Are you planning an upcoming trip? Or are you worried that your dog will have no place to go if you need to leave town suddenly? Pet owners should prepare in advance for the possibility of their absence, and for many, that decision can be difficult. Dog boarding facilities, overnight pet sitting, and more each offer distinct services. How do you choose the best fit for your pet?
To make a smart choice, owners should begin by understanding what goes on during dog boarding or an overnight pet-sitting stay. From there, you can evaluate the pros and cons of each to determine which is a good fit for your pet. For many people, overnight pet sitting wins the day due to its personalized care and socialization. Still, it’s helpful to learn about both options in order to make the right choice for your pup.
Key Takeaways
- Dog boarding requires owners to take their pets to a facility, where they are housed in kennels and interact with other dogs.
- Overnight pet sitting invites a sitter into the home to care for the pet in their own space.
- People tend to prefer pet sitting because it is less stressful for the dog and less expensive.
- Homes left vacant during trips become easy targets for thieves; the presence of a pet sitter can deter these opportunistic crimes.
Understanding Overnight Pet Sitting and Dog Boarding
The two most common options for taking care of your pet while you are out of town (besides bringing them with you, of course) are dog boarding and overnight pet sitting. These options provide distinct experiences for your pet.
Dog boarding
If you drop your dog off at a boarding facility, your pet will likely join several other dogs for playtime. They will be taken back, away from the front office, into rooms or yards (depending on weather and facility layout) to socialize.
Once the facility closes for the day, each dog is placed in a kennel or crate and remains there until the next day, where the process repeats until you return home. Many boarding facilities feed and water pets at the same time every day, while others may accommodate your personalized requests for feeding and drinking.
Overnight pet sitting
If you choose overnight pet sitting, a professional will come directly to your house. While you are gone, they will stay the night to keep your dog company. This arrangement means that the sitter “lives” in your house for a while during your absence, and when you return home, they hand off your pup back to you!
Reputable pet sitters will follow the schedule that you set, keeping your dog’s routine consistent. The best providers, including Paw Pals, make sure their staff are prepared to handle emergencies through pet CPR certification and proactive communication.
The Pros and Cons of Dog Boarding
Dog boarding is often the first choice for many people, as it is the only option they are aware of. People might like it because:
- Their dog gets to socialize with other dogs every day
- Exercise is easy to get during boarding
- Staff offer structure and routine
However, dog boarding does come with some cons:
- It can be expensive
- Some dogs find it stressful
- Injuries are always a risk due to altercations with other pets or self-harm from stress
- So many other dogs can lead to the transmission of illness
- You must transport your pet to and from the facility
Advantages and Disadvantages of Overnight Pet Sitters
Overnight pet sitters can be a valuable resource for pet owners who are leaving town, even for a single day. Once people become aware of this service, they tend to prefer it because:
- It is usually more affordable than alternatives
- Your dog gets more personalized care and a customized routine
- Pets get to stay in calm, familiar surroundings
- You do not need to transport your pets on your own
- Your home looks lived-in while you are gone, preventing opportunistic thieves from targeting your property.
From helping deter theft to providing your pet with the routine they are used to, overnight pet sitters have plenty to offer. However, some people might not find them the right fit if:
- They are uncomfortable letting someone into their home
- Their pet is sensitive to new people in their space
Which Option Is Right for You?
Now that you understand the differences between overnight pet sitting and boarding facilities, it is time to make your choice. There is no single right answer, as each pet, family, and visit has specific needs. However, overnight pet sitting is typically the more flexible choice, especially if you choose a trustworthy team with additional skills such as medication administration. Never hesitate to schedule a meet and greet with any pet sitter you are considering so that your pup is not being visited by a stranger!
Choose Paw Pals as Your Overnight Pet Sitting Team
If overnight pet sitting is a good fit for you, be sure to choose your team carefully! Paw Pals goes above and beyond during our visits, providing walks, playtime, brushing, and scheduled mealtimes, as well as mail and package collection while you are gone. We will also take out and bring in your trash and recycling, and cycle your lights and blinds to make your home look lived-in.
The Paw Pals team is always certified in pet first aid and CPR, and we can provide medication to pets who need it in your absence. If you want to see for yourself why Paw Pals staff can be a better option than traditional boarding facilities, contact us to schedule a meet and greet!
