed. Their food bowls and litter tray will be cleaned as well.
Moreover, it’s handy for me that there are two options for daily updates and photos. You can choose either via WhatsApp or email, whichever is easier for you.
On top of that, you can have the sitter water the indoor and patio plants, take the bins out, and bring in any post or deliveries while you’re gone.
Nonetheless, I noticed that the daily visits here are a tad more expensive than others. Still, this cat sitter’s location has few competitors in its surrounding area, making it a convenient option for many.
Felt Completely at Ease
“Highly recommended! I felt completely at ease leaving my cat in the care of Victoria. I could tell from the daily updates, photos and videos that real quality time spent was spent caring for my pet. Would definitely book again!”
-Ms. Lynsey Gilmore, Google Review
Returned Home to Two Very Happy and Chill Cats
“I used to be worried about going away and putting my cats into a cattery. Since I first started using Victoria I was very impressed and Victoria has looked after my two cats a number of times now. Victoria loves cats and she has definitely spent some time with my cats and got to know them whilst I have been away! It is good to know that I can leave them and they will be well cared for by Victoria. It’s also been lovely returning home to two very happy and chilled cats. I am very grateful.. Thank you Victoria..x”
-Mrs. Nicola Leitch-Wright, Google Review