Going away and need someone to look after your beloved doggo bestie? After ruling out Uncle Bob – who doesn’t even like pets – your next options are naturally a boarding kennel or a local Pet Sitter.
While a boarding kennel can suit some animals just fine, many pets are happier, calmer, and more relaxed in the personalised care of a Pet Sitter.
Here, we explore the key differences so you can make the most informed choice for your furry friend.
Picture this: Your pet, nestled comfortably in their own home or a cosy Pet Sitter’s place, surrounded by familiar sights and smells. Pets are creatures of habit, and any significant change in their surroundings can be stressful. With a Pet Sitter, you’re ensuring that your furry friend experiences as little disruption as possible.
Boarding kennels operate with set routines for feeding, exercise, and play. While reputable kennels offer safe care, the environment can be loud, busy, and stressful for pets who prefer predictability and quiet.
This is the ideal setting for your pet, as it minimises environmental changes, which is key to their well-being.
Deciding on a Pet Sitter or a boarding kennel? Here’s what to consider:
1. How does your pet handle environmental change?
Some pets cope well with new environments, while others prefer the comfort and predictability of home.
A Pet Sitter (especially one who cares for your pet in your home) can help keep things familiar and calm. Even when staying in the Sitter’s home, the environment is typically quieter and more flexible.
A boarding kennel, on the other hand, often involves new sounds, smells, routines, and other animals. Some pets adapt easily, while others may find it more overwhelming.
Asking yourself “Which environment helps my pet feel most relaxed?” is a good starting point.
2. Does your pet rely on a specific daily routine?
Many pets thrive on consistency. With a Pet Sitter, your pet’s normal routine – meals, walks, playtime, bedtime rituals – can often be followed closely.
In a boarding kennel, pets may follow the facility’s schedule instead. For some animals, this works just fine. For others, especially those with medical needs or strong habits, sticking to their usual routine can be more reassuring.
Consider: “Would my pet be comfortable adjusting to a new schedule?”
3. What’s your comfort level with group settings?
In environments where many pets are cared for at once, there’s naturally more shared space, shared surfaces, and shared social contact.
A boarding kennel can be a good fit for social pets who enjoy the buzz of being around others, but for animals who prefer space or are more sensitive, this setup may be less ideal. Age and training levels would also be a factor. Older dogs can sometimes find a group environment a bit too much, and dogs who still have some behavioural quirks to iron out may not benefit from the chaos of a pack of pets.
A Pet Sitter typically offers a quieter, more controlled environment with little to no contact with unfamiliar animals.
Ask yourself: “Does my pet enjoy other animals, or do they prefer a calmer space?”
4. Do you want one-on-one care?
One of the unique benefits of a Pet Sitter is the individual attention they can provide. Pets who enjoy company, cuddles, or reassurance often respond especially well to this.
Boarding kennels usually have multiple pets to care for at once, which means staff attention is shared. That said, many kennels still provide high-quality care within that format.
A good question to consider is: “Would my pet feel more comfortable with a dedicated caregiver?”
5. What’s your view on increased exposure to infectious illnesses?
In a Pet Sitter’s care, your furry friend enjoys limited contact with other animals (if any), greatly reducing the risk of exposure to infectious illnesses that can spread in group settings.
Ticks and fleas are highly contagious. If one dog in a kennel is infested, there’s a risk of the parasites spreading to other dogs through close contact. This can lead to multiple dogs becoming infested, resulting in discomfort and potential health issues. Same goes for ringworm – being highly contagious, it can spread through direct contact with an infected dog or even via shared (contaminated) surfaces. Dogs in close quarters at a boarding kennel are at risk of contracting the infection if proper precautions are not taken.
While boarding kennels can be fun, a Pet Sitter becomes a trusted companion
Pets thrive on companionship and affection, and a Pet Sitter provides just that. They not only care for your pet’s physical needs but also offer the invaluable gift of a special one-on-one bond that grows with each visit.
With an online platform like Mad Paws, you’ll have the luxury of an abundance of choice. Searching for a Pet Sitter in your local area, that can offer everything your pet needs, is as simple as a few clicks!
How to choose your pet’s perfect match:
If you’re leaning toward a Pet Sitter as an alternative to a boarding kennel, here are some key things to look out for:
✔ Services offered
When reviewing the Pet Sitters in your area, check what specific services they offer – overnight stays at their home (pet hosting), pet sitting (at your/your pet’s home), dog walking, dog training, doggy day care, house visits, or even dog grooming. And, do you need any additional support, such as pick-up or drop-off service? Their profile will highlight the inclusions of any given booking and/or any ‘extras’ they offer their clients.
✔ Reviews & reputation
This is always a good place to start. On their profile, check their past reviews. Past reviews can help you understand the Sitter’s reliability and style of care.
✔ Experience, qualifications & compatibility
Certifications or training in pet care and first aid can also be valuable. Following on from the above, however, don’t immediately discount a Pet Sitter with minimal reviews on their profile. Even if they’re new to your breed or pet type, trust your instincts during the meet and greet. A good connection can matter more than a lengthy résumé.
✔ Insurance
Insurance ensures peace of mind for both you and the Sitter. The beauty of booking through Mad Paws is that EVERY booking includes Accident Cover, so everyone’s protected in the event of any unforeseen incidents.
✔ Meet & greet
Before committing to a Sitter, you’re able to meet with them first to help you assess compatibility. Either in person or via a video call, you can better gauge their demeanour, find out if they have experience with your specific type of pet, its breed, and any special needs or behaviours it may have.
✔ Emergency plans
Find out about their emergency protocols. What would they do in case of a pet health emergency or other unexpected situations?
✔ Communication style
Notice how responsive they are during your first messages. Great Sitters are great communicators.
The bottom line
Boarding kennels have their place but the personalised, stress-free, one-on-one care that a Pet Sitter provides is hard to beat. Choosing a Pet Sitter is choosing a calmer environment, a customised routine, and a companion your pet can trust.
For pet parents who want the very best for their furry friend’s wellbeing and happiness, a Pet Sitter is often the superior choice. Why settle for anything less?
1 comment
Are you in Melbourne. I have a Grooming Parlour and we have a number of clients who would like to have their pets looked after in their own home. Do you have any pamphlets that you could send so that we can give them to our customers.