Hanukkah school holidays are a popular time for short trips abroad and winter breaks, so book a pet sitter three to six weeks ahead. PetHome Israel arranges vetted sitters for cat visits from 110 ₪, dog walks from 70 ₪, home boarding from 220 ₪ per day and overnight sitters from 380 ₪ per night, with a photo and video report after every visit. Hanukkah is not one of the holidays with a surcharge.
Why plan ahead
Hanukkah falls in December, when schools close for part of the holiday and many families take a week abroad, often combined with winter breaks in Europe. Demand is lower than at Passover or in the autumn, but popular sitters in central cities still fill up.
When to book
- 4–6 weeks before: best choice of sitters.
- 2–3 weeks before: usually fine for cat visits and walks.
- Last days: possible; send the request and we will check availability.
Hanukkah safety at home
Candles. Never leave lit candles where a cat can jump or a dog's tail can reach. If you are away, ask the sitter not to light candles at all.
Sufganiyot and latkes. Fried and sweet foods are not suitable for pets. Keep them out of reach.
Winter. Nights can be cold, especially in Jerusalem, Mevaseret Zion and the north. Leave instructions on heating and a warm bed for senior pets.
Rain. On rainy days walks may be shorter. The sitter dries your dog and wipes paws after every walk.
What every booking includes
- Meet-and-greet at your home before the trip.
- Responsible handling of keys.
- Checks of windows, doors, heating and the safe room.
- Medication as prescribed: +30 ₪ for tablets or drops, +50 ₪ for injections.
- Photo and video after every visit.
A short Hanukkah checklist
- Send your dates, flight times and the number of animals.
- Buy enough food and litter before you leave.
- Leave your vet's details and the nearest after-hours clinic.
- Write down heating, blinds and window instructions.
- Show the sitter where the carrier, leash and safe room are.
- Agree on how often you want photo and video updates while you are away.
Pricing
No holiday surcharge applies over Hanukkah. Bookings of 7 days or more get 10% off, and the minimum order is 350 ₪. If you need a ride to the sitter or to Ben Gurion, a pet taxi starts at 180 ₪.
Combining Hanukkah with a winter trip
Many families combine Hanukkah with a longer winter break abroad. Send all the dates in one request so we can keep the same sitter throughout, and mention if any days fall close to New Year, when flights are busy and delays are more common.