When getting ready to take a trip, your first thought may not be what to do with your pet(s) while you are away. However, it is an important decision that must be made before you leave for your travels. In the world of professional pet care, there are a number of options for overnight care that you can choose for your pet(s), most notably pet boarding and pet sitting.

Knowing what you can expect from both pet boarding and in-home pet sitting will help you to determine what is the best option for both you and your pet. Below we’ll outline a few of the factors to consider before you make your pet care decision:

Safety

Safety is the number one concern any pet owner has for their pet(s). A professional kennel or boarding facility should take all necessary steps to make sure your pet is safe in their care. However, your pet may still risk exposure to illness from other animals, self-injury if they are not used to being crated/kenneled, or fights with other animals in the facility. When choosing in-home pet sitting, your pet will avoid many of these risks. However, your in-home pet sitting experience is entirely dependent on the sitter that you select. In making your choice, it is important to choose a sitter you trust – one that is trained, insured, and experienced. Otherwise your pet could suffer due to negligence or willful misconduct.

Stress

Stress is often the biggest factor to consider when it comes to choosing overnight care for your pet(s). Pets, especially cats, are not very comfortable when they are taken outside of their home/natural environment. This can lead to health issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, severe reduction in appetite, and injury caused by self-trauma or incidents with other animals in the boarding facility. While a good boarding facility will aim to limit stressors for your pet(s), it cannot replicate your pet’s home environment.

Price

Price can vary tremendously by the type of overnight care facility or service you choose. Just like in other industries, you get what you pay for. Kennel facilities, where pets spend a large portion of their time in crates are cages, are generally less expensive than boarding facilities that mimic hotels, giving pets individual rooms to stay in. Having a professional pet sitter come and stay at your home with your pet(s) is another option that may be more expensive than a kennel, but often provides more one-on-one care for your pet(s).

Socialization

When your dog stays at a kennel or boarding facility, they will likely be around other dogs. This can be great for a pet that needs the additional exercise and socialization that such an environment provides. However, for dogs that are more nervous or anxious, a kennel or boarding environment may be overwhelming. In that case, in-home pet sitting offers a more relaxed, stress-free solution.

When making your choice of overnight care for your pet, consider your pet and how they will react to the different overnight care options available to you. By factoring in their temperament, health, age, and other needs, you will be able to determine the best choice for both you and your pet.