Pet Boarding vs. Pet Sitting: Which is the Best Option for You and Your Pet?
Planning vacations is stressful. There is a lot to do, from coordinating everyone’s schedules, booking transportation, and setting up hotel reservations. One important decision is what you are going to do with your furry companion while you are gone. More times than not, taking your pet on your trip is not ideal. That leaves you with a big decision: hire a pet sitter or use a pet boarding facility. While both options have their pros and cons, it is ultimately up to you to decide which option is best for you and your beloved pet.
Here is a list comparing the pros and cons of pet boarding and pet sitting.
Pet Boarding:
Pros:
- Pets are let outside to go to the bathroom & play regularly
- Experienced professionals watch over the animals
- Pets get to be surrounded by other animals
- Convenient & requires little planning
- No one has to come to your house
Cons:
- Can be expensive, depending on the facility
- Animals can experience stress & anxiety from being in a new environment
- The possibility of your pet catching an illness from another animal (kennel cough, heartworm, etc.)
- Less one-on-one time with humans
Pet Sitting:
Pros:
- Pets get more personalized attention
- Pet sitter can double as a house sitter (collect the mail, water the plants, clean, etc.)
- Pets get to stay in a familiar environment
- The daily routine of your pet remains intact (potty schedule, feeding times,etc.)
Cons:
- Pet sitter may break your trust (invite people over, steal, not fulfill their duties, etc.)
- Requires a more extensive planning process (have to find someone you trust, your pet likes, and who is available)
- Pets may destroy furniture or other belongings when the pet sitter is gone
Pet boarding may be the best option if your pet likes being around other animals. But if your pet does not do well in unknown environments, hiring a pet sitter might be your best bet. Now that you have the pros and cons, it is time to decide which option works best for you and your furry friend.
