Pets are family, too, which is why a good dog owner takes his or her pet’s needs into consideration before going away for a long — or short — time. But how do you know whether pet boarding, or pet sitting, is best for your four-legged friend? Each option has its pros and cons, and not every option is right for every dog.
Pet Boarding: The Preferred Option for Busy Pet Parents
There are two different types of pet boarding options: daytime boarding (also known as “doggy daycare,” where your dog is cared for outside the home, but doesn’t stay overnight) and nighttime boarding (which offers the same care option as “doggy daycare,” but your pet will stay overnight). This is a preferred option for pet parents who have busy work lives, or for pet parents who will be traveling for a short while (such as business trips, weekend bae-cations, and family affairs).
Pet boarding is also good for dogs who need a lot of exercise and stimulation throughout the day. Dogs like Rottweilers (which are classified as working dogs by the American Kennel Club), Dobermans, Great Danes, and Boxers are just a few of the many dogs that need exercise and stimulation throughout the day, making it difficult for owners with busy work days.
Pet boarding should also be considered for:
- Well-socialized dogs that need contact with other dogs, but don’t have contact with them due to their home environment
- Dogs that don’t suffer from separation anxiety
- Healthy dogs that are up to date on their vaccinations
- Dogs that do well in large kennels
Pet Sitting: For Dogs Who Need a Little TLC
Not all dogs do well in pet boarding environments. For those precious pooches, pet sitting — that is, where a caretaker comes to your home and “puppy-sits” your pet — is the preferred option. In addition to being more affordable than pet boarding, pet sitting should be considered for:
- Older dogs, or dog breeds that aren’t as energetic or require as much exercise as their working dog counterparts (such as Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Shih Tsus and French Bulldogs)
- Pet parents who will be away for an extended period (more than a week), as you don’t want the dog to lose its sense of familiarity with his/her home
- Dogs that have separation anxiety, or can’t easily adapt to new environments
- Dogs that have behavioral issues (no one wants a Nervous Nelly biting their sweet little fur-babies, even if accidentally — and dogs that are territorial around people or food aren’t usually a good fit for pet boarding)
- Pet parents who have more than one fur-baby, as the price of boarding can add up
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pet Sitter — Or a Pet Boarder
Hiring a caretaker for your pup isn’t a decision that’s made lightly. Before hiring a pet sitter, or a pet boarder, to care for your pet, ask the following questions:
- Are you familiar with the specific challenges of my breed of dog? This is especially important if you have a working dog, as each working dog breed presents a unique challenge not found in other dogs.
- Are you comfortable in my home? This is an important question to ask a potential pet sitter, as not all pet sitters are comfortable in all homes.
- What is the environmental set-up? Some facilities provide one-on-one attention, while others are a bit more “free range” with their caretaking methods. Choose a facility that best meets your pup’s needs.
- What certification(s) do your staff have? The Professional Pet Boarding Certification Council is one of many schools that offers a course for would-be professional dog boarders, and while such certification(s) aren’t a legal requirement, they go a long way in putting many pet owner’s minds at ease.
Walk! ATX Provides Pet Sitting, Pet Boarding, & More
We understand that today’s pet parents lead busy lives, and we’ve tailored our myriads of services to fit each of their needs. While Walk! ATX originally made its name as a dog-walking service in Austin, it has since grown to include services like:
- Pet boarding
- Pet sitting
- Pet taxi service
- Grooming
- Doggie daycare
- Dog training
Customers who become part of the Walk! ATX family receive all sorts of benefits, including access to our 24/7 support. Our friendly, dedicated staff of dog lovers is committed to your pup’s happiness, and we are fully insured and bonded for both your safety and ours.
Contact Walk! ATX today at (512) 655-9557 to schedule your Meet & Greet, and let’s make your dog the newest member of our pack!