holiday petcare: how to choose between pet sitting or boarding

Hi, Heidi Cooley, DVM, here. I’ve been a doctor at Banfield for 19 years and today I want to chat about holiday safety.  

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and also one of the most stressful — particularly for pet owners. If you plan on taking your little adventure buddy on your holiday vacation, we’ve got some helpful travel tips. And if you’ll be staying home with your pet, with lots of people coming to visit, we have some additional tips here. But if you’re planning on traveling and NOT taking your furry friend with you and are unsure if pet sitting or boarding is best, this blog is for you. 

We’ll dig into the pros and cons of pet sitting and boarding to help you decide which option is best for you and your dog or cat. 

Pet sitting 

Pros:
Pet sitting might seem preferable during the holidays and for good reason — it keeps your pet in the comfort of their home and safe from exposure to diseases they can potentially contract from other animals in a group setting. And if you can have a familiar face watch your pet, even better! 

Cons:
However, pet sitting might only be an option for some. First, it can cost more than boarding your pet. While having a pet sitter visit your home for multiple short stints might cost $20 to $30 per visit, having a sitter stay overnight can cost hundreds of dollars. Another con of pet sitting is quality control. There’s always the possibility that the sitter isn’t the right fit for you, your pet, or your home — or worse, they could be negligent with your pet.

Here are some ways you can prepare for a pet sitter: 

• Research pet sitters in your area, ask for referrals from friends or family, or check out pet sitting apps 
• Interview potential pet sitters to make sure they’re the right fit for your pet
• Once you’ve selected a pet sitter, introduce them to your pet
• Create a walking/feeding schedule and a list of important information like medications, emergency contacts, etc. to share with the pet sitter (it’s important to leave clear details and expectations)
• If it makes you feel more comfortable, ask your pet sitter to send updates or pictures of your little cutie while you’re away

Boarding

Pros: 
Boarding your pet is a great option if you’ll be away for a long time and need a more cost-effective way to care for your pet. Overnight boarding typically costs $30 to $60, but can vary depending on where you live. It’s also a great option if your pet is super social and would prefer to have the company of other dogs or cats instead of going stir-crazy at home alone. Another pro of boarding is that typically the staff is trained, veterinary care might be available in case of an emergency, and some facilities offer fun features such as exercise and play areas, spas, and luxurious places to sleep. Research which boarding facilities are in your area and ask them what they offer. This will help you better understand if boarding is the right option for your lovebug.

Cons:
If your pet gets stressed leaving their house or being in a group setting, pet sitting might be a better option. Also, pets can contract diseases such as kennel cough even if the facility is clean and your dog is healthy. Another con is the possibility of your cutie getting hurt in a fight with another animal. 

Here are some tips for selecting a boarding facility: 

• Research facilities in your area or ask friends and family for referrals, and make sure they’re certified through a professional organization and require vaccinations 
• Visit the facility to ensure it’s the right fit for your pet. Check to make certain all areas and bowls are clean and that there’s ample space for sleeping, stretching, and exercising
• If your pet hasn’t boarded before, maybe schedule an overnight stay before your holiday travels to make sure your pet can handle it 

If you still have trouble deciding which is best, talk to your Banfield veterinary team. They can give their professional advice and talk through your concerns about either option.