Pet sitter vs. dog facility: it’s a question all pet owners face. If you love to travel as much as you love your pups, sooner or later you’ll have to make the hard decision of leaving your dog in someone else’s care. But how do you make that decision? Since it is not always possible to take your pooch along for the ride, we’re comparing pet sitters vs. dog facilities with the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is best!
Pet Sitter
Unless they’re a stay-in sitter, this option tends to include paying someone to check up on your pup daily to feed them, walk them and play with them. This can be a trusted friend, family member, or even a stranger. Some dog sitters stay 24/7 or even bring the pup to their own home.
Pros:
- Your dog can keep his routine in a home that he recognizes unless he’s been moved to the sitter’s home.
- Your pup will be given one-on-one attention and playtime from the sitter.
- The dog-sitter can bring in the mail, water your plants and turn your lights on and off to deter burglars while you’re away.
- If the sitter is someone your pup knows well, she’ll be much more comfortable and less anxious than if she were in the care of strangers.
Cons:
- Unless it’s a stay-in sitter, your dog will be left home alone for long periods of time.
- If your dog spills his drinking water, he may not have it refilled for quite some time.
- With you on the road and the sitter out and about, your pup may suffer from separation anxiety and boredom.
- Unless the sitter is present, your pup may not get immediate attention for an illness or accident.
- Boredom and anxiety may lead to your dog destroying parts of your home, yard, and other belongings.
- It can get expensive if the fee is based on a ‘per visit’ system.
- Not all pet-sitting apps thoroughly vet their caretakers, resulting in incidents like this one.
Dog Boarding
This option is the most popular option amongst owners — and for the most part, boarding facilities are improving dramatically and including more amenities and services.
Pros:
- Your dog will have a structured social environment with loving caregivers and other dogs.
- The chance of your pup running away and getting lost are minimal, as he will be continuously monitored.
- Sudden illnesses will receive prompt attention from a full-time trained staff.
- Your pooch will receive regularly scheduled medications and every effort will be made to keep her comfortable.
- Dogs will receive social time, exercise and fresh food and water.
- Boarded dogs do not destroy carpeting, drapes or your favorite shoes.
Cons:
- The environment may be unfamiliar and stress your pup.
- Since not all dogs are social, being around groups of dogs may be stressful.
- Even if boarding facilities are clean, dogs are more susceptible to contracting parasites and illness from other dogs while interacting.
- If your dog loves to play, he is likely to get that slobbery doggy aroma and will need a bath.
Whether you choose to hire a pet sitter or leave your dog at a boarding facility, do your research to make sure you have the right people caring for your dog. If you decide boarding is for you, check out all the information about Fitdog’s overnight services here!