Hiring a House/Dog Sitter vs. Boarding Your Dog

Published 2 Dec 2021

Show contents

1 DOG SITTING
- 1.1 Some Pros and Cons
2 PET BOARDING
- 2.1 Pros and Cons

Even though most people treat their pets as their family, most pet owners can’t really bring them in all their travels. What happens when you can’t bring your pet with you? Since your pet dog isn’t allowed to be alone, you will need to find a way to feed them whenever you are out.

Most people either hire a dog sitter, or you can also have the option of boarding your dog. But which one is the right one for you and your pet? Below are some of the things you should know about both so that you can evaluate the pros and cons of both, helping you make the best choice for your pet.

DOG SITTING

What is a dog sitter? A dog sitter is someone who takes care of your dog while you are away. Dog sitting is common and popular among many pet owners. Dog sitters may either do any of the following:

There are those who drop by your home to run errands such as walking, feeding, playing, and/or entertaining your pup.
Other dog or pet sitters may stay in your home overnight or depending on the days you’ve hired them.
Pet sitters are also usually tasked to clean up after your pets, or any other house errands, depending on your arrangement.

Some Pros and Cons

Getting a dog sitter will let you have control or choose who your pet will interact with. This works best if your animal is shy or aloof with other animals or strangers. You can also have the option of introducing your dog to the pet sitter before hiring him or her.
Hiring a pet sitter will also help your dog keep its usual routine as well. Your dog will not have to adjust to taking their meals elsewhere. They will also be able to sleep in their own beds too.
If your dog has a weak immune system, this is also advisable for your pet as well.
Most dog sitters have been trained well professionally, especially when it comes to handling health emergencies.
You will be guaranteed that your pet dog gets the attention that it needs.
Getting a dog sitter will be more expensive, and it can also be quite complicated if your pet isn’t friendly towards strangers.

PET BOARDING

Pet boarding is one of the cheaper options when it comes to making sure that your pet is taken care of when you are away. While some pet owners may feel wary about leaving their animals and expecting them to be locked in small cages or crates, this isn’t always the case. There are already pet boarding facilities that can act as resorts where your dog can stay in. You will have the option to book individual rooms for your pet dog, schedule dates or even treatments as well.

Pros and Cons

Boarding is cheaper compared to dog sitting. It also works well for dogs that love socializing as well.
On the other hand, if your pet dog is shy, it might become overwhelmed or stressed when put into a boarding facility.
This isn’t recommended for pets that need a lot of attention, especially those who are taking medications.
If your pet has a weak immune system, a boarding facility will expose it to an environment where contagious diseases can easily be transmitted. If your dog is still a puppy, then you should avoid taking them to boarding facilities as well.

By Amber Dover

Amber grew up having golden retrievers and will always have a special place in her heart for the breed. Her love for all things "dog" helped her become a general manager at a small kennel in Ohio for several years. Acquainting dogs and understanding both their needs and limitations have given her deep insights into the boarding process many dogs face in their lives. From consistent details to play time to food and bed time, Amber will always remember the small influences she was able to present to every pooch she cared for.