You're going out of town or have to be out of your house for a day or more, sometimes even weeks. One of your biggest points of stress is, "What am I going to do with my fur-baby?!" Even if you're taking a 4-week trip-of-a-lifetime you are super excited about, worrying about who will care for your pup can put a damper on that. The good news is there are a lot of options out there for you to consider. But how do you decide what is best for your best friend and you? With a bit of time and effort you can find a fantastic place for your dog to stay while you're away; they might even feel like they're on vacation or a long play date!
There are 2 main options for where your dog will stay - in your home (dog sitting) or somewhere else (dog boarding).
Dog Sitting
Here's the short WOOF-One-One on hiring a dog sitter with the pros (tails up) and cons (tails down) of having a dog sitter stay in your home with your dog. More detailed information on Dog Sitting can be found in an upcoming "The Woof-One-One on Hiring a Dog Sitter".
Tails Up
Dog sitting is a great option for dogs that have a harder time with change or suffer from separation anxiety. The familiarity of being in their own home can help alleviate some of their stress and be comforting to them. Your dog sitter can better follow your dog's routine (where they sleep, eat, walk, etc.). If you have other animals (cats, birds, etc.) many sitters will love caring for your other pets too. There is no drop off and pick up to arrange; you can coordinate with your sitter when they should arrive and depart.
Tails Down
Some people may not want someone else in their home essentially "living" there. If you have a sitter your home should be clean and they should have a bed in which to sleep provided to them; you may not have the time or space to accommodate them. Many sitters have full-time jobs so will be gone much of the day. If you hire a sitter that will be home most or all of the day you can expect to pay more.
Dog Boarding
Here's the short WOOF-1-1 on boarding your dog with the pros (tails up) and cons (tails down) of taking your dog somewhere else. More detailed information on Dog Boarding can be found in an upcoming "The Woof-One-One on Boarding Your Dog".
Tails Up
There are several options for boarding, including someone else's home, a kennel, or a hotel/resort style place. You can choose the best option for your dog.
Someone else's home: This offers the most personalized and "home-like" care for your dog. They are likely to get more loving attention as there are less dogs. Often your dog will be treated like part of the family. Some boarders will take other pets (cats).
Kennel: Kennel's are generally less expensive so is a good option if you're on a limited budget. Dogs that love their alone time or don't enjoy socializing with other dogs enjoy a kennel atmosphere. Many veterinarians and trainers offer kennel service.
Hotel/Resort: Dogs that thrive on activity and socializing with other dogs will enjoy a stay at a hotel/resort style boarding facility. There are generally a lot of different play areas and dogs are often teamed up according to size and/or play style. Dogs have their own "rooms" or crates for eating, sleeping, and quiet time. There is usually staff at the facility 24/7.
Tails Down
Someone else's home: There may be other dogs being boarded and most homes aren't able to provide separate areas for dogs that may need quiet time. Many boarders work during the day so your dog may be alone for part or most of the day.
Kennel: Dogs spend much of their time in a crate or sometimes larger penned in area on their own. They often only come out for designated potty and play breaks so if your dog is used to roaming this may be difficult for them. Many kennels do not have anyone on staff overnight.
Hotel/Resort: Your dog could get overstimulated if they are not used to a lot of activity around them or prefer a calm environment. Dogs that are not good with other dogs would have a hard time in a hotel/resort; many would not take them. If you have non-dog pets you would need to find alternate care for them.
What should you consider when deciding on sitting versus boarding?
Think about your dog's temperament and likes/dislikes.
"People dogs" - your dog prefers people over dogs - may prefer to be at home or boarded in a home
"Dog dogs" - your dog loves to play with other dogs - may prefer to be boarded in a home or a hotel/resort
Dogs that enjoy a mix of people snuggles and puppy play may prefer to be boarded in a home or hotel/resort (depending on what the facility offers).
Dogs with separation anxiety may prefer to be sat at home
Cost
The cost of sitting and boarding varies by place and/or care person so if price is a consideration that will require a bit of research.
Meet & Greets
The best way to find the right fit for you and your dog is to have Meet & Greets where ever you are considering. If it's in your home, potential sitters should come to your home to meet, at least once. If you are looking at boarding you and your dog should go to the home or facility. I recommend checking out more than one person or place. Even if you know at first website what or who you want, meeting others will help you validate your first impression or give you back up options if they are not available. But trust your gut and your dog's - chances are you had an instinct before you even read this on whether you should choose pet sitting or boarding for the care of your fur-baby.
More detailed information on dog sitting, dog boarding, meet & greets, and more will be in future blogs so check back for some pawsome info!
