Pet Sitter vs. Boarding Facility
BY BOARDING STAFF
Going out of town but not sure who to leave your pet with since all of your friends are unavailable? New to leaving your pet with someone you don’t know? Not sure to if you should use a pet sitter or boarding facility? So many different questions and worries; but never fear, answers are below! Pet Sitter: A pet sitter is either someone who comes to your house to take care of your pet or you take your pet to their home. Basically, it all depends on what type of care you are wanting for your pet.
Pet sitters can provide more one-on-one care to your pet since your pet is usually the only one they are watching at a time. Depending on your needs for your pet, they either stop by throughout the day to check on your pet, take them out, take them on a walk, etc., and some even stay overnight if that’s what you would like. Others keep your pet at their house the entire time you are gone so they are basically in a similar home environment with a similar person acting as their ‘mom’; kind of like going to doggie camp! Pet sitters are able to provide your pet with more undivided attention than a boarding facility. If they stay at your house, it is not so much of a change for your pet. While you might be gone, their home environment is still the same; it isn’t so much of an overwhelming change.
Boarding Facility: When you take your pet to a boarding facility, you are taking your pet to professionally trained individuals. Kennels want the best care possible for your pet while you are away. Staff members have their own schedules to take your dog out, feed them, play with them, etc. but are also able to cater to the individual needs of your pet. Your pet will have a very structured and healthy environment. Staff members are also trained to give any and all types of medications so you know your pet will be in good hands. If your pet likes new people, boarding them is a great way to keep their mind off the fact that you aren’t around. There is always someone walking by or other dogs to see/play with to keep them mentally stimulated and active. Or if you want to get your pet acclimated to being left elsewhere for future trips, boarding them is a fantastic asset to use.
A couple of downsides to boarding facilities versus pet sitters, boarding facilities can have over 100+ other dogs in addition to yours. While the staff would love to be able to sit around with your pet and play with them all day, this is far from reality. The downside, many boarding facilities do not have overnight staff. This isn’t a big deal if your pet is used to being inside all night, but if your pet is used to getting up in the middle of the night multiple times, it could be an issue. And of course, there is always the possibility of your pet getting injured while playing at a boarding facility, but let’s be honest, they could hurt themselves just as much at home by jumping off the bed wrong. It doesn’t happen often, maybe like 1 out of 500 visitors, but just know it can happen.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both pet sitters and boarding facilities. Keep in mind, you can always try out one option and then the other for the next trip to see which is best for your pet. Also know, no two pet sitters and no two boarding facilities are the same. Try them all out until you find one you and your pet fall in love with!