When it comes to deciding how to care for your furry buddy while you’re away, your options often come down to either pet sitting or boarding.
And although it’s a simple decision to make, it can feel overwhelming at times. So much so that you’ll often find yourself asking whether you should hire a pet sitter or book a spot at a boarding facility.
In fact, this is also something I am asked almost everyday by pet parents like you. After all, you want nothing short of the best care and pampering for your dog, and I can’t agree more.
But let’s face the reality: Both options have their share of merits and pitfalls. Meaning, the choice between pet sitting vs boarding is all about what works best for your pup.
Read on, as I’ve explained the differences between dog hotel boarding and sitting, plus their advantages and drawbacks to help you make the right decision.
What is pet sitting?
To make an informed decision between dog sitting vs boarding, it is important you understand each pet care option in detail. So let me start with pet sitting, the most obvious solution that crosses our minds when leaving our pet behind.
As you might already be aware, pet sitting is where you hire someone to care for your dog in the comfort of your own home.
Herein, the pet sitter can be just about anyone from a professional sitter to a close friend or family member. This is contrary to the popular belief that a sitter has to be a licensed professional only.
Also, the sitter will either visit your home multiple times a day or stay put overnight. And they will take care of basic requirements like feeding, walking, and washing your dog.
Here’s what pet sitting is all about:
- Your pup is taken care of in a familiar environment.
- Dog sitters feed, walk, play, and clean up your pup.
- Some sitters might also provide extra services like watering plants or bringing in the mail.
What is pet boarding?
A complete opposite of pet sitting, boarding is where you leave your dog at a special facility for pet accommodation. Here, they are cared for by licensed professionals who work in shifts and are available 24×7 at the facility.
In terms of facilities, boarding staff offer all the services of a pet sitter. And this includes feeding, washing, and socialization with other pets.
Also, the boarding facilities themselves range from basic kennel stays to luxurious pet resorts. So, from amenities like dog spa treatments to play areas and dedicated staff who pamper and play with your pup, you get everything that money can buy.
Here’s what pet boarding offers overall:
- Your dog is taken care of in a designated facility.
- Your dog interacts with other pets and staff members in a supervised environment.
- Often includes scheduled activities, meals, and exercise.
Pet sitting vs boarding: What’s the difference?
Now that you know what both pet sitting and boarding are all about, let me talk a little about the main differences between the two.
You see, each of two pet care types brings their distinct features. And they’ve to do with factors like overall environment, level of social interaction, and day-to-day routine, to name a few.
All in all, here are the key differences between pet boarding vs pet sitting:
1. In terms of environment
The most noticeable difference between pet sitting and boarding is the environment in which you leave your pup.
To begin with, pet sitting offers a familiar home environment where your dog remains in their own space. Here, they will be surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and sounds despite the fact that you won’t be present there.
And this is particularly beneficial for dogs who experience anxiety or stress when they’re in unfamiliar environments.
On the other hand, boarding introduces your dog to a new environment with different stimuli altogether. That’s because there are new smells, sounds, and sights.
Now, while this can be exciting and enriching for social dogs, it might be overwhelming for pups prone to anxiety.
2. Kind of interaction
The second thing that’s in stark contrast between overnight dog sitting and boarding is the interaction they offer.
For instance, a dog house sitting offers exclusive one-on-one attention where a pet sitter focuses solely on your dog. They adapt to your dog’s unique needs including feeding times, medication requirements, or behavioral quirks and providing personalized care.
The result: Your dog feels loved and cared for even though you aren’t around.
At the same time, boarding facilities provide opportunities for your dog to interact with other pets and staff members. And if your dog is friendly, energetic, and enjoys companionship, this socialization can help them a great deal cope with your absence.
3. Total cost
When we talk about pet boarding vs pet sitting, it’s important to know that their charges will never be similar.
You see, the cost of dog sitting overnight is quite flexible and depends on the sitter’s experience and the services they offer.
For instance, in Memphis the average dog sitting rate overnight is between $48 and $69. However, extra services like administering medication or grooming your dog will increase the cost.
Also, it goes without saying that you can hire pet sitters on an hourly basis with costs starting at $13-$14 per hour.
The cost of dog boarding, however, is generally fixed and starts at about $40 per night. Here, the rates vary based on the level of care and amenities you opt for.
4. Routine for dogs
Another major difference is the routine your dog will follow when under pet sitting vs boarding.
For starters, pet sitters help maintain a Consistent routine where they stick to your dog’s established routine. And this includes everything from meal times to walks and playtime.
Meanwhile, boarding facilities operate on set schedules for feeding, exercise, and rest.
5. Health concerns
With a pet sitting, your dog isn’t exposed to other animals. And this reduces the risk of catching illnesses such as kennel cough or parasites.
This is particularly good for puppies, dogs with special needs, senior dogs, or those with weakened immune systems.
Now, dog boardings do their best to minimize potential exposure to diseases. For instance, they require vaccinations for each dog while also sanitizing the facility regularly.
