Zadar Becomes Top Destination for Dog Sitters

This summer, Zadar set a Croatian record for the number of tourists traveling with their pets and seeking help from local sitters. According to data from the Siterice.hr platform over the past 12 months, 26 percent of pet-sitting ads in Zadar County were written in foreign languages, nearly three times the national average.

The platform reports a rise in transit travelers, including families and couples who need dog sitting for a few hours to explore the city, enjoy entertainment, or find a solution for accommodation that doesn't accept pets, in addition to the usual tourists. They are willing to pay more for this service, with prices typically ranging from 20 to 40 euros per hour or day.

Tourist Inquiries Rise, but the Adjustment Process Is Key

Dijana Gnjidić, owner of the dog daycare service "StafiLea," has been in this business for 13 years. In summer, there are many tourist inquiries, but she often has to decline them due to the mandatory adjustment process.

Before a dog comes to stay, we conduct an introduction and adjustment period. Depending on the dog, this process can take from a few days to 14 days, so we can't accept a dog that has just arrived with its owners on vacation. Of course, there are inquiries and tourists do reach out, but I explain the situation, and if they're in town longer, we can try to arrange an introduction.

Gnjidić notes that there aren't enough sitters in Zadar, but also that this service will be increasingly in demand. At her place, dogs stay only in a home environment.

Seasonal Demand Waves and Local Clients

Krešimir Čirjak, owner of the kennel "Blitz Spirit" in Murvica, offers dog sitting services alongside his dog training school. Although he started recently, he already sees a clear seasonal pattern.

We have more local clients, but also tourists who contact us. In general, there are especially many inquiries in June, July, and August. In September, inquiries drop significantly, then increase again during December and January, for Christmas, New Year, and the ski season.

Čirjak says that in summer, tourists most often call when they want to go on a boat trip, an excursion, or urgently need accommodation for their dog. He also emphasizes the importance of adequate space.

What's crucial for them is that the space is clean, safe, and fenced. Here, everything is prepared; the floors are tiled, and if owners want, the space can be air-conditioned. I believe this form of dog care has great potential and can be an excellent opportunity for small entrepreneurs.

From Hobby to Serious Business with Great Potential

Marija Plantak, owner of the craft business "Pseća kuća M" near Benkovac, was among the first in Zadar County to take this business seriously. With 13 years of experience, she has witnessed a change in how this service is perceived.

When I started 13 years ago, I was among the first to do this seriously. At that time, it was almost unimaginable for people to pay for such a service. The world has changed, and now many see an opportunity to make money.

Plantak points out that tourists who need the service immediately rarely ask about the price. Still, she warns that the job isn't easy and requires a serious approach, with appropriate space and conditions.

This is a service people need. I'm not just thinking about tourism, because our locals have dogs all year round, but they also travel, have commitments, and are willing to pay to ensure their dog is protected.

As an example, she mentions clients from Šibenik-Knin County who regularly come to her because they don't have this service in their town, as well as a tourist who, for the third summer in a row, books dog sitting in advance whenever she goes on a boat trip.