If you are called up for reserve duty, the most practical options are home boarding with a sitter for dogs, from 220 ₪ per day, daily home visits for cats, from 110 ₪, or an overnight sitter in your home, from 380 ₪ per night. Stays of 7 days or more get 10% off. Reservists are often called up at short notice, so the most important step is to prepare a plan before you need it.
Why miluim is different from a holiday
A holiday has fixed dates; reserve duty often does not. You may get a few days' notice or less, the end date may change, and you may be unreachable for hours. That changes how you organise pet care:
- Short notice. You need someone who can start quickly.
- Unknown length. The plan must work for a week or for many weeks.
- Limited contact. The sitter needs a second contact who can make decisions.
- Stress at home. If your partner stays home, they may need help with walks rather than full-time care.
Prepare a "go bag" for your pet now
Even if you have not been called up, prepare these things in advance:
- A written routine: food, portions, walks, medication.
- Two weeks of food and supplies.
- Vaccination booklet, microchip number and municipal registration in one envelope or folder.
- Your vet's contact and written consent for emergency treatment with a spending limit.
- A spare key and a trusted contact in Israel.
- Carrier, leash and harness in an easy-to-find place.
With this ready, a sitter can take over within a day.
Options by situation
You live alone with a dog. Home boarding is usually the simplest choice: your dog moves to a sitter's home, gets three walks a day and you receive updates when you have signal. For dogs that do not adjust well to new places, an overnight sitter in your home keeps the routine stable.
You live alone with a cat. Daily home visits are usually enough for a healthy adult cat. For long call-ups, two visits a day or cat boarding may be better, especially for older cats.
Your partner stays home with children. Regular dog walks at 70 ₪ for 30 minutes take a big load off the person who stays home.
Your pet takes medication. Choose a sitter who is comfortable with the medication and leave written instructions from your vet.
Communication while you are on duty
Agree with the sitter how and when they will send updates, and accept that you may not answer for long periods. Name a second contact who can approve decisions, for example extending the booking or taking your pet to the vet. Make sure the sitter has the vet's details and knows the agreed spending limit.
Extending or shortening the booking
Reserve duty dates change. When you book, tell us the expected dates and that they may change. We will confirm how extensions and early returns are handled before the booking starts, so there are no surprises later.
Community support
During large call-ups, local communities and volunteer groups in Israel have often helped reservists with pet care. That help is valuable, but it can be hard to rely on for long periods. A paid sitter gives you a fixed arrangement and someone accountable.