When a dog owner goes out of town, it can be very stressful to think about who will take care of their dog while they are gone. If you can't take your dog with you, you can either board him or hire someone to watch over him. This might not be an easy choice to make because there are so many things to think about when it comes to making sure your dog is happy and healthy. Some of these things are the cost and quality of care, as well as how safe your dog is. Dog boarding and dog sitting services both have their pros and cons, but in the end, your dog will appreciate being able to stay at home.
Dog Boarding Advantages
In the past few years, dog boarding has changed a lot. The cold, concrete, and steel cages you might be picturing are no longer the norm. Kennels are starting to look more and more like pet hotels as they add more and more amenities. Pools, one-on-one play dates, and massages are all examples of these kinds of perks. Most dog kennels offer different packages that let you choose the amenities and the amount of personal attention you want your dog to get. This one-on-one care is usually very important for making sure your dog feels safe and comfortable, but it can get pricey.
Dog Boarding Drawbacks
One of the worst things about dog boarding is that your dog might not be used to being away from home. Dog boarding is best avoided if your dog is agitated, has separation anxiety, or is an older dog that has never been boarded before. If your dog isn't prepared for dog kennels, it may become uncomfortable. Dog kennels may be quite stressful places. Some dogs just can't handle being boarded and spending their whole stay in a strange place with other dogs they might not get along with.
Advantages of Dog Sitting Services
Many of the issues associated with dog boarding can be resolved by hiring a dog sitter. Your dog won't be stressed out because they'll be in their own home. They'll also get personalized care and attention at no extra cost, and you'll know that the dog sitter is well-trained. Also, a professional dog sitter is better than having a friend or family member look after your pet. They know what to look for and what to do in case of an emergency because they have been trained in Pet CPR and first aid.
Overnights
Even though your dog won't be cared for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can work with your dog sitter to find the right amount of care. A dog sitter can come for 30, 45, or 60 minutes to care for and spend time with your dog at different times of the day. If you're worried about leaving your dog alone at night, you can have a dog sitter come to your house and stay the night. Overnight stays last 12 hours and start between 7 and 10 p.m. There is a 30-minute walk in the morning and evening. You can also schedule more visits in the middle of the day if you need to.
Get to know the person who will be taking care of your dog
You can feel better about letting a stranger into your home for the first time if you meet your dog sitter ahead of time and build trust. Your dog sitter can do more than just take care of your dog while you're gone. They can also keep an eye on your house. They can bring in your mail and newspaper, water your plants, and let you know if anything goes wrong. You can ask them to clean up your yard after your dog goes potty and to get any supplies your dog might need while you're gone.
Dog Sitting Services' Minor Drawbacks
The disadvantages of dog sitting services are minor, but they do exist. Your dog won't be taken care of all the time. A pet sitter, on the other hand, will spend enough time with your dog during their visits to make them feel more relaxed and secure in the knowledge that they are being cared for. Another con is that, at least at first, you're letting a stranger into your home. Your dog may be nervous the first time they meet another person who takes care of them, but once they get to know and trust their dog sitter, they will likely warm up to them. To keep your dog from getting too anxious while you're away, the dog sitter will take the time to play with and feed them. You can feel better about this if you meet your dog sitter ahead of time and build trust in them.
Get Pet Sitting Services
Most of the time, hiring a dog sitter is the best way to take care of your dog while you're out of town. The skills, compassion, and expertise that dog sitters possess enable them to form a close relationship with your dog and ensure their well-being while you're away.