Dog parents who are planning a trip without their pet face a decision: they can either board their dog at a facility such as a kennel or a “pet resort,” or they can choose to have someone come to their home, where their dog is most comfortable, for daily care and feeding. Making the best choice depends on fully understanding your dog’s needs and personality, as well as recognizing your own comfort level with certain aspects that are unique to each option.

Boarding is generally defined as taking your dog outside of its home for a stay of one or more nights. Within that definition, however, there are multiple scenarios that yield different experiences. 

Traditional boarding facilities. More commonly referred to as kennels, these provide your dog’s basic needs – food, water and shelter – plus scheduled outdoors time for walks and/or socializing with other dogs. 

• Because they tend to be basic, no-frills affairs, kennels also typically represent the least expensive boarding option, which can make them the best choice for dog parents who will be away for a lengthy period. 

• Most kennels separate dogs from one another during sleeping hours, and some may keep dogs by themselves in private enclosures during those times of the day when they can’t be directly supervised. 

• Staff may not be equipped to give dogs much in the way of individual attention; dogs can become bored or anxious as a result. 

Dog resorts. As the name suggests, these facilities typically offer a number of services and amenities that a regular kennel might lack – although these extra perks make them more expensive than kennels.  

• Sleeping and other indoor spaces are more likely to be open and climate-controlled. 

• Grooming and training services may be offered for a fee. 

• Play areas, whether indoors or outdoors, are often designed with special features designed to provide mental stimulation and encourage physical activity and socialization. 

• Staff are typically able to engage with dogs more fully during playtime and walks. 

• Some dogs may find the experience of being around so many other dogs for lengthy periods of time overwhelming, causing them anxiety. 

At someone else’s home. Online services such as Rover, Wag and PetSitter.com can pair dog parents with local, experienced and carefully vetted sitters who will open up their homes to dogs for overnight stays. 

• The one-on-one arrangement allows for personalized attention and affection. 

• The calmer environment may be better for dogs who are easily overstimulated or who tend to be nervous around other dogs. 

• Dog parents have easy access to their pet’s caretaker, who can regularly share photos, videos and updates. They are usually available to answer any questions or concerns without delay.

While some sitters will host dogs in their own homes (as mentioned above), they can also come to you – either living in your home for the duration of your absence or stopping by several times a day to feed, walk and provide companionship for your pet. Depending on your dog’s temperament and your own comfort level with having someone else inside your home, this option may be preferable to boarding. Benefits include: 

• Familiarity. If your sitter is a friend, family member or neighbor whom your dog already knows and likes, the combination of a familiar presence and a familiar setting can be a soothing one for your pet. Dogs who tend to get anxious around other dogs or in strange new environments will experience far less stress when being cared for by a sitter, especially if that sitter sticks to the dog’s normal routines and schedules regarding meals, walks, etc. 

• Cost. Though prices will obviously vary from person to person (and also depending on the specific terms), the day rate for most dogsitters is generally less than the price for a night’s stay at a dog resort.  

• Convenience and safety. Whether they’re living and sleeping at your home or just dropping in for frequent visits, a sitter can collect mail, water plants and perform other small tasks while you’re away. They can also turn lights on and off and do other things to make your house appear occupied.

Whether you’re planning to board your dog or hire a sitter, you’ll want to know the answers to some very important questions beforehand. 

For a kennel or dog resort:

• Is there constant, round-the-clock supervision of the dogs by a trained staff member? 

• Do you have a live video feed on your website so that I can “check in” on my dog from time to time? 

• What happens at your facility if one dog is acting aggressively towards another dog? 

• If you notice that a dog appears fearful, lonely or unable/unwilling to play or socialize with other dogs, what steps do you take? 

• Do you have a relationship to a 24-hour veterinarian’s office or animal hospital, and if you do, how far away is it from your facility? 

For a sitter who will be hosting your dog in their home:

• Are there any other animals in your home? 

• How much time will you be able to spend with my dog each day and night? 

• Do you have a fenced, secured outdoor space? 

• Will my dog be crated when you’re away, or allowed to roam freely? 

• How many walks will you take per day, and how long will each one last? 

• How would you handle an emergency? 

For a sitter who will be coming to your home:

• Will you be sleeping over, or just visiting periodically throughout the day? 

• How much time will you be able to spend with my dog each day and night? 

• Will you be able to maintain the schedules and routines to which my dog is accustomed? 

• How would you handle an emergency? 

Getting satisfactory answers to these and other questions will go a long way towards making you feel safer about your dog’s health and happiness while you’re separated. 

Your dog would absolutely love it if you never spent a single night away from its side. Unfortunately, that’s not always realistic. But with some planning and forethought, you can make your time away from one another comfortable – and even fun – for your pooch. Making sure that your dog is as safe and healthy as it can possibly be is a Healthy Paws priority. Under your Healthy Paws pet insurance plan, you’ll be reimbursed for up to 90 percent (or a lower percentage reimbursement that you select for your plan) of any veterinary bills pertaining to a covered illness or physical condition. 

You wouldn’t trust your dog’s care and safekeeping to just anyone. Trust Healthy Paws to be there for the both of you.

The material presented herein is advisory in nature and is not intended as a substitute for legal, insurance, or other professional advice, but rather is presented for general information only. You should consult knowledgeable experts as to any technical questions you may have.

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