Pets are an important part of many families, and their owners frequently struggle with where to leave them when they go on vacation or business trips. In-home pet sitting and boarding kennels are the two most popular options. This blog will go over the advantages of in-home pet sitting and how it compares to boarding kennels.
Pet sitting services provide you with a skilled professional who visits your home on a regular basis to check on, feed, and exercise your pets. If your pets have separation anxiety or you simply do not want to leave them alone, a pet sitter can even stay in your home all day or overnight. Examine the benefits and drawbacks of this option to see if a pet sitter is the best option for your pets.
To accurately choose the best care option while traveling, pet owners must consider their animal's temperament, health, age, and other needs. To make the best decision, consider the pros and cons of each option and weigh them against your pet's needs. If you're not sure, try a short stay at a boarding kennel followed by a stay with a pet sitter to see how your pets react. Your pet will undoubtedly appreciate the extra attention.
What Exactly Is In-Home Pet Sitting?
In-home pet sitting is a service in which a professional pet sitter visits your home and cares for your pet while you are away. The pet sitter will follow your instructions and make certain that your pet receives proper care, such as feeding, exercise, and playtime. They will also provide your pet with companionship, which is essential for their emotional well-being. Pets require attention and affection, and having a pet sitter who can provide them with this can make all the difference in their lives. Pet sitters can take your pet for walks, play fetch, and entertain them with mental stimulation and other activities. They can also provide companionship for your pet, as many animals require social interaction to stay healthy and happy. Pet sitters can also help with basic grooming, such as brushing and bathing, as well as feeding. These services are invaluable for pet owners who may lack the time or resources to provide their pets with the necessary care. More specialized grooming services, such as nail trimming and ear cleaning, can also be provided by pet sitters.
Advantages of Pet Sitters
One of the best things about pet sitters is that your pets can stay in the comfort of their own homes while you are away, receiving the best possible care and attention. You don't have to be concerned about your pets being around other animals or being in a new environment when a pet sitter is in charge. With a single person caring for your pets and no other animals in the vicinity, the risk of an incident occurring decreases.
Your pet sitter will follow your specific care instructions for each pet and, if necessary, will water your plants. To keep your pets looking, feeling, and acting their best, you can have your pet sitter work on training tasks, play games with them, or perform minor grooming services.
Pet sitters visit your home on a regular basis to ensure that problems do not arise or worsen while you are away. You can be confident that your pet sitter will contact you as soon as something goes wrong at home or with your pets. Your direct line of communication with your pet sitter can provide you with enormous peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your vacation.
Advantages of In-Home Pet Sitting:
Individualized Care
One of the most important benefits of in-home pet sitting is that your pet will receive personalized attention. The pet sitter will adhere to your instructions and routines, ensuring that your pet's specific requirements are met. In a boarding kennel, where there are many other pets, this level of care is not possible, and the staff must follow a more general routine.
Stress Reduction
When their owners are away, pets can experience a lot of stress, which can be amplified in unfamiliar surroundings. In-home pet sitting relieves your pet's stress by allowing them to stay in the comfort of their own home. Your pet will feel more secure and relaxed because they will be surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and smells.
There Will Be No Contact With Other Animals
Boarding kennels frequently house a large number of animals, which can increase the risk of disease transmission. Because your pet will not be exposed to other animals, in-home pet sitting eliminates this risk. This is especially important for pets with weakened immune systems or who are prone to disease.
Increased Security
In-home pet sitting can also add an extra level of security to your home. Most pet sitters will do basic housekeeping tasks like bringing in the mail and newspapers, turning on and off lights, and making sure your home looks lived in while you are away. This can deter potential burglars and give you peace of mind while you're away.
Convenience
For many pet owners, in-home pet sitting is also more convenient. You are not required to transport your pet to and from a boarding kennel, nor are you required to adhere to their specific drop-off and pick-up times. In-home pet sitting also eliminates the need for you to entrust your pet's care to friends or family members while you are away.
What to Look Out For
Because pet sitters must enter your home to complete their duties, it is critical that the animals openly welcome people into their homes. If your pets are territorial, a pet sitter might not be the best option.
When you hire a pet sitter, you must prepare your home for their visit and ensure that your pets have everything they require while you are gone. You should also be prepared for any damage that may occur while your pets are at home alone.
If you tend to travel during peak travel seasons, you may have difficulty booking your preferred pet sitters. You must plan ahead of time to secure assistance from the pet-sitting professionals you most trust with your animals.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Boarding Kennels
So, what exactly is dog boarding? Essentially, it entails transporting your dog or cat to a facility away from home for an overnight or longer stay. These lodging facilities, which can range from traditional boarding kennels to veterinary facilities to pet resorts, are commonly referred to as pet hotels, pet boarding facilities, or boarding kennels.
Boarding kennels allow you to board your pet in a hotel setting for short or long periods of time while you are away. Your pet will receive care, attention, and exercise while staying at the boarding kennel, which is designed with your pet's safety in mind. Before making a decision, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this option.
Boarding isn't for every pet, so weigh the benefits and drawbacks to see if this is the best option for your dogs or cats.
The Advantages of Kennels
While you are away, your pet will be kept in strong kennels and pens that provide protection and security. Despite the fact that many pets are kept on boarding kennel grounds at the same time, trained staff members provide constant oversight and monitoring to avoid incidents. Many friendly pets are able to socialize with other animals and people, making their stay truly enriching.
Pets in boarding kennels follow a strict schedule, which can help reduce stress and make your animal's stay more enjoyable. All pets are fed and exercised on this schedule from the start to help them learn what to expect.
Benefits of Pet Boarding
Daily expenses may be lower. At a boarding facility, your dog may enjoy making new friends.
The Drawbacks of Pet Boarding
Scents, sights, and sounds may be frightening to them as they adjust to a new environment. Airborne disease exposure, such as kennel cough and canine influenza. The possibility that your dog will be picked on by an alpha dog, resulting in physical or psychological harm as well as high vet bills, a lack of attention, or a poor environment. They are accustomed to increased stress or anxiety as a result of a poor boarding experience. Desire to flee the new environment may cause your pet to flee and become lost.
Conclusion
While boarding kennels are wonderful, in-home pet sitting has several advantages over boarding kennels. It offers more personalized care, reduces stress, eliminates the risk of disease transmission, adds an extra layer of security, and makes life easier for pet owners. In-home pet sitting is an excellent option to consider if you want to ensure that your pet receives the best care while you are away.