Should You Hire A Pet Sitter Or Board Your Dog?
Going on vacation without your dog takes some thoughtful planning. You generally have two options when it comes to their care – boarding them in a kennel or having a pet sitter visit to care for them in your home. Which is the right choice depends greatly on the personality of your dog. The following guide can help you decide between boarding and home care.
Does your dog have any special needs?
Dogs with special health concerns, such as seizures, are better in a kennel where their condition can be monitored. Most pet sitters only visit the house twice a day, or three times at most, so a major health event could happen hours before it is noticed, and then your dog will have to wait even longer as they are transported to the vet. In a kennel, your dog will be monitored around the clock and they will have instant access to medical care. Save in-home care for younger and healthy dogs.
Is anxiety an issue?
Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety, especially when they are younger. If your dog tends to whine and pace, or refuses to eat and drink, when you are gone for the day, the situation may worsen during vacation. What is best for these dogs can vary. Some do better in a kennel, because they are not left alone all day, while for other dogs a trip to the kennel only heightens their anxiety. A trial run may be your best bet – take your dog to the kennel for a day and gauge their reaction. If they settle down quickly this may be the best option. Often, dogs that have been crate trained at home do well with boarding. Rescue dogs, especially if they were older when rescued, may think they are being abandoned at a kennel, so it is better to arrange for a pet sitter.
Do you have a young or active dog?
Puppies and especially young, active dogs may become destructive if left to their own devices for most of the day. If your dog isn't fully trained yet, or exhibits a high need for exercise, a kennel is a better option. Choose one that provides a few daily walks along with access to an exercise yard. If your dog is content to lounge around between a couple of daily walks, or if they have access to a yard through a pet door, then sitting may be a viable option.
For more information, talk to various boarding facilities, such as Alpha K-9 Kennels.