Pet Sitting vs Boarding: What Is Best For Your Pet?

 

One of the biggest questions pet owners have when they go on vacation is: What do I do with my pets? Do I board them, or hire a pet sitter?

The truth is, only you can make that decision because you know your pets best! Both options have pros and cons, and it may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you and your pets.

What Is Boarding Like?

When you think about boarding, there are actually a lot of different options. Your pet could stay at a traditional boarding facility, at a veterinary clinic, or even in a pet sitter's home.

Depending on where they stay, your pet could be in a kennel, have their own kennel run, have a private room, or even free roam in someone's home. Some facilities offer group playtime, individual playtime, walks, or other activities. Others may have cameras so you can check in on your pet while you're away.

There are also different levels of interaction with other animals. Some facilities allow dogs to play together, while others keep them separated. Boarding at a vet may be a more restrictive environment with less interaction, but it does mean veterinary professionals are nearby if a medical issue comes up.

If you're considering boarding, it's important to ask questions and understand exactly what your pet's day will look like. How much time will they spend in a kennel? How often are they let out? Will they interact with other dogs? How much one-on-one attention will they receive?

For some pets, boarding can be a great experience! Social dogs may absolutely love getting to play with other dogs and having lots of activity and stimulation throughout the day.

For other pets, being away from home and out of their normal routine can be extremely stressful.

What Is In-Home Pet Sitting Like?

Keep in mind that I'm talking about a professional pet care provider here. Just like with boarding, there are a variety of experiences and "good" or "bad" sitters out there. Stay tuned for another blog on what to look for and what kinds of questions to ask when hiring a pet sitter!

With in-home pet sitting, your pets get to stay in the comfort of their own home while someone comes to care for them. And for many pets, this can make a huge difference.

Instead of being transported somewhere unfamiliar, your pet gets to sleep in their own bed, eat their normal food, follow their usual routine, and stay surrounded by all the familiar sights and smells they know. They don't have to adjust to a new environment or figure out how to navigate a new group of people or animals.

This can be especially helpful for pets who are anxious, fearful, reactive, elderly, or simply creatures of habit. Some pets don't necessarily want a vacation while you're gone—they just want to know that everything is normal and that their person will be coming home.

In-home pet sitting can also provide a lot of personalized attention. Depending on the services you book, your pet sitter may come multiple times throughout the day to take your dogs for walks, play with them, feed them, let them outside, and give them plenty of cuddles and attention.

A good pet sitter will do as much as they can to make your pets feel comfortable and loved, especially since they may feel a little lonely or stressed with their family away.

And it's not just your pets who benefit. Typically, your pet sitter will also take care of things around your home while you're gone, like bringing in the mail, watering plants, taking out the trash, and making sure everything looks the way it should. You're really getting a 2-for-1 service: someone caring for your precious pets while also keeping an eye on your home.

Some pet sitters also offer overnight care (a fun pet sleepover!), which can provide even more companionship and attention for pets who don't do well being alone for long periods of time.

Of course, every pet sitter offers different services, so it's important to understand exactly what you're booking. Some may offer quick drop-in visits, while others provide longer visits, multiple visits per day, walks, or overnight stays. Depending on your pet's needs—like how often they need a potty break or how much attention they need—in-home pet care may be the best choice.

One thing I wouldn't necessarily expect is for someone to be there 24/7. Most pet sitters have other responsibilities and clients to tend to as well. However, you may be able to find someone who offers extended stays or overnight care if your pet needs more companionship.

The biggest consideration with in-home pet sitting is that you're allowing someone into your home. This is why I always recommend doing your research and making sure you hire someone you truly trust. When you find the right person, though, in-home pet care can give both you and your pets the comfort of knowing that everything—and everyone—is being taken care of while you're away.

What Would I Choose for My Pets?

For me personally, I would base my decision on how well they interact with other dogs and the specific environment they are in.

With an old Great Dane, a timid Malinois, and a Corgi with attitude, boarding isn't my first choice. I don't want my dogs playing and interacting with dogs I don't know, especially when I'm not there to see what's happening. I don't know every dog's body language or how they'll react in every situation, and I honestly don't trust that all dogs will get along all the time. Plus, I know that the Corgi might try to cause some trouble or the Mal may be snappy if a dog gets in her face.

I would hate to be on vacation and get a call saying my dog was involved in a dog fight.

My Malinois, in particular, would also probably go absolutely insane if she were kenneled for long periods of time. I know my own dogs would be much happier staying home, enjoying being sprawled out on the sofa, following their normal routines, and having someone come to them.

But I also know plenty of dogs who are extremely social and LOVE their doggy daycare and boarding days because they get to play with all their friends!

That's why I think it's so important to consider your individual pet, rather than assuming one option is automatically better than the other.

So, which option is best?

It really comes down to your individual pet.

Think about their personality, their social skills, their energy level, and how they handle new environments. Does your dog love meeting new people and playing with other dogs? Or do they feel safest and happiest at home, following their normal routine?

Neither option is automatically better than the other. There are amazing boarding facilities and wonderful pet sitters, just like there are not-so-great ones.

At the end of the day, the best pet care option is the one where you feel comfortable, your pet feels safe, and you can actually relax and enjoy your vacation knowing they're in good hands.