Pet boarding vs pet sitting: what's the difference?

Updated 23 Aug 2024

If you’ve got a dog, cat, rabbit, or any other adorable pet at home, the time naturally comes when you’d like to take a vacation, or you need to go away for work. 

It can be tough to know what’s best for your furry family, which is why here, we’re exploring the key differences between pet boarding vs pet sitting. 

We’ll define the two, explore the pros and cons, and answer some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to pet sitting and boarding.

That way, you can make the best choice for your canine companions and feline friends when it’s time to leave them behind. Paws at the ready, let’s dig into this important debate…

Pet boarding vs pet sitting: what’s the difference?

Pet boarding and pet sitting are two popular pet care options that pet parents choose between to care for their furry families while they’re away. Both have their pros and cons, which we’ll explore below so that you can make the best choice for your furry family.

What is pet sitting?

Pet sitting is in-home pet care - a pet sitter is welcomed into the home to care for pets while pet parents are away. Pet sitters are responsible for a variety of tasks, such as:

• 24/7 pet care
• Feeding
• Walking
• Administering medication
• Grooming
• Keeping the house and garden tidy
• Putting out the garbage
• Collecting mail

The responsibilities of a pet sitter vary depending on the needs of the homeowner, but generally speaking, it’s expected that the pet sitter should leave the home as they found it, and naturally, provide all the TLC the pets need while their humans are gone.

Something that many pet parents love about welcoming a sitter is that their furry family can stay happy at home, surrounded by all the sights, smells and sounds that help them feel safe.

What is pet boarding? 

Pet boarding is pet care at a pet boarding facility, where pet parents leave their animals while they’re away. Generally, boarding houses for dogs and cats charge per visit, which can get pretty costly for pet parents. 

Depending on the facility, pets will get varying amounts of play with humans and socialization with other animals. The new environment and being surrounded by unfamiliar people and animals can be pretty unsettling from some pets. In fact, vets tend to agree that pets are happier when kept at home with a sitter.

You may have also heard of in-home boarding for dogs - this is in-house dog care, where pups stay in the handler’s home, rather than their own.

Pet sitting vs boarding: key differences

Pet boarding…

1. Pets are taken out of their home
2. Pets are one of many, so get less 1:1 time with humans
3. Pets are often looked after by someone paid to be there
4. Pets are surrounded by new smells, sounds and other animals that can be unsettling
5. Pets are uprooted into a whole new routine

Pet sitting…

1. Pets stay in the comfort of home
2. Pets are given 24/7, 1:1 care
3. Pets get to stay in the care of a true pet lover
4. Pets are kept calm in the familiar comforts they love
5. Pets are kept in the same routine that helps them feel safe

What’s best for your pets? Pet boarding or pet sitting?

Whether you choose to welcome a pet sitter or opt for pet boarding is totally up to you. With that in mind, it’s worth knowing that vets agree pets are happier at home. 

And it makes sense, if you think about it - they’re kept in the routine that makes them feel safe, and they’re surrounded by the sounds, sights and smells that bring them comfort. 

With TrustedHousesitters, our pet parent members are part of a pet-loving community, where connecting with loving, in-home dog sitters (and other pet sitters) is simple. To find out how it works, click below.

Pet sitting pros

• Pets can stay at home - the place they love the most
• Pets get to keep their own bed
• Pets are surrounded by their own toys
• Pets don’t have to get used to any new smells
• Pets don’t have to get used to any new (furry) neighbors
• Pets can stick to the routine they’re used to
• Keeps pet anxiety at bay
• Pets can get unlimited social time
• Dogs are walked as many times a day as they need
• Our sitters care for pets for love, not money

Pet sitting cons

Well, this is awkward…

It can take some time for pet parents to get used to welcoming someone new into their home, but most of the time, the pairs become great friends - joined by mutual trust and a love for the animal kingdom! 

So, like the idea of keeping your furry family member with someone trusted, in the comfort of home? Explore our sitters to get started.

Pet boarding pros

• Your pets will be fed and watered
• Your pets will get some exercise
• Your pets will be surrounded by experienced animal handlers

Pet boarding cons

• Your pet will likely be unsettled by the noise
• Your pet will have to get used to a whole new set of smells
• Your pet will be surrounded by other animals, which can be scary and triggering
• Your pet won’t understand why they’re not at home
• Can be anxiety-inducing
• Boarding facilities can be a breeding ground for illnesses, like kennel cough
• They tend to charge per visit, so it can get expensive

What are the pet boarding costs?

The average costs of boarding your pet are around $150 per week, which certainly gets expensive if you’re going on vacation or need to be away from home regularly. And naturally, you want what’s best for your furry companions, so the cheapest option isn’t always the best, when it comes to pet and puppy boarding. To find out how much dog sitters charge, stick with us and explore below.

What are the pet sitting costs?

With TrustedHousesitters, our pet parents pay a one-off yearly payment, which allows them to welcome an unlimited number of sitters. Yup, for no extra cost, you could be going away multiple times a year, without the pet sitting rates budging an inch. Simply choose a plan, create your profile and connect with loving, in-home pet sitters - it really is that straightforward.

How to prepare for the arrival of your dog sitter

So, think it might be best to keep your furry family safe and happy at home? Great choice, fellow pet parent. Here’s how to prepare for the arrival of your sitter so that you’re all set for welcoming your first sitter.