Choosing a pet sitter for your vacation or business trip is one of the most important decisions for pet owners in Calgary. The right choice ensures not only the safety and comfort of your pets, but also your own peace of mind while you are away. Calgary offers a wide range of pet care services, from professional pet sitters to specialized boarding facilities, each with its own advantages and features.

Understanding the different types of pet care services

In-Home Pet Sitting

In-home pet sitting is the least stressful option for most animals, as they remain in a familiar environment. In Calgary, this type of service is offered by both independent caregivers and specialized companies.

• D.H. Petcare & Service: Owner Deb Howe is a licensed veterinary technician with over 30 years of experience. In-home care ranges from $28 per visit to $135 for a full day of in-home care.

• Care 4 Creatures Pet Sitting: Operating exclusively in southeast Calgary since 2003, certified in animal psychology and cat behavior. Services: 30-minute visits for $28, overnight stays for $50 for cats and $75 for dogs.

• Paskapoo Pet Services: specializes in cat and small animal care in the northwest part of Calgary, operating since 2006. Offers WCB coverage for its employees.

Online platforms for finding caregivers

• Rover.com: Calgary's largest online platform with over 432 registered caregivers. Offers the Rover Guarantee program and insurance coverage. 94% offer exercise, 88% have experience administering medication, and 88% work with senior pets.

• Pawshake.ca: a platform with a rating system and verified caregivers. Average rating: 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 383+ reviews.

Pet Boarding Facilities

Pet boarding facilities are suitable for animals that socialize well and have no problems adapting.

• BowDog Canine Specialists: the largest facility in Calgary (45,000 square feet), with large play areas and professional staff.
• The Petropolitan: a modern facility in the city center and Killarney, using the Prima© spa system. Cost: $37 to $65 per night.

Specialized services for cats

• A Feline Inn: 10-12 minutes from Calgary Airport, comfortable conditions for cats (windows, play areas, TV).

• Bearspaw Cat Boarding: in business for over 20 years, owners live on site, rooms with a view of nature.

• CatNaps (near Okotoks): over 8 years of experience, owner Katie has worked with the MEOW Foundation, provides home care with a view of the Rocky Mountains.

Caregiver selection process

Preliminary assessment and interview

Professional caregivers always agree to an introductory meeting. They should:

• ask questions about the animal's behavior and health,
• have an emergency plan,
• take notes and answer all questions.

Key questions for the interview

• Experience: “What experience do you have with animals similar to mine?”

• Emergency protocol: “What will you do if the animal gets sick?”

• Daily routine: “What is your care plan?”

• Medication administration and special care.

Check documentation and insurance

Serious caregivers have liability insurance or bonding. In Canada, this costs between $100 and $1,000+ per year. Coverage includes:

• animal injuries,

• personal injuries to the caregiver,

• professional liability,

• lost key coverage.

Regulatory requirements and licensing in Calgary

• A business license is only required for overnight boarding facilities.
• In-home care, dog walking, and grooming do not require a license.
• Background checks are voluntary but recommended. Pawshake has police background checks that are displayed on profiles.

Pricing for pet care services

Cost of in-home pet sitting

Calgary is one of the most expensive cities in Canada.

• Average cost: $82.36/night for cats, $143.78/night for dogs.

• Visits: cats/birds/exotics — $40, dogs — $50.

• Overnight stays: $85+ for cats, $135+ for dogs.

• Outside the city, the price increases by $15-20.

Discounts and packages

• Assured Home and Pet Care: progressive discounts for long bookings (from $40 to $36 per visit).

• Care 4 Creatures: fixed rate of $28 for a 30-minute visit.

Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of care

Home pet sitting

Pros: minimal stress, routine maintained, individual attention, lower cost for multiple pets. Cons: dependence on a single caregiver, home safety, less structured supervision.

Boarding facilities

Pros: professional staff, socialization, round-the-clock supervision, veterinary care. Cons: stress from a new environment, risk of illness, less attention, high price for multiple pets.

