Tampa Bay Pet Expo

When you travel without your pets, part of the planning process involves figuring out where your furry companion will stay while you’re away. You want your pet to be as cared for and as comfortable as possible when you’re gone. When choosing the best option for your dog or cat, you may find yourself comparing pet sitting vs boarding.

Pet Sitting vs Boarding

Each pet is different and handles the stress of their parent leaving in their own way. In this post, we compare pet boarding and pet sitting so you can choose the best option for your pet.

Boarding

Boarding typically involves taking your pet to a facility away from home, usually overnight or longer. These facilities are often referred to as boarding kennels, pet boarding facilities or pet hotels and can range from pet resorts to veterinary facilities.

Boarding may sound ideal, but you have to consider what it is like for pets. Whether or not boarding is the right choice for your four-legged companion depends on both the facility you choose and your pet’s personality and ability to adapt.

Pricing for boarding facilities can vary widely depending on the level of service and amenities chosen. However, these add-ons can really hike the fees. The more personal attention your pet gets to reduce the stress of a new environment, the more the added fees become more compelling.

Stress is without a doubt the biggest factor when it comes to boarding facilities. Pets, especially cats, will become uncomfortable outside their usual environment. And this often results in fear, stress, vomiting and diarrhea. Some pets will even lose their appetite and lose weight when boarded due to stress and anxiety. Not to mention, there’s the risk of injury in boarding facilities.

Pet Sitting

When it comes to what your pet sitter does, it depends on the type of service you are looking for. Some pet sitters can come to your home at specific times to care for your pet or others can care for your pet while staying in your house.

Service charges will vary, but tend to be more affordable than basic boarding levels. Because pets are comfortable in their familiar home environment. there’s usually less need for stress relief. While a pet may show signs of stress when the owners are away. it’s usually less severe when they are in the comfort of their home. Unlike boarding facilities where a dog may have to spend a significant amount of time in a kennel, pet sitting at home is less stressful to your pet. Your pet sitter will also know how to keep your dog entertained while you area way.

Having a pet sitter also has the advantage of protecting your home by creating near normal household activity that can discourage potential robbers. Pet sitters can also house sit, as they can pick up the mail and water your plants without adding significantly to the costs. Pet sitting often translates to less separation stress for your pet.

Bottom Line

When you compare pet sitting vs boarding, the benefits of sitting become so obvious. When your pets are close to a normal environment as possible, they’re less likely to have problems adjusting to your absence. While boarding claims to offer many features, getting premium care for your pet can be quite costly.