If you have a pet, you must know it won’t always be with you. There may be times when you have to leave your pet behind for a couple of days or even more. Regardless of the reason, if you’re a pet owner, you are accountable for protecting your pet. When choosing between pet boarding and pet sitting, it’s important to consider your pet’s needs and personality traits. This guide can help you determine whether to board your pet at a kennel or with a pet sitter.
Pet Boarding vs. Pet Sitting
For pet parents who need a short-term caretaker, boarding centers and pet sitters are the most common alternatives. Which one suits their needs, and what makes the two distinct? Let’s check what each of these entails so you can make a decision for your pet.
What is Pet Boarding?
Domestic animals can gain from cat and dog boarding facilities that provide temporary care for their furry pets. While you’re on vacation, the trained team at a boarding center will look after your pet’s standard requirements, like feeding, watering, walking, and playing. These caregivers know your pet’s dietary, medical, and physical needs and act accordingly. Trained specialists will look after your pet until you can come to get them.
Pet Boarding Benefits
Your pet will be safe and protected in a kennel or pen at the boarding center. In a boarding kennel, numerous pets are housed in close areas, but accidents are prevented because of the close surveillance of trained personnel. For several pets, boarding can be a life-changing experience because of the opportunity to meet new people and animals. You may refer to this website for more information about pet boarding.
Pet Boarding Cost
Depending on the features and level of service selected, the cost of these boarding options differs significantly. The cost may increase significantly due to these extra services. Giving your pet more one-on-one care can help reduce the adjustment to a new environment with strange people, making the additional cost beneficial.
What is Pet Sitting?
A pet sitter goes to your home to take care of your pets while you are far away. Your pet can relax in familiar environments, providing a more pleasant experience. While the sitter is there, your pet gets undivided attention.
Pet Sitting Benefits
Having your pet stay at home in its environment is the key benefit of pet sitting over boarding. Pets with illness or anxiety might take advantage of this, as they can spend less time in the boarding facility. If you hire a pet sitter, they can keep to your pet’s routine and give them the care they need. If your pet has a medical emergency, you can ensure that your pet sitter can take them to the veterinarian.
Pet Sitting Cost
These services are also variable but are likely to cost similarly to basic boarding, with few pet sitters billing additional for extra features. Because the pets are already in their stress-free environment, these features aren’t needed. There may be an extra cost if you choose to provide a live-in sitter with meals; however, this is usually less than add-ons at a boarding facility.
Conclusion
When deciding on excellent care for your pet while you’re away, it’s important to consider factors like your pet’s age, health, character, and special needs. Depending on your pet’s specific situation, you can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each service to determine which is best. To determine how your pets will respond, try a brief stay at a boarding kennel and another with a pet sitter.