Do you have a stay planned and not sure what to do with your dog? Where do you leave them so they’re safe, happy, and cared for till your return? The answer boils down to two popular options: pet sitting or pet boarding.
Both options accommodate your dog while you’re away and give them the care they need. But then again, picking between pet sitting vs boarding can be a tough choice to make! If you’re not sure what is better suited for your dog, this blog is for you. Read on to know all the differences between pet boarding vs pet sitting so you can make your choice today!
What is a dog sitting?
Dog sitting is more like hiring a personal pet nanny! A dog sitter comes to your home (or sometimes takes your dog to theirs) and takes care of your pup while you're away. This way, your dog can stay in their familiar surroundings, stick to their usual routine, and enjoy one-on-one attention.
The sitter can handle everything from feeding and walking to playtime and snuggles, ensuring your dog feels as comfortable as possible while you’re gone. It’s a more personalized option, perfect for dogs who might get anxious in new environments.
What is dog boarding?
Dog boarding is basically a hotel stay for your dog while you're away. Instead of leaving your dog at home, you drop them off at a boarding facility where they’ll be cared for by trained staff. These facilities usually provide meals, playtime, and sometimes even grooming services.
Plus, your dog gets to socialize with other dogs and enjoy a safe, supervised environment until you return. It’s a great option if you need a longer-term solution or want peace of mind knowing your pup is looked after!
Pet Boarding VS. Pet Sitting: What's Better for My Dog?
Choosing between pet sitting vs boarding lodges can be a tough decision. But that’s what we’re here to help you with. We’ve compiled a comprehensive table of the main differences between pet sitting vs boarding for you. Consider these options to make your choice easier:
| Pet sitter is good if… | Pet boarding is good if… |
| Your pet doesn’t have all their vaccinations done | Your pet is up-to-date with all vaccinations |
| You are away for a longer time period | You have a short stay planned |
| Your pet has horrible separation anxiety and doesn’t respond well to changes | Your pet adapts to new environments quickly |
| Your pet doesn’t get along with other pets or people | Your pet thrives in large kennels and is a social butterfly amongst other pets and people |
| Your pet has mobility problems like hip dysplasia | Your pet is active and healthy with no health complications |
| Your pet needs constant supervision because of any health complication | Your pet doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety |
| You have multiple pets | You have just one pet |
| Your pet doesn’t guard resources like food and toys aggressively |
Now, if pet boarding seems like a better option for your puppy, you should look into the best boarding services you can find. Fieldstone Animal Inn is one of the best dog boarding and daycare centers in Maryland, with over 500 satisfied pet parents vetting for what we do!
Tips for choosing the right pet boarding facility
How do you find the best pet boarding option for your dog? It’s all a Google search away! Look up the top-rated pet boarding facilities in your area, carefully checking through their overall ratings, and comments by pet parents about the service as well as their website.
Before you make a decision between pet sitting vs boarding, make sure you visit the boarding facility yourself. Take a tour to check if the space is clean, well-maintained, and pet-friendly.
We encourage you to ask questions like:
- How often do the pets get playtime?
- Are there staff members available 24/7?
- What is your protocol in case of an emergency?
- Are staff and owners certified in pet care?
- How often do you walk dogs?
- What immunization should my dog have?
- What exercise options are available?
- How is waste managed?
- What do the pets eat during their stay?
Lastly, trust your gut! If something feels off, or you’re not comfortable with the facility, keep looking. Your pet deserves a place where they’ll feel safe and happy during their staycation.
Tips for choosing the right pet sitter
Planning to go for pet sitting when it comes to picking between pet sitting vs boarding? The best way to find the right pet sitter is to look through options that your friends and family can recommend from their own personal experience.
If there aren’t any recommendations from them, you can also check Facebook groups or online platforms where pet owners vet their sitters. This way, you can have a sense of security that your pet is going to be in good hands.
When you’ve narrowed it down, schedule a meet-and-greet. Watch how the sitter interacts with your pet—do they get along right away, or does your pet seem unsure? A good pet sitter will take time to bond with your furry friend and ask questions about their routine, habits, and quirks.
