Difference Between Dog Kennels and Dog Sitting?
Sadly, you can’t always take your dog on holiday with you, this means you need to find somewhere for them to stay while you enjoy your holiday. It’s important that your precious pup is happy while you are away, so choosing the right place for them is vital. If you dog has a happy positive experience on their mini holiday, it will make leaving them again much easier.
Dog sitting (dog boarding), dog kennels and now even dog hotels?! There are many options to chose from when looking to board your dog, but which one is right for you and your pup? Below we look at the main differences between dog sitters such as Barking Mad and traditional dog kennels.
Host Carole Enjoying The Spring Sunshine With Guest Doggy Chester
Dog Kennels
Dog kennel boarding is when your dog in kept in a kennel which is separate from the kennel owners’ own home. Kennels can vary from high end ‘pet hotels’ with many amenities, to far more basic premises. Kennels are usually designed as separate kennels and runs with a communal outside space. Your dog is usually kept separately from other dogs unless they are from the same home.
Pros of Dog Kennels:
- Tend to be slightly cheaper than a dog boarding service
- Secure environment and can’t escape
- Experienced dog loving employees
Cons of Dog Kennels:
- Can be very noisy due to the number of dogs being housed together
- Overcrowding of dogs in kennels
- May charge extra administration of medicine and additional exercise
- Easier for viruses and parasites to spread
What is a dog sitting service?
Dog sitting or home dog boarding is when your dog goes to stay in someone else’s home and lives as part of their family for the time you are away. Your dog has their own bed, food and toys, enjoying all their home comforts while you are away, not a kennel insight. Professional dog sitters will often offer a bespoke service, where they match the holiday home environment with the dog’s own home, so your dog feels immediately comfortable in the host’s home with their normal routine.
If you have a busy travel schedule, you may also find that dog sitting is more convenient as many dog sitters offer a chauffeured pick up and return service, saving you the time and hassle of driving to a kennels.
Pros of a Dog Sitting Service:
- Your dog is free to roam the host’s house and take advantage of any outside space
- Your dog or dogs will be the only guest dogs in the home of their host
- One to one care in a relaxed environment
- Your dog shouldn’t be exposed to contagious illnesses any more than they are at home
Cons of a Dog Sitting Service:
- It can be difficult to book at the last minute as a new customer, as a good dog sitter will want to take time to match your dog to an appropriate host and possibly complete a trial stay.
Barking Mad Dog Sitting
Barking Mad’s doggy customers love their chauffeured service
At Barking Mad, we take care of everything for you. Firstly, we meet with you and your dog for a cup of tea and a chat, so we can really understand the specific needs and personality of your pooch! Then, together we carefully select the perfect host family for your dog. We take the time to really get to know your four-legged best friend and create a pet schedule, detailing everything about them so that our host families really do understand their daily life.
When the day comes, we collect your dog from you and drop them with their host for a mini doggy break! Once you have returned from holiday, we will bring your dog home at a time that is convenient to you. They will even return with a postcard telling you what they’ve been up to on their own puppy holiday!
What is the best boarding for my dog?
Choosing the right care for your dog is dependent on their health, temperament, past experiences and of course your own personal preference. When considering a dog boarding service, you should always do you research, have a look on company websites, social media channels and reviews.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and have a read of our article, 9 important questions to ask a potential dog sitter here. A trial stay is always a good idea, to check that both you and your dog are comfortable and happy with the arrangement. Once you are sure that your dog is in safe hands, you can relax and enjoy your time away, knowing that they are having a great time too.
