With the upcoming holidays, you are faced with a decision to place your cats and/or dogs into boarding or have them looked after at home, either overnight or via drop-ins by professional pet sitters. This expert report presents the pros and cons of each option.
Choosing the best care option for dogs and cats when owners are away can be a tough decision. Both primary options, boarding facilities, and pet-sitting services each have their merits. This report from Mic’s Pet Sitting Duo provides persuasive arguments for both options but ultimately concludes that pet sitting at home offers a more convincing case for providing pets with the love and care they need while pet owners are away.
Mic’s Pet Sitting Duo, an authority on pet sitting and themselves offering a respected service is based in Waxahachie, Texas, offering home drop-in services in Waxahachie, Red Oak, Oak Leaf, Midlothian, Ovilla, and Glenn Heights. They offer a range of services for dogs, cats, birds, furry mammals such as rabbits and ferrets, reptiles, and saltwater tanks.
For more information on Mic’s Pet Sitting Duo, check out their website at https://www.micspetsitting.com/.
Here are the primary advantages for owners to hire a respectable, credentialed, bonded, and insured drop-in pet-sitting service:
· Familiar Surroundings and Reduced Stress:
One of the most significant advantages of pet sitting is that it allows pets to stay in their familiar surroundings. Cats and dogs can be sensitive to changes, and being in a new environment, like a boarding facility, can be quite stressful for them. Home is where they feel safe, comfortable, and secure, which can significantly reduce their stress levels while owners are away.
“Our cats simply hated going to boarding facilities, even the best ones with large private accommodation. They were extremely stressed - hissed and growled at us and each other, and never settled down, even for longer stays”, said Mic, owner of Mic’s Pet Sitting Duo.
· Personalized Attention:
In a pet-sitting scenario, pets receive one-on-one attention and care. Professional pet sitters ensure that the pets' specific needs are met, whether it's a particular feeding schedule, playtime, or medication. Boarding facilities may have multiple animals to care for, making it challenging to provide the same level of individualized attention.
· Health and Safety:
Another crucial factor for owners to consider is the health and safety of their pets. In a boarding facility, the risk of exposure to contagious diseases is higher due to the close proximity of other animals. With a pet-sitting service, pets staying at home are not exposed to these risks, and they are less likely to pick up illnesses.
· Maintaining Routine:
Pets thrive on routine, and any disruption to their daily schedule can lead to stress and behavioral issues. Pet sitters can maintain the pet's regular routines, such as feeding times, bathroom breaks, and exercise schedules.
“This consistency in service delivery can be a game-changer for your pet's well-being, especially when the drop-in pet-sitting service is provided by consistently reliable, experienced professionals”, said Mic.
· Reduced Anxiety:
Separation anxiety is a common issue for pets when their owners are away. Leaving pets in a boarding facility can exacerbate this anxiety due to unfamiliar surroundings and a lack of personal attention. With in-home pet sitting, pets have the comfort of their home and a trusted caretaker, reducing anxiety significantly.
· No Transportation Hassles:
Taking pets to a boarding facility often involves a stressful car ride, which many pets despise. By choosing drop-in pet sitting, eliminate the need for transportation is eliminated, sparing pets from the anxiety of travel.
· Security and Peace of Mind:
Knowing that pets are in the hands of a professional pet sitter who can also look after their home's security offers peace of mind. Boarding facilities cannot provide the same level of security for their home, leaving it unattended during their absence.
There are, however, unique situations where boarding might make sense for some cats or dogs. While the benefits of home pet sitting are clear, it's essential to consider individual circumstances where boarding can be a viable option:
· Social Animals: Some dogs are highly social and love being around other dogs. For these dogs, a well-managed and reputable boarding facility with supervised playtime can provide an opportunity for socialization and exercise that they might enjoy.
· Specialized Care: In some cases, pets may have special medical needs that require round-the-clock monitoring or treatment. Boarding facilities with experienced staff may be better equipped to handle these specific medical requirements.
· Structured Training: Some boarding facilities offer training services, which can be beneficial for dogs that require behavioral training or specific obedience training while their owners are away.
· Limited Home Options: In situations where a pet owner's home environment may not be conducive to pet sitting (e.g., due to renovations or safety concerns), a reputable boarding facility can provide a temporary solution.
· Multi-Pet Households: For households with multiple pets, particularly if they don't get along, boarding facilities can ensure the safety and well-being of some or all of the pets involved.
It's crucial to remember that not all boarding facilities are created equal. Researching and selecting a reputable, well-staffed, and clean facility that aligns with the pet's needs is essential. Moreover, consulting with the pet’s veterinarian can help determine whether boarding is a suitable option for their pet based on their health and temperament.
Ultimately, the decision to choose boarding or pet sitting should be based on what's best for the specific pet's needs and the owner’s peace of mind. In most cases drop-in home pet sitting offers numerous clear advantages, there are, however, some unusual situations where boarding may be the better choice to meet the pet's unique requirements.
Mic’s Pet Sitting Duo also has a Facebook Page, which can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/micvmpets. They are bonded and insured and are also listed on Etsy, Rover, Thumbtack, and NextDoor.