Lastly, trust is key. Make sure the sitter is comfortable with your expectations, whether it’s daily walks, playtime, or medication. And if you’re really nervous, ask for updates or photos while you’re away—it’s totally okay to be that pet parent!
How to prepare your pet for your absence
Just like it’s not easy for you to leave your furry friend behind, it’s not easy for them too! Leaving your pet in an unfamiliar environment can and will put them under a lot of stress, especially since you won’t be around. But there are ways to help them feel better!
Here are 5 things you can do to prepare your pet for your absence:
1. Change your pet’s routine
Gradually adjusting your pet’s routine can make a big difference when preparing them for your absence. If your pet is used to having you around all day, start by giving them small breaks of alone time to get them accustomed to your absence.
You could also shift feeding and walking schedules to align with what they’ll experience while you're away. These changes help them ease into the new routine, making your departure less of a shock. By the time you leave, your pet will already be comfortable with the slight changes, and the transition won’t feel as overwhelming.
2. Spend extra time with your puppy
One tried-and-tested method of reducing stress in dogs is spending extra time with them. Spending time with their favorite human releases oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. So when you snuggle, play fetch, or just spend more time together, your dog will be more accepting of the change when it happens.
If you have a hyperactive dog that might be too much for your pet sitter, tire them out with an active, exercise-filled week. This tires them out for the week ahead and makes them much more manageable for just about anybody!
3. Leave them with comforting toys or treats
Your pet will appreciate having something familiar and comforting while you’re away. Leaving them with their favorite toys or long-lasting treats not only keeps them occupied but also provides them with a sense of security.
Puzzle toys can keep their mind active and help pass the time, while a chew toy they love can offer them a calming activity. Whatever you do, ensure you’re leaving them with their favorite treats and toys!
4. Do a trial day
Think of this as a little “staycation” for your pet before the main event! Before you actually leave your pet, having a trial day helps you test the waters to see how your puppy will respond.
For instance, if you’ve decided to board your pet, take them in for half a day to meet the staff, explore the surroundings, and get acquainted with the sights and smells of the area. Plus, you get to see how they handle things—do they thrive like a little vacationer or throw a bit of a tantrum?
Either way, it’s a win! You’ll know what to expect, and your pet will be just a little more prepared for the big day.
5. Give them your scent
Did you know your dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 times stronger than yours? Dogs associate home with their owners’ scent, often picking up on it to feel safe and comforted. If you’re concerned your puppy might miss you too much when you leave, consider leaving them some items with your scent on them.
You can give them your blanket, mildly worn clothes, or even a throw pillow that you occasionally use! This would help them to adjust to the new boarding space, allowing them to feel safe and close to you.
Pet familiar emergency contact
No matter what you choose between pet boarding vs pet sitting, you’ll need to add an emergency contact for your pet. If you’re going away and won’t be able to come back instantly, you’ll need someone who can.
So before you go, make sure you find your pet’s emergency contact and familiarize them with your dog’s needs in case they need to intervene. It’s important to make sure your emergency contact is:
- Not allergic to your pet,
- Lives close by from the pet boarding or sitter,
- Is aware that they are your dog’s emergency contact,
- And are reliable to care for your dog in case of an emergency.
Let Fieldstone Animal Inn care for your dog
When you’ve got a trip planned, there’s a lot you have to do before you leave. And if you have a pet dog, accommodating them while you’re away goes on the top of that list. That’s where you’ll need to compare pet sitting vs boarding for your pet.
In this blog, we’ve covered everything you need to consider when you’re making the choice between pet sitting vs boarding for your puppy! And if you’re ready to leave your dog in the best hands, our team is here to help!
Situated on four sprawling acres of property, your pet will have the space to explore, play, and train in an environment unlike anywhere else. Here’s all you need before your pup comes in to stay with us:
- Your puppy must be at least 12 weeks old,
- Your puppy must have their vaccinations done,
- They must be spayed/neutered if they’re over 9 months old.
