Leaving your dog behind while you’re away can be a ruff decision (sorry, we couldn’t resist ha!), and the right care arrangement can bring peace of mind to you and your furry friend. The first question you’ll face is whether to opt for dog boarding or pet sitting.
The answer to this question will entirely depend on you, your dog and your budget. Both dog boarding and pet sitting offer unique benefits, and understanding what each entails can help you determine the right fit for your dog.
In this blog, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about dog boarding and dog sitting to make your decision a little easier – there’s no need to chase your tail!
What is Dog Boarding?
Dog boarding provides a temporary home for your dog while you’re away. Whether you’re going on holiday, visiting the hospital or heading off on business, dog boarding facilities offer a home-from-home experience catered to your dog’s every need. Cared for by a team of experienced professionals, your dog will enjoy a range of activities and interactions to promote their overall confidence and wellbeing. At K9 Heaven, we offer a range of services, from Boujee Boarding accommodation to onsite dog grooming. Our pups enjoy daily enrichment activities, nutritious meals, opportunities for socialisation and 10 acres of parkland, forests, and ponds.
What is Dog Sitting?
With pet sitting, the sitter comes to you. That means your dog can stay in the comfort of their own home. Just like the name suggests, pet sitters come to your home to take care of your dog. They’ll usually stay in your house and keep your doggo fed, watered and well-loved. A good pet sitter will usually follow your dog’s regular feeding, walking, and play routines. This option can reduce the stress of adapting to a new environment and help maintain your dog’s regular schedule.
Pros of Dog Boarding
With professional staff and dog-centred facilities, dog boarding is an ideal choice for pet parents looking for a structured, professional environment for their dogs. Whether it’s for peace of mind or stimulation, there are plenty of reasons to choose dog boarding.
Experienced Professionals
The great thing about dog boarding is that they are usually run by experienced and trained professionals, with a genuine love for our little bundles of fluff. Skilled in handling dogs and understanding canine behavior, you can enjoy your trip knowing they are in safe and capable hands.
Top Facilities
Dog boarding facilities are designed specifically for dogs. From cosy sleeping areas to wide-open play spaces, they are created with your dog’s comfort and safety in mind. For example, at K9 Heaven, we offer a sprawling 10-acre paradise of parkland, forests, and ponds, where your doggo will have plenty of time to stretch their paws and connect with nature.
Peace of Mind
As dog parents, it’s normal to worry when you leave your pal behind. To ease your nerves and ensure that your worries don’t take over your entire trip, it’s best to leave your doggo in safe hands. That’s where dog boarding comes in. Overnight dog boarding facilities are built to prioritise your dog’s safety. Knowing that your dog is in a safe space with people who know what they are doing can help you feel more relaxed while you’re away.
Opportunities for Socialisation
Socialisation can help build your dog’s confidence and ease anxiety. Dog boarding is a great opportunity to introduce your pal to other doggos in a safe, controlled environment. At K9 Heaven, we’ll only introduce them to dogs of a similar size and temperament. This is to ensure they feel safe and comfortable throughout their stay.
Health & Safety Measures
Heath and safety is paramount when it comes to your furry friend. After all, they play an important role in your household. Dog boarding facilities in New Zealand are required to implement health and safety protocols. Many centres require proof of vaccination from their overnight guests to reduce the risk of illness. At K9 Heaven, our team is well trained in dog first aid and confident in handling dogs of all shapes and sizes.
You know what you’re getting
Another great thing about dog boarding is transparency. Dog boarding facilities have a responsibility to be open and honest to their customers. You can visit their social media pages, ask them questions, read online reviews and come and see their facilities in person. By the time it comes to dropping your dog off, you’ll know exactly what to expect and you can walk away knowing they are in good hands.
Pros of Dog Sitting
Pet sitting is a popular option for dog parents on a budget. It can also be a great choice for dogs who struggle with changes to their routine and thrive in familiar surroundings. Let’s take a look at the pros of pet sitting in more detail…
They Get to Stay Home
For dogs who are sensitive to change, staying at home can help them feel safe and secure. Familiar sights, sounds, and scents can reduce anxiety and stress. The pet sitter will usually stay in your home with your doggo to help them feel more comfortable. They’ll also take them out for regular walks in the area they know and love.
More Affordable
Depending on the type of service, pet sitting is usually more affordable than dog boarding. While prices vary, pet sitting is a budget-friendly option that works out well if you’re going away for longer durations.
1:1 Care
Does your dog like having all the attention? If yes, they may appreciate the one-on-one interactions a pet sitter can bring. While most dog boarding facilities offer a lot of love and interaction, they will have to share the attention with others. Pet sitters, on the other hand, can focus on one dog at a time. For pets with specific care requirements, this one-on-one time can be invaluable.
Fewer Disruptions to Their Routine
Just like kids, dogs need routine. Routine helps your dog feel happy and confident and it can have a pawsitive impact on their overall wellbeing. Pet sitters can maintain your dog’s regular feeding, walking, and play schedule to minimise disruptions to their daily routine. This can be particularly reassuring for you and your doggo if it’s your first time away.
How to Choose Between Dog Boarding and Pet Sitting
The choice between dog boarding and pet sitting can be difficult, especially if it’s your first time leaving your dog overnight. Here are a few things to consider to make your decision a little easier.
Health and Safety
The number one priority is your dog’s safety. Whether you choose dog boarding or pet sitting, you’ll want to make sure they have the right processes in place. Both pet sitters and boarding facilities may have certifications in animal care or training. This can give you extra confidence in the level of care provided.
You’ll also want to find out if they have pet first aid training. If it’s a dog boarding facility, what are their rules on vaccinations, what are their protocols and how do they keep your dog safe? If your dog has medication, you’ll want to know if the team or sitter is comfortable administering it. Think about all the things that are important to you and your dog and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Skills and Experience
This is a very important one. In most cases dog boarding facilities have an experienced and qualified team. If they don’t display that information on the website, you can ask them about it.
If you’re choosing a pet sitter, ask about their previous experience. Are they used to handling bigger dogs? How do they manage disruptive behaviour? For pet sitters, their style must also align with your values. Spend some time getting to know them to see if they’re the right fit.
Recommendations and References
One of the best and most reassuring ways to find out if someone is good at what they do is through the experience of previous customers. Before you start searching online, ask for recommendations from friends and family. If you choose dog boarding, look for testimonials on the website and always check Google reviews.
Talking to other dog parents who have used the service before can give you an honest insight into what to expect. Look for feedback that highlights reliability, care, and professionalism.
If you choose a dog sitter, we recommend asking for references. This is because dog sitters don’t usually have their own website or social media pages where you can check customer reviews.
Our Take on Dog Boarding vs. Pet Sitting
At K9 Heaven, we’re a bit biassed! We love welcoming doggos for overnight stays and pride ourselves in top-notch care, premium facilities, and a safe, engaging environment. On the other hand, we also understand the benefits of pet sitting because our owners, Ollie and Tanya, started their careers as professional dog sitters. Having been there ourselves, we know the pros and cons of both options and we want to help you make the right choice for your doggo.
The best thing you can do is to take your time, ask the right questions, and choose the option that will make you and your pup feel most comfortable. Find out more about our dog boarding service or get in touch today.
