Is Pet Sitting or Boarding Best for Your Pet?

What is Pet Sitting?

Pet sitting allows your pets to stay in their familiar environment while being cared for by a professional pet sitter who visits throughout the day or sleeps overnight in your home. Many pet sitters also offer dog walking, feeding, and playtime, keeping routines intact and reducing potential stress for pets.

Benefits of Pet Sitting:

• Familiar Environment: Keeping pets at home can be one of the most comforting choices for animals, particularly those prone to anxiety or sensitive temperaments. Remaining in their familiar environment allows pets to maintain their regular routines, whether that includes lounging in a favorite sunny spot, enjoying regular walking paths, or having access to familiar scents and sounds. This familiarity often provides a deep sense of security, helping pets feel more at ease while their owners are away. This continuity can be particularly beneficial for animals with anxiety as it reduces stress triggers associated with being in an unfamiliar place, leading to a smoother overall experience.

• Additionally, pets who stay at home can avoid the physical stresses of travel and transportation to and from boarding facilities, which some animals find unsettling. Staying in their home environment also minimizes exposure to new or overstimulating situations, making it a preferred choice for many owners of elderly, young, or particularly shy pets.

• Customized Care: A significant advantage of pet sitting is the level of personalization it allows. Unlike boarding facilities, where staff must balance multiple animals' needs, pet sitters can focus solely on the individual pet's specific requirements. This can include administering medications on precise schedules, offering customized feeding routines, or accommodating special play or exercise needs. Customization is also critical for pets with medical conditions, behavioral quirks, or dietary restrictions, as it ensures that their specific needs are met without compromise. Many pet sitters are willing to adapt their services to cater to a pet's unique preferences, whether that means incorporating familiar routines, favorite toys, or specific bedtime habits. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for senior pets with health complications or mobility issues demanding gentle handling and close monitoring. Some pet owners even work closely with sitters to establish a "care plan," which can include tailored instructions for everything from playtime routines to emergency contact details.

• Less Stressful Experience: Unlike boarding, pet sitting avoids needing pets to adjust to new surroundings, staff, or other animals. This can significantly reduce stress for pets sensitive to change or have heightened anxiety in unfamiliar settings. The reduced risk of stress-related illnesses is particularly relevant, as animals experiencing high levels of stress can sometimes develop issues like gastrointestinal discomfort, appetite loss, or behavioral changes. Staying home keeps pets in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable, reducing the likelihood of these stress-related reactions.

• Additionally, pets who may have been previously exposed to stressful boarding experiences tend to benefit most from staying home with a sitter, as this avoids any resurgence of negative feelings tied to a boarding environment. A familiar setting allows pets to express normal behavior and emotions, creating a calming experience and fostering a sense of security. Families with multiple pets often find that in-home pet sitting reduces stress for individual animals and allows pets to maintain their bonds with each other, further contributing to their overall sense of well-being.

Drawbacks of Pet Sitting:

• Cost: Hiring a pet sitter can be more expensive, especially if they stay overnight or visit during the holidays.

• Availability: Finding a trustworthy, available sitter on short notice or over the holidays can be challenging.

• Security Concerns: Allowing someone into your home requires a high level of trust. Be sure to vet any sitter thoroughly and ensure they are insured and bonded.

What is Pet Boarding?

Pet boarding facilities, such as kennels or pet hotels, provide structured, 24/7 care in a setting designed for animals. This option can be ideal for social pets who enjoy interaction with other animals.

Benefits of Pet Boarding:

• Socialization Opportunities: Many boarding facilities have communal play areas where pets can interact with others, which is suitable for social pets.

• Supervision: Boarding staff are trained to handle pet needs and emergencies.

• Consistent Care: Boarding facilities are equipped with personnel and established routines.

Drawbacks of Pet Boarding:

• Potential for Stress: Pet boarding facilities often include new sights, sounds, and smells, which can overwhelm pets who are unfamiliar with these types of environments. Dogs and cats, in particular, thrive on routine and familiarity, and the sudden change in environment and the presence of other animals can be particularly stressful, especially for anxious or sensitive pets. Pets who have not been socialized extensively or have had limited exposure to other animals and people might experience heightened stress levels, potentially leading to changes in behavior, appetite, or sleep patterns.

Additionally, even in well-designed, comfortable facilities, animals used to a quiet home may find the constant activity overwhelming, affecting their mood and overall experience. Social pets may handle this environment more readily, but even they can feel unsettled when away from their usual surroundings and routines for extended periods.

• Risk of Illness: In any communal pet setting, the risk of illness increases due to close contact with other animals. This includes exposure to airborne illnesses like kennel cough and other common contagious ailments. Although reputable facilities require vaccinations for admission, some illnesses, particularly upper respiratory infections, can still spread due to close quarters, especially if an animal is more susceptible or has a weakened immune system. Pets staying at boarding facilities might also be exposed to environmental stressors that can weaken their immune systems, making them more prone to contracting illness.

Some boarding centers, particularly high-traffic ones, can struggle to maintain the cleanliness required to mitigate these risks, increasing the likelihood of illness. Owners are advised to ensure that their pet's vaccinations are up-to-date before any boarding stay and to review the facility's health and hygiene practices to ensure the safety of their pet.

• Routine Disruption: Boarding facilities typically operate on a structured schedule that may not align with each pet's routine. For instance, a dog accustomed to multiple outdoor play sessions might only receive limited time outside in a boarding environment, as facility staff manage multiple animals. Changes in feeding times, the introduction of communal play, or adjustments to sleep routines can be challenging for pets, especially those sensitive to deviations in their daily lives.

Cats, in particular, are creatures of habit and may react negatively to new routines or changes in their feeding and litter schedules. Pet owners are encouraged to discuss specific routine needs with the facility beforehand and check if accommodations can be made, especially for pets who are highly routine-dependent.

While pet boarding can be a viable option for some, these potential drawbacks underscore the importance of evaluating each facility's environment, care standards, and ability to accommodate individual pet needs before deciding.

Deciding Factors for Your Pet Care Choice

Consider these factors to determine the best choice:

• Your Pet's Personality: An outgoing pet may enjoy the social setting of a boarding facility, while a more reserved pet might be happier at home with a sitter.

• Health Needs: Pets requiring medication or unique care may benefit from pet sitting for the sitter's ability to follow precise instructions.

• Duration of Your Absence: Short absences work well for boarding, but pet sitting can provide consistency and comfort for longer trips.

• Your Budget: Pet sitting can be pricier than boarding. However, balancing cost with your pet's well-being is essential to making the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is pet boarding safe for my pet?


A: Most pet boarding facilities have trained staff, safety protocols, and emergency procedures in place. Research each facility's credentials and read reviews for additional peace of mind.

• Q: How can I tell if my pet will be happy in a boarding facility?


A: Schedule a visit before your trip. Watch how your pet reacts to the facility and staff to gauge their comfort level. Many boarding facilities allow trial visits to ease your pet into the setting.

• Q: What questions should I ask a pet sitter?


A: Verify their experience, insurance, and emergency procedures. Ask about how they will handle feeding, play, and medication schedules to ensure compatibility with your pet's needs.

You can confidently decide between pet sitting and boarding by carefully evaluating your pet's needs and personality. Both options have unique advantages, so weigh each carefully to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and happy during your time away.