Dog boarding vs dog sitting: pros and cons

To dog sit or to dog board, that is the question! Dog boarding vs. dog sitting is something many travel-loving pet parents think about before their next adventure. We want to help run you through the pros and cons of both dog sitting vs dog boarding so you can make the best decision for your fur family.

Ultimately, although we may be biased towards having at home dog sitting, as pet parents you’ll always do what you believe is right for your pup. We also want to answer similar questions, like what is dog boarding and what counts as an at home dog sitter. Paws at the ready, let’s dig into this important debate…

What is at home dog sitting?

So, you’re a pet parent who loves to travel, that’s awesome! Sadly, although we love our animals, we also adore to explore and we can’t always take our fur family with us. So, why not let another pet lover who also loves to travel look after your pet and home? Their payment? The joy of looking after a new furry friend whilst their humans are off sightseeing.

It’s a good option for doggos who are home babies and removes the stress of settling into a kennel or pet hotel. Someone will be with them throughout your trip to pamper your pooch until you’re home.

What is dog boarding?

A boarding kennel or dog boarding is a facility designed to keep dogs sheltered and safe while their parents are away. Often a pupper is assigned a room where they can bring their toys and blankets, they will be fed at set times of the day, and given an allocated amount of time for exercise. Some places even offer playtime with the other dogs, like doggy daycare, but only if you as a pup parent are happy for the staff to do so.

Dog boarding kennels are run by animal experts who maintain a consistent routine throughout the day whilst keeping your pooch safe and secure.

Pet sitting vs. boarding

Now, it’s time we compare these two types of snuffle sleepovers by comparing the pros and cons of dog boarding and dog sitting:

Dog sitting pros

Pets are happiest when they’re at home, we all know that. Our bark babies are most comfortable when they can sleep in their bed with all their toys alongside their familiar surroundings and routine. It can be easy to forget that dogs love structure and a schedule just as much as cats do. 

When pet parents decide to go exploring and can’t take their fur baby with them, it can be an anxious experience for them, particularly those who suffer from separation or dog anxiety. But we can help make this easier for them by keeping them in their own homes whilst you’re away. Simple!

If you’re undecided about whether to either put your pooch in a boarding facility or hire a pet sitter, we have three words for you: No hiring need! When you sign up to TrustedHousesitters, your membership allows you to source pet sitters from all over the globe. You can take your time to find the right sitter for your pooch before even confirming the sit. Chat or, if you can, meet up beforehand to make sure they’re right for your pup and you.

Explore the world knowing your precious pooch is in safe paws with our trusted and verified sitters.

Dog sitting cons

For pet parents with a precious pooch that is senior, has a long-term health illness, or known behavioral problems, leaving them could be just as nerve-wracking for them as it is for the dog. When it comes to your first sit, this is normal and we understand. You can have weeks of communication and visits from your booked sitter, yet there may still be part of you that is unsure about the whole deal. Again, super normal!

Your hound and home are two of the most important things in your life, and the idea of anything going wrong could put a dampener on your travel plans. 

Our rebuttal? Surely, having someone in your house with your pupper, even if you’re not quite friends yet, is still way safer than leaving your snuffle baby with strangers and your house empty?

Dog boarding pros

Remember what we said earlier about dogs loving structure? Well, dog boarding will be able to provide this for them. You can leave knowing your fur pup will be fed, exercised, and watched over all day every day.

Should anything go wrong, your fur family are surrounded by doggo experts who will be able to contact a vet straight away.

Dog boarding cons

Firstly, there’s no place like home. Taking their toys and bed with them may help them settle, but nothing can beat their familiar surroundings. Surely a new professional pet sitter is far less scary when they can be in the comfort of their own home?

It’s also not unheard of for dogs to pick up illnesses like kennel cough, even with the thorough cleaning provided by the kennel staff. Kennel cough isn’t exclusive to kennels, pups can pick it up whilst in play packs, but a dog boarding facility simply increases its chances of spreading.

Finally, the cost… You have to pay for kennel care and a lot of them aren’t cheap. Certainly not $149 a year cheap. Just saying.

As we said at the beginning, the best choice is the one that suits your dog. Their needs will always come first, so for some pet parents dog boarding vs. dog sitting is a no-brainer. For others, it might be worth having a chat with your vet to see what’s best.

Not yet a member? Have we tempted you? Why not have a look at the current dog sitters near you without paying anything? Have a browse and a think. For those who are already members, join the community chat at our online Community Forum to talk about why you love using TrustedHousesitters pet sitters.