If you have a pet, you need to know it won’t constantly be with you. There might be times when you have to leave your pet behind for a few days or more. Regardless of the reason, if you’re a pet parent, you are accountable for keeping your pet protected. When deciding between pet boarding and pet sitting, it is essential to consider your pet’s needs and personality traits. This guide can help you determine whether to board your pet at a kennel or with a pet sitter.
Pet Boarding vs. Pet Sitting
For pet parents that need a short-term caretaker, boarding centers and pet sitters are the most popular alternatives. Which one meets their needs, and what makes the two different? Let’s check what each of these includes so you can choose for your pet.
What is Pet Boarding?
Domestic pets can benefit from dog overnight boarding centers that offer short-term care for their furry friends. While you’re away, the trained team at a boarding facility will attend to your pet’s basic requirements, including feeding, watering, walking, and playing. These caregivers know your pet’s dietary, medical, and physical needs and act accordingly. Qualified experts will take care of your pet until you can come to take them.
Pet Boarding Benefits
Your pet will be safe and protected in a kennel or pen at the boarding facility. In a boarding kennel, many pets are housed close to one another, but incidents are prevented because of the close observation of trained personnel. For many pets, boarding can be a life-altering experience because of the chance to meet new people and other animals.
Pet Boarding Cost
Depending on the features and level of service chosen, the cost of these boarding options varies greatly. The cost might increase significantly because of these additional features. Giving your pet more one-on-one treatment can help alleviate the adjustment to a new surrounding with new people, making the extra cost beneficial.
What is Pet Sitting?
A pet sitter will come to your home to look after your pets while you are away. Your pet can relax in familiar environments, giving a more pleasant experience. While the sitter is there, your pet receives full attention.
Pet Sitting Benefits
Having your pet stay home in its environment is the key advantage of pet sitting over boarding. Pets with illness or anxiety may gain from this, as they can spend less time in the boarding center. If you choose a pet sitter, they can keep to your pet’s regular schedule and give them the attention they need. If your pet has a medical emergency, you can ensure that your pet sitter can take them to the pet hospital in Madison, AL.
Pet Sitting Cost
These services are also variable but are likely to cost similarly to basic boarding, with few pet sitters charging additional for additional services. Since the animals are already in their stress-free environment, these features aren’t needed. There may be an additional cost if you choose to offer a live-in sitter with meals, but this is typically less than the cost of extras at a boarding center.
Bottom Line
When deciding on the best care for your pet while you’re away, it is essential to consider factors like your pet’s age, health, character, and special requirements. Depending on your pet’s specific situation, you can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each service to identify which is ideal. To determine how your pets will respond, try a brief stay at a boarding kennel and another with a pet sitter.
