Small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, fish, hamsters and reptiles usually stay best in their own home, with a sitter who visits to feed them, refresh water and clean the enclosure. A visit with PetHome Israel starts at 90 ₪, and bookings of 7 days or more get 10% off. Clear written instructions matter more for small pets than for cats and dogs, because each species has very specific needs.
Why small pets need visits too
Small animals are often treated as "easy" pets, but many are sensitive to:
- empty water bottles or blocked drinkers;
- running out of hay or fresh food;
- heat, especially in a closed apartment in summer;
- stress from moving to a new place;
- changes in eating that need attention quickly.
A visitor who knows what to check makes the difference between a calm week and a problem.
Rabbits and guinea pigs
Rabbits and guinea pigs need constant access to hay and fresh water, plus fresh greens and pellets in the amounts you set. Changes in eating or droppings can be important, so daily visits are the usual choice. Tell the sitter:
- how much hay, pellets and greens to give, and which greens are allowed;
- whether your rabbit is allowed out of the enclosure and in which room;
- how to clean the litter tray or bedding;
- what is normal for your animal and what to report.
Keep the enclosure away from direct sun and make sure the room stays cool. If your vet has given you any specific advice, write it down for the sitter.
Parrots and other birds
Birds need fresh water and food every day, and many parrots are social and need attention. Tell the sitter:
- the exact diet, including fruit and vegetables and anything forbidden;
- whether the bird may leave the cage, and only with windows and doors closed;
- the light and cover routine at night;
- how your bird reacts to strangers.
Keep the cage away from the kitchen and from cleaning products, and tell the sitter not to use aerosols near the bird.
Fish
Healthy fish can sometimes manage a short weekend, but for longer trips a visitor is safer. The sitter feeds the exact amount you prepare, checks that the filter, heater and lights are working and tells you if anything looks wrong. Prepare food in daily portions to prevent overfeeding.
Hamsters, rats and mice
These animals need fresh food and water daily and a clean, secure cage. Check that the cage closes properly before you leave. Tell the sitter whether your animal is used to being handled; for many, it is better not to.
Reptiles
Reptiles depend on correct temperature and lighting. Leave written instructions for feeding, the light and heat schedule, misting if needed and what to do if a lamp fails. Discuss live food in advance.
Moving the pet or staying home?
Most small pets are best left at home, where their enclosure, temperature and lighting are already set up. Moving a cage or aquarium is stressful and sometimes risky.
Preparation checklist
- Food for the whole trip plus extra days, in labelled portions.
- Bedding, hay and cleaning supplies in one place.
- Written instructions for each animal.
- Your vet's contact; for exotic animals, a clinic that treats that species.
- Spare bulbs or equipment for reptiles and aquariums.
- A key handed over at a meet-and-greet.
Several pets in one home
Many homes have a cat and a rabbit, or a dog and a parrot. The sitter can care for all of them in the same visit. Tell us all the animals in your request, so the price and the visit length are correct from the start.