As a doggo parent, it’s natural to stress about your furry family members’ care when you’re away. Boarding your dog or hiring a sitter is often an anxiety-filled decision for many pet parents. We know your dog is family, so of course you want the best care while you’re away from them!
Country Kennels has you covered. Below, we compare the benefits of dog boarding vs. dog sitting, so you can make the best choice for your pet family.
How to Choose Boarding vs. Sitting | A Dog Parent’s Checklist
Choose Dog Boarding if your dog:
- Loves to socialize, especially with other dogs
- Does well in a large facility with plenty of animals (i.e. adapts well to a new environment)
- Shares toys with other dogs
- Is healthy and has up-to-date vaccinations (Rabies, DAPP or DA2PP, and Bordetella)
- Does not suffer from an anxiety disorder that would make their visit stressful
- Will be at the facility for a shorter vs. a longer time period (short visits are preferred)
- Pup parent needs extra support (regular updates, photos) when they are away from their pup
Choose Dog Sitting if your dog:
- Is very shy or aggressive around other dogs, cats, or pocket pets
- Does not have their updated vaccinations
- Will be without you for more than a few weeks at a time (lengthy visits)
- Needs constant care and attention due to mobility issues, recent surgery, blindness, or behavioural issues
- Has anxiety around new people or animals
- Suffers from an anxiety disorder or separation issues
How to Sniff Out the Right Fit
Asking questions is important for finding the best care situation for your tail-wagging companion – whether that’s an overnight sitter or a great home-away-from-home for your doggo.
For your possible dog sitter, questions can include:
- Can you accommodate my dog’s needs? (medication, restrictive diet, playtime, exercise and feeding routine)
- Are you certified?
- Are you willing to go to a 24-hr pet hospital if my dog gets sick?
- Do you have any references or reviews to share? How many years of experience do you have as a sitter?
- For overnight stays, do you have a fence (ask for height) so my dog can run around?
- Will I receive regular updates? Will updates be videos or text messages?
- Can we meet ahead of time so you can meet my dog?
For your potential dog boarder, questions can include:
- Can we visit the facility and meet the staff?
- Are staff there 24/7?
- Can my dog get one-on-one attention, as well as group play?
- Is there a veterinarian on-site?
- How much does it cost to board my dog daily and weekly? And what’s included in the price?
- Do you have dog grooming services? Is this an extra charge?
- What happens if my pet gets sick or has a run-in with another animal?
- What type of certification do your facility and staff have?
How Do I Reduce Stress For My Dog While I’m Away?
While nothing beats home for your dog (and you), you may need to choose a pet sitter or a boarding facility for your time apart. It’s completely normal for your four-legged friend to get a little scared or worried once you start packing your suitcase or inviting strangers over for a pet interview. Luckily, there are strategies to help alleviate, or at least reduce, the amount of stress or anxiety your pet endures.
Below are some dog-friendly tips for nipping stress in the bud:
- Bring familiar toys, treats, and other favourite things.
- For a new dog, practice leaving for short periods of time and coming back.
- Try not to be anxious yourself, as your pup will likely pick up on it.
- Provide a comfort item, like an old t-shirt that smells like you or a favourite toy.
- For boarding, take your dog to visit the facility for a half-hour or so a week before you leave to get familiar with the staff and the scents.
- Keep goodbyes short on your departure day (if your dog has separation issues).
Travel Safe Knowing Your Dog is Taken Care Of
Your pet is a big part of your family, and you’re the pet parent, so you know what’s best. Whether your dog thrives in a boarding facility or is more comfortable at home with a sitter, safety and comfort will be among your top priorities.
If you’re looking for Dog Boarding in Leduc County, Contact Country Kennels, a facility that’s 100% pup-approved. We ease your mind when you’re busy or away by providing home-away-from-home pet services for your whole fur-mily.
