Pet Kennel vs. Pet Sitter:
What’s Best for Your Pet?
This is it! You’re setting off on vacation, your bags are packed, and you’re ready to hit the road. You’ve been planning this trip for months, and everything has been taken care of, including finding a place for your furry friend to stay while you’re off having fun. That kennel down the street seemed like the perfect place for your pet, and it may be great, but hang on…there could be a better choice for your dog, cat, or other four-legged friend. What would you say if you could have the option of a professional pet sitter, offering experienced care for your pet, while allowing them to stay in the comfort of their own home? Why don’t we take a look at the pros and cons of both options, and let you decide for yourself. For a thorough, easy to read comparison of pet care choices, visit this page -Why choose a pet sitter? Dog Kennel/Daycare Facility Pros:
- Your dog or cat has the opportunity to socialize and play with other pets
- Kennels and daycares usually bill by the day, which may be more cost-effective for some.
Cons:
- Although your pet may love other animals and socialize well, other dogs or cats may be aggressive, or attempt to show they are alpha in the pack, and may harm your pet
- Kennels and daycares often charge per pet. So if you have more than one, it can be quite expensive to pay for multiple pets. And rooming them together is not always an option.
- Many facilities do not care for cats, rabbits, and small caged pets. So you may be able to drop off your dog, but what about your kitty, ferret or fish?
- Your pet may be stressed by the presence of many other animals in a kennel
- There’s a greater potential for your pet to pick up a contagious disease, or fleas, or ticks
- Facilities require that your pet has a Kennel Cough vaccination. Without it, your pet may not be able to board there, and to get it, is an additional expense and an extra trip to the vet.
- Staff often can’t give your pet as much extra attention – or charge a premium to do so
- Feedings, walks, potty breaks and playtime are done on the kennel’s schedule, not your pet’s. And, there’s an additional charge to do so.
- Often, your pet is fed what the kennel offers, and not what they are accostumed to, resulting in intestinal issues and diarrhea.
- The facility may not be as sanitary and as clean as your own home.
- Many facilities do not have staff overnight. Your pet is left alone in a strange place.
- Most facilities have you drop your pet off at the entrance, so you may never meet the people actually caring for your pet.
- After being exposed to other dogs, your pet may return home smelling stinky. Some kennels require that your pet is bathed prior to your return. And charge you for it.
- Hours of operation at most facilities are limited on weekends. Meaning, you may arrive home on a Sunday, and may not be able to pick your pet up that day. Some facilities are not open 7 days per week.
There’s no place like home!
In-Home Pet Care/Professional Pet Sitter: Pros:
- Your pet is in a familiar place and can follow their regular routine, which is important for young and senior animals, or those with medical issues.
- There’s less exposure to unfamiliar animals for your pet, reducing the risk of disease transmission and providing a quieter environment for older or more shy pets.
- Pet sitters can give your furry family member special one-on-one attention at every visit.
- Many qualified pet sitters can provide unique care for special needs pets, like preparing special food or daily injections.
- Daily visits to your home by a pet sitter can help to deter break-ins while you’re away.
- Many Professional Pet Sitters include other convenient services in addition to caring for your pets. Such as bringing in the mail, watering plants, and sleeping overnight.
- Your pet sitter meets with you prior to your departure to discuss the personalized care that your pet will receive in your absence. So, you meet your pet’s actual caregiver.
- There’s no extra and inconvenient travel time back and forth from the kennel for your pet (or you!)
- When you return home, your pets are right there waiting for you. No worrying if the kennel is closed or open, to pick your pet up.
- Most Professional Pet Sitting Services are available 365 days per year.
Cons:
- Some pet sitters charge per visit, so it may be more expensive than a kennel.
- Your pet is left alone overnight- however, it is in a familiar, safe place. And most Professional Pet Sitters offer Overnight sleepover services.
- Your pet may be protective of their own home, so this may not be a good option for an extremely territorial cat or dog.
In the end, you know your four-legged family member best. Although kennels or daycare facilities can be the right option for some pets, on the other paw, many dogs and cats would far rather stay at home to be cared for by someone who’s an expert in pet care (and at handing out those super snuggles, too). If it were you in your cat or dog’s place, what would you choose? There’s no place like home! Wagging Tails Pet Sitting & Mobile Grooming caring for Connecticut’s pets since 1995. www.waggingtails.com (860) 621-7387 (Pets) 
