Are you planning to be away from home for an extended time to travel or manage responsibilities in a different location? If so, you may not be able to bring your pet with you. How you choose to manage them while you are gone can make a significant difference in how happy and comfortable they stay until you return.
For most people, the choice comes down to pet sitting vs. boarding. Which is the best option for pets that will be away from their owner for multiple days (or even weeks)?
To understand what might work best in your situation, you should evaluate not just the cost of these services but also how comfortable your pet will be, their safety for the duration of your travels, and the level of care they will receive. Here is how kennels stack up against in-home pet sitting services so that you can make an informed choice.
Key Takeaways
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What Happens When Your Pet Stays in a Kennel
As you evaluate your pet care options while you travel, you have likely kept the possibility of kenneling on your list. To determine whether a stay in a kennel is a good choice for your pet, be sure that you understand kennel boarding’s pros and cons when it comes to pet comfort, safety, and the overall experience.
Comfort
Kennels are sectioned-off rooms where your pet gets private space. Sometimes, this can be a room with a door, while other times it may be an area divided from other kennels by chain link or other see-through materials. Some kennel facilities use crates instead. No matter what the variation, your pet will be confined to a singular space for at least some part of the day. While this prevents them from running loose and getting into things they should not, it can also impact their comfort.
Safety
The kennel in which your pet stays can be a safe location, blocked off from other dogs. However, your dog will likely not be staying in their sleeping area the entire time.
They will be engaging with other dogs at some point, which always presents a safety risk, and kennels may also come with a higher incidence of spreadable illness such as kennel cough.
Cost
In general, a kennel comes at a lower cost compared to in-home pet sitting. However, be aware that the base price might rise more than you expect. For instance, some facilities charge extra to administer medication or slot in specific playtime for your pet. If you have more than one pet, you will need to pay for each one separately.
Overall care
Kennels house numerous dogs at any given time, which means your pet might not be getting personalized attention all the time. However, they are also supervised, which may bring peace of mind to people who want their dogs to be near people for hours every day.
How In-Home Pet Care Is Different
Now that you understand how kennels work, consider the benefits of pet sitting services and the potential negatives, as well.
Comfort
Pets who receive in-home care get to stay in a place that is familiar to them. This is one of the most effective means of keeping them comfortable and relaxed while you are gone.
Safety
Pets who stay at home are not exposed to the illnesses and potential bad moods of other dogs at a kennel. However, they are also free to roam the house, where they may get into things they are not supposed to. Attentive pet owners can mitigate this risk by carefully putting away anything they don’t want their pup to get into.
Cost
In-home pet sitting tends to cost more than kenneling, but it offers multiple features. Feeding, walking, and all of these services are included in the price. If you have multiple dogs, they will not typically require separate bills.
Overall care
Dog walking is an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy, and pet sitters take dogs on multiple walks per day. They also play using your pet’s favorite, familiar toys and are more able to stick to the routine your dog has come to expect.
Keep Your Pet Comfortable While You Are Away
As you consider your options for pet care while traveling, consider how in-home pet sitting can keep your dog happy and comfortable no matter how long you will be gone.
Contact Paw Pals to schedule a meet and greet with our friendly team, and we can walk you through everything you can expect if you entrust your furry friend to us!
