Before determining which service is ideal for your fur buddy, you should know a few fundamental distinctions between pet boarding and pet sitting. First of all, pet boarding usually happens in a place where your pet will spend overnight or for a considerable amount of time. Contrarily, pet sitting typically means having someone visit your home to check on your pet and give them essential care while you are gone.

Another significant distinction is that, in contrast to pet sitting, pet boarding services frequently have a larger team on hand to care for the animals. Therefore, if you have a pet that requires a lot of maintenance, you should consider this. Last but not least, the cost of pet boarding can be more than that of pet sitting. However, this will depend on the length of stay and the particular services offered.

Consider your pet’s needs and what will make them the most comfortable when choosing between pet boarding and pet sitting. Be careful to see your veterinarian for advice if you have any questions or concerns.

When to Consider Boarding Your Pet

If your pet is a young animal, boarding is your best bet. You may relax knowing that Pet Sitting Services will give him the potty breaks, attention, and social interaction he needs to stay happy and stimulated. Additionally, boarding is preferable if your pet becomes disruptive while away. Pets who are prone to separation anxiety will fare better with round-the-clock care. If you’re planning on being away for an extended period, boarding is also an excellent solution to guarantee that your pet will be taken care of while you are away.

Pricing for these boarding alternatives varies tremendously depending on the amenities and level of service chosen. These add-ons can run up the fees. However, the more personal attention given to your pet reduces the strain of adjusting to a new habitat and unfamiliar human companions, making this extra cost. 

Many pet owners prefer to board their animals at a veterinary clinic so that they can receive medical attention. Unfortunately, although it seems like a good idea, most veterinary boarding facilities are sterile, frigid, and antiquated. Additionally, boarders will likely receive less attention and care because medical and surgical patients take precedence in veterinary institutions.

When to Consider Sitting Your Pet?

If your pet is elderly or has unique requirements, he might function best at home. Pet sitting services are the best choice in this situation. While you’re away, your pet sitter will come to your house to offer food, drink, potty breaks, medicine, and company. Both you and your cat may feel less stressed and anxious due to this. Pet sitting services also enable your many dogs to be together in their own comfortable spaces if you have them.

Consult your veterinarian if you’re still unsure about which choice is best for your pet. They can determine your pet’s needs and recommend the best course of action.

Pet sitters’ most typical service includes going to the house at specific times to feed, allowing for bodily elimination, and exercising the pet. Other pet care providers will not only look after the animals. Still, they may also stay at the pet owner’s home, giving the animals a constant companion or at least a bedtime companion.

When their owners are absent, pets might become stressed, but when they are in their homes, where they are accustomed to being, the symptoms tend to be milder. Since many years ago, I have never had to treat a pet that a sitter has looked after for stress-related bloody colitis.

The advantage of having sitters is that the pet owner’s house is protected. In addition, live-in sitters produce a nearly regular household routine that deters prospective robberies and reduces “away from home” signals to potential “bad guys” by collecting the mail and newspaper.

Without considerably lowering prices, live-in sitters can collect phone messages and care for interior and outdoor plants. Additionally, live-in sitters can arrange for the pets to be evaluated by a veterinarian and are more likely to identify any potential health issues early. Finally, my experience is that pets with live-in sitters tend to be less subject to separation stress.

When Pet Sitting is a Good Option

Do you own several cats, dogs, or other pets? A pet sitting service might be a good fit in such a case. Dogs who live with another dog or two won’t feel as lonely as an only pet might. Additionally, keeping senior dogs in their familiar environment will help them stay calmer. Finally, having a sitter who can check in on your house cats once or twice a day may be all you need if they like to be left alone when you’re home.

In general, you should opt for boarding your pet if:

·         Your pet is young and needs frequent potty breaks and social interaction.

·         Your pet becomes disruptive when you’re away and needs to be separated from other animals.

·         Your pet has anxiety disorders that make him uneasy when left alone.

·         You have several pets who will do better with companionship while you’re away.

On the other hand, you should consider a pet sitting service if:

·         Your animal companion does well when left alone and doesn’t need constant supervision.

·         You only have one pet who won’t become too anxious in your absence.

·         You’re only going to be away for a short time, such as overnight or for a weekend.

·         You have several pets who will do better in their home environment.

·         The cost of boarding is too high for your budget.

When in doubt, it’s advisable to seek your veterinarian’s advice on the best course of action for your pet’s care. Based on the unique characteristics and demands of your pet, they will be able to provide expert advice.

What would happen if your sitter couldn’t drive to your house due to a snowstorm?

Having a dependable neighbor who can access your house and check on your pet is a brilliant idea, just in case. However, the reputation of the person taking care of your pets is something else to consider. Do your homework every day. Ask them if you know of a boarding facility or sitter they can recommend. Look through social media and websites to see what other people say. If you use one, ask for references and confirm that the pet sitter service is insured and bonded.

Be prepared in advance in case of an emergency. If you don’t have service where you’re going or the pet sitter can’t reach you for any reason, leave the phone numbers for your veterinarian and at least one backup person. Making sure your pet is “in excellent paws” will provide you peace of mind while you’re away, whether you decide to board your pet or hire a pet sitter.

If you have a pet, you know the anxiety of leaving your cherished dog or cat in a boarding facility while you are away. Thankfully, this isn’t your only choice! For many pet owners, an excellent substitute for typical boarding arrangements when they must travel for a few days is Pet Sitting Services here in Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking. Contact us for more information.