Pet Sitters vs. Kennels: Which Is Best for Your Pet?

You’re ready for vacation, your bags are packed, but you have one thing left to do. Deciding who is going to watch your dog while you are away. There are two main options, a dog kennel or a professional pet sitter, but which is the right choice? Let’s look at the pros and cons of both options, so you can make an informed decision. Remember you know your dog best, so do what feels right for you and your furry friend.

Here are the pros and cons of pet sitters and dog kennels:

Dog Kennel Pros

• Your dog has the opportunity to socialize with other pets
• Kennels and/or daycares bill by the day, so this can be more cost effective for some people
• Pets that have destructive behavior when they’re left alone may do better with 24 hour supervision
• Young pups will flourish in kennels because they will receive lots of potter breaks, social time, and attention.

Dog Kennel Cons

• Your dog could get stressed by the other dogs in the kennels 
• After being exposed to other dogs, your furry friend might come home being stinky
• There’s a greater potential for your pet to pick up a disease, or fleas, or ticks
• Kennels charge per pet, so this could be quite expensive if you have multiple pets
• Often times your pet if giving the food that the kennel provides, not what they are accustomed to, so this could result in diarrhea or intestinal issues

Pet Sitter Pros

• Your dog is in a familiar place and can follow their normal routine (this is important for puppies and senior dogs
• There’s less pet exposure which reduces the risk of disease transmission
• Pet sitters can give your dog their undivided attention
• Professional pet sitters can provide for special needs pets such as making special foods or injections
• Your pet sitter meets with you prior to your departure to discuss the personalized care that your pet will receive in your absence.
• When you return home, your pet will be there waiting for you

Pet Sitter Cons

• Some pet sitters charge per visit, so this can be more expensive than the dog kennel
• Your dog is left alone overnight, however they are in a familiar and safe place (some pet sitters even offer overnight sleepover services)
• Your dog could be very protective of their home and not like the idea of an unfamiliar person staying there