Kennels vs. Petsitters: What Is The Best Choice?
If you have to be away from home and you can’t take your pet with you, then you’re left with just two options for your pet’s care while you’re away: boarding your pet at a kennel or hiring a pet sitter to care for your pet in your home. Taking a close look at the pros and cons of pet boarding and pet sitting can help you decide.
The Pros and Cons of Pet Boarding
Benefits
- Trained Professionals - Reputable boarding facilities usually have behaviorists and veterinary care readily available to assess your pet's temperament, supervise interactions, and provide medical care.
- Attention and Socialization - Boarding is often the best option for young pets, pets that don't do well alone, or those who struggle with separation anxiety because they'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with other animals and the facility's staff.
- Scheduled Exercise - Dogs usually receive scheduled exercise. The best facilities have well-designed outdoor play areas where dogs play in small specially selected groups.
- Food and Medication Monitoring - Pets are fed on a schedule. Plus, medical needs are attended to as required.
Drawbacks
- Unfamiliar Surroundings - Boarding can be highly stressful for some pets. They're thrust into new surroundings with new people and animals, and there's no way to tell them why.
- Risk of Exposure - Boarding also exposes pets to other animals. While most facilities have safety protocols in place, they're not completely fail-safe.
The Pros and Cons of Pet Sitting
Benefits
- Familiar Surroundings - Pets get to stay home, which is much less stressful.
- One-on-One Attention - Pets receive one-on-one attention from the sitter.
- Home Appears Lived-In - Your home will have activity with the sitter coming and going, making it less vulnerable to break-ins while you're away.
- Specific Directions - You can leave specific directions for a sitter to keep your pet on the same schedule and routine.
Drawbacks
- Stranger in Your Home - You'll be inviting a stranger into your home, hoping that they're trustworthy.
- Potentially Lonely - Without constant company, your pet might get lonely. This is less likely in multiple-pet households.
- Questionable Training - It's not always clear how much training or experience a pet sitter has.
Is Pet Boarding or Pet Sitting Better?
Choosing between the two can be a tough decision to make. While both options have their own benefits and drawbacks, the decision really comes down to your pet’s individual disposition and unique needs. Whichever option you decide to go with the next time you’ll be away, you must research pet sitters or boarding facilities first. Read reviews, look at credentials, and feel free to contact Companion Animal Health & Rehabilitation Center for recommendations and advice.
