In an ideal world, you could take your dog with you everywhere you go. Unfortunately, that isn’t always an option. Whether you’re heading out of town for the holidays, traveling for work, or going on vacation, finding someone to take care of your dog should be near the top of your planning checklist.
There are two main options for making sure your dog is well fed and properly cared for in your absence: a boarding facility or a pet sitter. Both have pros and cons, so working out which suits your dog takes a bit of thought. As veterinarians, we’re here to help you make the right decisions for your dog—including making sure they’re safe and comfortable while you’re away.
Boarding Your Dog
Dog boarding is usually more cost-effective than hiring a sitter, and for many owners it’s more convenient. When you drop your dog off, staff meet their needs while you’re away. Steel cages and bare concrete runs were once the norm and largely aren’t any more—many facilities now offer comfortable bedding, supervised playtime with other dogs, and a range of other amenities. Some animal hospitals offer boarding with veterinary supervision, which can be a good option if your dog has medical needs or is elderly.
There are a few drawbacks, though.
The cons of dog boarding include:
- Your dog will need to be up to date on vaccinations and other preventive care such as deworming and flea and tick prevention. That’s no bad thing in itself, but it’s an extra step if you’re not already on top of it—and some vaccines need to be given a couple of weeks before arrival to be effective, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
- In a busy facility, your dog may not get much one-on-one attention. Extra playtimes and walks are often available at additional cost.
- Facilities generally feed and walk on their own schedule rather than your dog’s, which can be difficult for puppies and for dogs on medication at set times. Do ask how often dogs are let out.
- Any environment with a lot of dogs coming and going carries some risk of infectious disease, kennel cough in particular. It’s usually mild and self-limiting, but it does happen even in well-run facilities and in vaccinated dogs.
- Some dogs find boarding genuinely stressful, and a dog who has never been away from home may not settle in a few days. A trial overnight stay before a longer trip is a good way to find out.
What to look for in a boarding facility:
- They’ll let you tour the facility, including where the dogs actually sleep, and are happy to answer questions
- Clean, well-ventilated, and not overwhelmingly noisy
- Proof of vaccination required for every dog on site, not just yours
- Dogs grouped by size and play style, with supervised rather than free-for-all playtime
- Quiet rest periods built into the day rather than constant activity
- Staff on site or on call overnight, and a clear written protocol for what happens if a dog is injured or becomes unwell
- Willingness to give medications as prescribed, and to feed your dog’s own food
Hiring a Dog Sitter
With a pet sitter, your dog stays in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. There are a couple of options: a sitter who comes at set times to feed your dog, let them out, and check on them, or someone who stays in your home while you’re away.
Sitting typically costs more than boarding, particularly for a live-in arrangement, but for many families it’s worth it. Your dog avoids the stress of unfamiliar people and surroundings, keeps their routine, and stays away from other dogs entirely—which matters if yours doesn’t get on with them or has a health problem. A sitter spending time with one dog is also more likely to notice early signs that something is wrong.
A sitter can usually bring in the mail and water the plants too, and a live-in sitter keeps your home from looking empty while you’re gone.
There are a few drawbacks to hiring a dog sitter, including:
- It can be expensive, especially for a live-in sitter or several visits a day.
- Dogs who are wary of strangers may not take kindly to someone new in the house.
- Finding someone you can trust with both your dog and your home takes time and checking.
- Drop-in visits leave your dog alone for long stretches, which doesn’t suit every dog—particularly one with separation anxiety or a puppy who can’t hold on for hours.
- If something goes wrong, one person on their own has less backup than a staffed facility.
The Bottom Line: Is Dog Boarding Or Pet Sitting the Better Option?
Whether you use a reputable boarding facility or a good sitter, your dog will be well looked after. Sitters offer more individual attention and keep your dog on their normal routine. Boarding is cost-effective and convenient, has staff on hand around the clock, and can suit dogs who don’t like strangers in the house.
When deciding, weigh up your budget against your dog’s needs. If your dog has medical needs, gets anxious, or relies on a strict routine, a live-in sitter may be the better fit. If your dog is healthy, sociable, and easygoing, boarding can be an excellent option—and some dogs genuinely love it.
Whichever you choose, do your homework. Reputable facilities are happy to show owners around, and reviews are worth reading. If you’re hiring a sitter, look for someone insured and bonded, ask for references and actually call them, and check whether they’re registered with an organization such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, which also has guidance on hiring a sitter. Arrange a meeting before you book, so you can see how they get on with your dog.
Whatever You Choose, Leave Good Instructions
Whether it’s a facility or a sitter, a bit of paperwork makes everything easier.
- Feeding amounts and times, and enough of your dog’s own food for the whole stay plus a little spare
- Medications with clear written instructions, in their original labeled packaging
- Your contact details, plus a backup contact who can make decisions if you can’t be reached
- Our details and those of the nearest emergency hospital
- Written permission to seek veterinary treatment on your behalf, with a spending limit if you want one—this is the single thing that most often delays care when an owner is unreachable
- Any quirks worth knowing: what frightens them, what they guard, how they are with other dogs, whether they can be trusted off leash
- A note of their microchip number, and a check that your registration details are current
Closing Thoughts
When you’re making travel plans, arranging care for your dog should be a priority rather than an afterthought. Boarding facilities and sitters both do the job well, and each has its trade-offs. You know your dog’s temperament and needs better than anyone, so let those guide the decision.
As your dog’s veterinarian, we’re here to help too. Book a wellness exam before your next trip and we’ll make sure your dog is in good health and up to date on everything a facility will ask for. We’re also happy to talk through which option might suit your dog best. Contact us today.