But although the risk is minimized, it is not entirely eliminated.
6. Level of convenience
Convenience is something that matters to a lot of pet parents, especially those who have a busy lifestyle.
And to that end, pet sitting calls for minimal effort since a sitter comes to your home.
But that’s not the case with boarding which requires dropping off and picking up your dog. And depending on your schedule or the facility’s location this can be even inconvenient.
What are the pros and cons of pet sitting?
Both pet sitting and boarding come with their unique set of advantages and challenges. And it is essential you know both sides of the story to decide what’s best for your dog’s personality and needs.
To start with, let’s see what are the pros and cons of pet sitting.
Pros
1. Comfort of home
You’ll agree when I say that dogs feel safest in their own home and surrounded by familiar sights and smells.
So, when your pup stays in their own space, it eliminates the stress of adjusting to a new environment. And this is particularly true for anxious or older dogs.
2. Personalized care
A pet sitter will tailor their care to meet your dog’s requirements. For instance, they will tune their services to your dog’s medication schedule, dietary needs, or playtime.
Now, this level of personalization is hard to achieve in a boarding facility.
3. Reduced risk of illnesses
Your dog isn’t exposed to other animals when they’re at home. And this surely minimizes the risk of contracting diseases such as kennel cough or fleas.
4. Extra services
Many pet sitters offer extra services such as watering plants, bringing in mail, or performing basic household tasks for an additional fee. This brings you peace of mind knowing that your home is being looked after while you’re away.
Cons
1. Higher costs
Hiring a pet sitter is undoubtedly more expensive than boarding your dog. More so if you need overnight dog sitting or extended visits.
2. Doubts about trustworthiness
You’re allowing someone into your home, and that calls for a great deal of trust. So, it is important to make sure the sitter is reliable, experienced, and has good references in order to avoid any mishaps while you’re away.
3. Social interaction is limited
If yours is a dog who enjoys the company of other animals, they’ll surely feel lonely with a sitter. After all, their interaction will be limited to the sitter and likely a few pets when on outdoor walks.
What are the pros and cons of pet boarding?
Having explained the inside out of pet sitting, let me tell you that not everything is great with pet boarding.
Yes, boarding your dog comes with its own advantages. More so with board and train programs for dogs that keep your pup engaged and active while you’re away.
But boarding facilities also have their downsides, something I feel is important for me to highlight as a dog boarding specialist.
So, here are the pros and cons of boarding your dog.
Pros
1. Professional supervision
All dog boarding facilities are staffed by trained professionals 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. And they’re equipped to handle various dog behaviors and emergencies.
In fact, it is this expertise which ensures your dog is in good hands.
2. Opportunities to socialize
For dogs who love being around others, there can’t be anything better than a boarding facility. That’s because it offers a great opportunity to interact and play with other dogs.
3. Structured routines
Although boardings don’t usually provide personalized routines, they still operate on fixed schedules designed according to what’s best for dogs. And to that end, there are designated times for feeding, play, and rest.
4. Additional amenities
Dog boardings come with amenities like spacious play areas, grooming services, and even spa treatments. These added perks can make your dog’s stay feel like a vacation.
Cons
1. Stressful for some dogs
There are dogs who find it hard adjusting with unfamiliar smells, sounds, and routines. And boarding can be stressful for them, especially if they are prone to anxiety.
2. Health risks
While reputable facilities require vaccinations, the communal nature of boarding does increase the risk of contagious diseases like kennel cough.
3. Limited one-on-one care
Even though staff members work to provide individual care, the ratio of dogs to caregivers may limit the amount of personal attention your pet usually receives.
To sum up: Which is better between pet sitting vs boarding?
Being someone who has worked extensively with dogs and their owners, I’ve seen both options succeed, but in different scenarios.
As such, the best choice between pet boarding vs pet sitting will depend on your dog’s personality, health, and your own needs.
Here’s what I suggest:
- Go for pet sitting if your dog thrives on routine, has special needs, or experiences anxiety in new environments.
- Go for pet boarding if your dog is social and enjoys structured activities and companionship.
At the end of the day, it is your dog’s happiness and safety that should guide your decision.
Got more questions or looking to board your dog is a home-like setting?
You can get in touch with us!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we bring the best dog boarding infrastructure to Memphis, Arkansas, and Mississippi. And we’ve got your boarding needs covered on a budget.
Frequently asked questions
How do you know if your dog will like boarding?
You can start with a trial run where you book a short stay at the facility to see how your dog reacts. Here, you should look for signs of stress, like excessive barking or pacing, during and after their stay.
What qualifications should you look for in a pet sitter?
You should always ensure that the sitter has experience with dogs, knows basic first aid, and comes with strong references. Also, meet them in person beforehand and assess their compatibility with your dog.
Can you combine both dog sitting and boarding?
Yes, you can.
If your trip is long, you might use a sitter for part of the time and board your dog for the rest.
Are there any alternatives to sitting or boarding?
Some dog owners prefer doggy daycare for short-term care or rely on friends and family to watch their pets.
