5 Reasons Boarding Is Better Than Petsitting

Are you going to be leaving town soon? If so, you may need to make arrangements for someone to care for your canine companion while you’re gone. Boarding has traditionally been the solution here, but nowadays, petsitting is also quite popular. Which is better? If you’re just going to have a long day, a petsitter may do just fine. However, if you’ll be away overnight or longer, we definitely recommend boarding. A local San Antonio, TX vet lists some reasons why below.

When looking for petsitters, many people choose friends, family members, or neighbors, or perhaps their children. There’s nothing wrong with that, in and of itself. However, if something were to go wrong, it could really turn into a mess. This is why it’s best to keep personal and professional interests separate. Hiring someone to care for your beloved pet definitely falls under the professional umbrella.

Petsitters generally go to their clients’ homes. While reputable agencies do of course vet their sitters, it can still be a bit nerve-wracking to let someone you don’t know very well into your home when you’re not there. Kennels eliminate this issue, which is one reason many people are more comfortable with them. 

Although petsitters of course are familiar with dogs, they don’t have the level of training that staff at a kennel or animal clinic would. This can make a huge difference in an emergency! This is another reason we recommend boarding senior dogs, puppies, and pooches with medical issues.

Dogs are very social, and can get quite anxious and distressed if they spend too much time alone. If Fido is boarded, he’ll be around people and other pups all day. This will help keep your canine pal from getting lonely while you’re away.

While every kennel is a bit different, many of them do offer great perks. You may be able to get Fido groomed before you pick him up. It’s always great to get cuddles from a clean, fresh-smelling dog! Or, if you are boarding with your vet, you may be able to schedule your furry friend’s exam or vaccinations at the same time. In any case, it won’t hurt to ask!