Boarding or Professional Pet Sitter, Which is Best?

There are numerous factors you need to consider when deciding whether to board your dog or hire a professional pet sitter. These include: the dog's age, the breed, if she/he has been spayed or neutered, the dog's health, the activity level of the dog, the dog's behavior around other dogs, as well as the dog's neediness for human companionship, the length of your absence, whether the dog can stay alone at night, and so on.

Although many dogs do very well when boarded in a clean and well supervised and managed boarding facility, others are much more content with staying in their own familiar environment. Dogs that are young, energetic, playful, comfortable with other dogs, healthy, well- socialized and relaxed in different surroundings may be perfectly happy in a kennel. Older dogs who may be medically compromised and have lower activity level as well as a lower tolerance for noise, may be much happier in the quiet and comfortable environment at home. Other considerations include: how often your dog is fed, gets walked, is used to being alone, is easily stressed and is comfortable with strangers.

In many boarding facilities, the dogs play together in an exercise or play area as opposed to going on individual walks. Some kennels are crate free so the dogs sleep in a communal area rather than having their own private space. The staff look after numerous dogs at a time, so dogs may not get individual attention. This is not the case everywhere so be sure to investigate what the rules of operation are at any facility you are considering.

In my years as a pet sitter, I have frequently advised clients not to use my services but to board their dog in one of the excellent kennels that operate in San Diego. The reasons for me making this recommendation are if their dog is young, healthy, active, needs lots of stimulation and requires more interaction with other dogs than I can give him.

If the dog has health issues, requires medication, needs lots of personalized attention, is easily stressed or under-socialized, needs to be walked frequently, etc., then a professional pet sitter who can stay overnight at your home is usually the better solution.

My primary consideration always is what is in the best interests of the dog. Where will he or she be happiest and be able to flourish while the pet parent is away.