Vets, grooming and pet care: finding the right Pro for your pet

Pets are family, but finding someone to care for them isn't one single decision.

A veterinarian treating an illness, a groomer trimming a coat and a sitter staying with your dog while you're away perform very different jobs.

Start by deciding what service your pet actually needs, then compare the experience, professional information, facilities and practical arrangements that matter for that particular service.

What pet care can cost in South Africa

Prices vary according to location, provider, animal, size, breed, service and the level of care required.

As a broad 2026 planning guide:

Important: These are broad market examples for planning, not fixed or prescribed national rates.

Veterinary treatment can vary particularly widely. Vaccinations, sterilisation, dental procedures, diagnostic tests, medication, surgery, emergency treatment and specialist care should be quoted according to your animal and the treatment required.

Ask what's included before comparing prices.

What changes the price

Pet-care costs can change according to:

• your location;
• the size and breed of the animal;
• coat type and condition for grooming;
• the length and type of a walk or visit;
• the number of pets;
• whether care happens at your home or a facility;
• the length of a boarding stay;
• peak-season charges;
• special-care requirements;
• transport;
• after-hours or emergency treatment; and
• medication, tests or procedures where veterinary care is involved.

Two prices that look different may also include different things, so compare the actual service rather than the number alone.

Know which type of pet Pro you need

Veterinary care is different from ordinary pet-care services.

If your animal is ill, injured or needs diagnosis or veterinary treatment, seek an appropriately registered veterinary professional rather than relying on a groomer, sitter, walker or another general pet-care provider.

Groomers, sitters, walkers and boarding services can provide valuable care, but they shouldn't diagnose illnesses or present ordinary pet-care services as veterinary treatment.

If you're unsure whether something may be a health problem, contact an appropriate veterinary professional.

Check veterinary registration

The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) regulates veterinary and para-veterinary professions in South Africa.

The SAVC states that veterinary and para-veterinary professionals and veterinary facilities must be appropriately registered to practise legally in the animal-health industry.

The SAVC also publishes information that members of the public can use to search for registered veterinary and para-veterinary professionals and registered facilities.

If you're choosing someone for veterinary treatment, don't rely only on a profile, title or social-media account.

Check the relevant professional or facility information through the SAVC where appropriate.

Choosing a groomer

A good grooming decision isn't simply about finding the cheapest full groom.

Ask:

• what the service includes;
• whether pricing changes according to size or coat;
• how matting is handled;
• whether nail trimming or ear cleaning is included;
• how nervous or reactive animals are managed;
• how long your pet will generally be there; and
• what happens if the groomer notices a possible health issue.

Look at genuine examples of previous grooming work where available.

Tell the groomer about relevant behaviour or health concerns before the appointment rather than surprising them when your pet arrives.

Choosing boarding or daycare

If your pet will stay at a facility, understand how that facility operates.

Depending on the service, ask about:

• vaccination requirements;
• introductions or behavioural assessments;
• sleeping arrangements;
• supervision;
• feeding;
• exercise;
• how different animals are grouped;
• medication arrangements;
• emergency procedures;
• what happens if your pet becomes ill; and
• peak-season pricing.

If possible, inspect the facility or obtain enough information to understand where and how your pet will be cared for.

Some facilities require proof of vaccination before daycare or boarding, so check requirements before the stay. Current South African facilities publicly advertise vaccination requirements as part of admission to certain daycare and night-care services.

Choosing a pet sitter or dog walker

Pet sitting can involve something boarding doesn't: access to your home.

Before handing over keys, access codes or alarm information, speak to the person and establish exactly how the arrangement will work.

Consider:

• their experience with animals like yours;
• references;
• what each visit or walk includes;
• visit or walk duration;
• how many dogs are walked together;
• transport arrangements;
• emergency procedures;
• how keys and access information are handled;
• whether they stay overnight or simply visit; and
• how they'll communicate with you while you're away.

Meet the sitter or walker and let them meet your pet before a longer arrangement where practical.

Understand what ID Verified means

South African Pros complete identity verification as part of the Know a Pro signup process before their profile can go live.

Once completed, their profile can display the ID Verified badge.

ID Verified relates to identity verification.

It does not prove that someone is a veterinarian, professionally qualified, skilled with animals, trustworthy or safe to give access to your home.

It also doesn't replace SAVC registration where professional veterinary registration applies.

Consider identity information alongside the things relevant to the particular service, such as professional registration, experience, references, reviews, facilities and your own assessment.

Use reviews for the right reason

Genuine reviews can help you understand previous customers' experiences.

They may tell you about communication, punctuality, how a pet-care service operates or how another owner experienced the service.

But a positive review doesn't prove professional registration and doesn't guarantee that your animal will have the same experience.

For veterinary services, professional registration should be checked separately where relevant.

Tell the Pro what they need to know about your pet

A good service also depends on the owner providing accurate information.

Tell the Pro about relevant:

• medical conditions;
• medication;
• allergies;
• behaviour;
• fear or anxiety;
• aggression or bite history;
• mobility issues;
• dietary requirements;
• escape behaviour; and
• emergency contact information.

Don't hide difficult behaviour because you're worried someone won't accept the booking. That information can be important for your pet, the Pro and other animals.

Prepare for emergencies

If someone else is caring for your pet, agree on what happens if something goes wrong.

Leave:

• your contact information;
• an alternative emergency contact;
• your regular veterinary clinic's details;
• relevant medication instructions; and
• clear instructions about what the sitter, boarding facility or other carer should do if veterinary attention is needed.

For longer stays, clarify how emergency veterinary costs and authorisation will be handled.

Find the right pet-care Pro

Know a Pro makes it easier to browse local pet-care providers, compare profile information and reviews, and see available trust information before deciding who to contact.

Prices in this article are indicative market examples for general guidance and were reviewed in September 2026. Actual veterinary and pet-care costs vary by provider, location, animal, service and individual circumstances. Veterinary treatment and procedure costs should be confirmed with the relevant veterinary provider. This article provides general information and is not veterinary or medical advice.