As a pet owner myself (six, soon to be seven times over!) I am fully appreciative of the anxiety that can arise when you have to go away on holiday or for business and make arrangements for your pets. Will my dog be better at a kennel where he or she has the company of other animals all day? What about at night when no one is around? Or is my cat too fearful or anxious when in a strange environment and would he or she be better off at home? Boarding or pet sitting, which is the best option for you and your pets?
Boarding
Traditionally, a cattery or kennel has been the most popular solution for pet owners needing to leave their pets while they are away. Fortunately, cold concrete and steel runs or plastic cages with no common area for play are no longer the norm. Pet hotels with all sorts of amenities are now more common and can cater for even the most pampered pooch or fussy feline!
The boarding kennel or cattery option offers a social element while providing a secure environment which is manned all day but generally not through the night. Pricing for these boarding kennels and catteries vary tremendously depending on the level of service chosen and the facilities available. Add-ons can really run up the fees – throw in a bath or two, an extra walk a day or grooming for your cat and you can be looking at your pet’s holiday costing more than your own!
Stress is the biggest problem with boarding of any sort. Pets, especially cats, are uncomfortable outside of their normal environment. Often this stress results in tummy troubles for the majority or entirety of the stay as I have painful experience of with one of my own cats. Fear and timidity may reduce appetites and often pets will lose weight when boarded. And of course there is always the risk of injury due to self-trauma or altercations with other boarders during social time.
Pet Sitting
There are generally two types of pet sitters: pet sitters that come to the house at specified times to feed, allow your pet to toilet and exercise/groom/play with your pet (this is most common for cats, rabbits and other small animals) and pet sitters who not only care for your pets but can ‘live’ at your house so pets have a companion during the day AND also at night (this is the most common option for dogs).
Cats and particularly dogs can show signs of stress when their owners are away but it tends to be less severe when they are in the familiar surroundings of their own house. Having a sitter also has the advantage of protecting the your home. Mail collection, bin emptying and use of lights in the house by the pet sitter eliminates ‘empty house’ signals. Live-in sitters create near-normal household activity that discourages potential burglaries.
Live-in sitters can also take phone messages and care for indoor and outdoor plants without adding to costs. Live-in sitters are more likely to recognise potential health problems sooner and can take your pets to be seen by their vet.
Which is better? Boarding or sitting?
Boarding in kennels or a cattery is the right choice for some owners who like to know that their pet is with other animals all day with staff on hand to see to their needs. On the other hand leaving your pet at home with a sitter is as close to a normal environment for your pets as possible and is also great insurance against crime; there can be someone at home during the day AND night with your pet. There is also the question of smaller furries and chickens. There are very rarely kennel facilities available for these animals and especially not for fish! Pet sitter costs are very often cheaper than a kennel or cattery, especially if you have more than one pet, so…what is your choice?
Posted on 04.01.2017 by Lisa
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