Selection criteria based on your pet's needs

Senior animals

They require more attention and special care. Home pet sitting is often the best option, as a change of environment can be stressful and threatening for older animals.

Animals with behavioral issues

May not be accepted at boarding facilities or may be isolated. Experienced home caregivers, such as D.H. Petcare & Service with veterinary training, are better suited for challenging cases.

Animals with medical needs

Require caregivers with medical training. D.H. Petcare & Service stands out as the only provider with a licensed veterinary technician capable of administering medication and treating medical conditions.

Safety and emergency protocols

Emergency preparedness

Every pet owner should prepare a detailed plan for their caregiver, including contact information for their veterinarian, the nearest emergency clinic, and an alternate contact.

Calgary has a well-developed network of emergency veterinary clinics that operate 24 hours a day:

• CARE Centre Animal Hospital (403-520-8387)

• Western Veterinary Specialists (403-770-1340)

• Trinity Hills 24 Hour Pet Hospital (403-233-2888) — specializes in emergency care

First aid kit for animals

A professional first aid kit for animals should include: a muzzle, gloves, antiseptic wipes, hydrogen peroxide, elastic bandages, sterile bandages, a flashlight, bandage scissors, antibacterial soap, and instant cold packs.

Canine Health Canada offers certified CPR and first aid courses for dogs in Calgary. The 2025 protocols include the RECOVER method for CPR on dogs. Less than 5% of dog owners know vital CPR skills.

Emergency Contact Information

24-hour clinics:

• CARE Centre: 403-520-8387 (7140 12th St SE)

• Western Veterinary: 403-770-1340 (1802 10 Ave SW)

• Calgary North Animal Hospital: 403-277-0135 (4204 4th St NW)

• Trinity Hills: 403-233-2888 (240 Na'a Plaza SW)

• Paramount 24hr: 403-300-9111 (4625 Varsity Dr NW #156)

Clinics with limited hours:

• Fish Creek Pet Hospital: 403-873-1700 (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
• SAVE Okotoks: 403-995-3270 (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

Special Services and Unique Needs

Exotic Pet Care

• Birds And Critters Pet Services specializes in exotic pet care (birds, rabbits, ferrets, hedgehogs, small mammals) and provides grooming services, including beak and nail trimming for birds.

• Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic is the only practice in Alberta that specializes exclusively in exotic animals.

Mobile services

Some companies offer mobile services, including transportation to the vet in case of an emergency. D.H. Petcare & Service provides emergency transportation to the vet for $100 round trip, including accompaniment during the visit.

Additional services

Many pet sitters offer additional services such as watering plants, collecting mail, home security checks, and dog walking. Paskapoo Pet Services specializes in comprehensive services, including yard cleanup and litter box cleaning.

Preparing for your vacation

Documentation and information

Before you leave, prepare detailed information for the pet sitter, including the animal's daily routine, medication dosages, veterinarian contact information, behavioral characteristics, and favorite toys. Leave current photos with the animal to confirm ownership.

Trial period

It is recommended to arrange a short trial period with the pet sitter before a long vacation. A Feline Inn requires a 2-day trial visit for new clients with diabetic cats to ensure that the staff is able to administer insulin correctly.

Emergency kit

Prepare an emergency kit for your pet that includes: 7-14 days' worth of food and water, medication, carrier, leash, blankets, toys, and veterinary records. Use the carrier as storage for emergency supplies and label it clearly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pet sitter for your animals in Calgary requires careful planning and evaluation of various factors. Consider the individual needs of your animals, your budget, the length of your absence, and the level of professionalism you expect.

Whether you choose in-home pet sitting, a professional boarding facility, or an online platform, the most important thing is to make sure the caregiver has the necessary experience, qualifications, and a genuine love for animals.

Proper preparation, including detailed instructions, emergency contacts, and a trial period, will ensure peace of mind for both you and your pets while you are away.