The Differences Between Pet Sitting and Pet Boarding
Finding care for your pet is very important for pet owners that are traveling or have a busy schedule. Two of the most common options are pet sitting and pet boarding, they both take care of your pet, and have very different experiences for your pet.
If you live in Ras Al Khaimah, deciding between pet boarding services and in-home pet sitting services depends on your pet’s needs, personality, and comfort level.
This will help you understand the differences between the two options and help you decide the best for your pet.
What is pet sitting?
Pet sitting is when a pet caregiver, or pet sitter, takes care of your pet in your home. Instead of relocating your pet to a new space or facility, your sitter comes to your house, or spends the night at your house during the visit to care for your pet.
Pet sitting may include;
– Feeding pets on their schedule
– Walking dogs
– Cleaning litter boxes
– Playtime
– Keeping the pet company
– Medicine administration
The most important benefit of in-home pet sitting is, your pet stays at home, in their comfortable and familiar environment, that they are used to, which greatly reduces and or alleviates their stress and anxiety.
What Is Pet Boarding?
Pet boarding is where you leave your pet in a specific facility or kennel where trained personnel care for multiple animals at the same time.
Standard pet boarding services include:
– Feeding;
– Exercise or play areas;
– Overnight stay;
– Basic grooming;
– Interaction with other pets.
Boarding facilities are designed to accommodate a large number of pets at the same time and often provide the same routine for all pets.
Pet Sitting vs. Pet Boarding
- Environment
Pet Sitting:
- Pets stay at their home which they know best and where they can feel most comfortable.
Pet Boarding:
- Pets go to a different place with different smells, sights, sounds, etc.
- Pets that are prone to stress or more sensitive to changes in their routine tend to adapt better to pet sitting at home.
- Amount of Attention
Pet Sitting:
- Your pet gets the pet sitter’s undivided attention.
Pet Boarding:
- The staff’s attention is divided among a number of other animals.
- Pets that need a special level of care and attention often do better with a pet sitter.
- Stress
Pet Sitting:
- Your pet is less stressed as they are in the same routine.
Pet Boarding:
- Pets can feel anxious for a number of reasons, such as being in a new place, or being around other unfamiliar animals.
For anxious pets, going to a pet sitter can help them feel calmer.
- Social Interaction
Pet Sitting:
- Little numbe of socialization with other animals.
Pet Boarding:
- Pets can socialize with other dogs and cats, which can be fun for very social pets.
- On the other hand, some pets can be overwhelmed with too much socialization.
- Health and Safety
Pet Sitting:
- Pets will have no exposure to diseases from other animals like at boarding.
Pet Boarding:
- Even though boarding facilities require certain vaccinations before boarding, pets can still be exposed to unvaccinated diseases at boarding.
This is a key point when comparing pet boarding to pet sitting.
- When Pet Sitting is the Best Option
- Pet sitting is especially preferable for
- Pets with separation anxiety
- Senior pets or pets that require medication
- Cats that may prefer to stay at home
- Pets that have a daily or weekly schedule to follow:
- Houses with multiple pets
Many pet owners in Ras Al Khaimah prefer pet sitting as it provides the pet care that is needed stress-free and keeps the pet.
Pet Boarding is a good option if:
- Your pet likes to socialize with other animals
- There is a need for 24/7 supervision
- Your pet is adaptable to new and different places
- You will be away for a long period of time
Active dogs can also benefit from the professional supervision and play areas that modern dog boarding facilities offer.
Weighing Your Options
The best choice pet sitting and pet boarding services will always be relative to your pet’s needs and what your pet’s personality is like.
Pet sitting services may be a better choice if your pet needs a lot of individual attention and he/she doesn’t like to be in new places and would prefer to stay at home while pets boarding services may be a better option if your pet is a more social animal who enjoys being in a new place and will like to be around a lot of new pets.
For many pet owners in Ras Al Khaimah, a combination of pet sitting and pet boarding services may be the best option.
