In this article, I am going to review 5 reasons why finding a pet sitter is better than boarding or putting your pets in kennels. Choosing the right care option while you’re away is essential to your pet’s well-being and your peace of mind.
While traditional options like kennels and boarding facilities have long been the go-to for many pet owners, an in-home pet sitter offers a range of benefits that often make it a superior choice. It’s easier than you think to find great house sitting applicants too, I’ll be discussing this in detail later.
Having been the house sitter on 30+ occasions, I have seen firsthand the mutual benefits of house and pet sitting. Here are the top five reasons why securing a pet sitter is the best option for your furry friend.
Familiar Environments Reduce Stress
Pets thrive on routine and familiar surroundings. Boarding facilities can be overwhelming for many animals, with new sights, sounds, and smells that can cause significant stress.
A pet sitter allows your pets to stay in their home, surrounded by their favorite toys, beds, and familiar routines. This consistency helps reduce anxiety, especially for pets that are prone to stress or have separation anxiety, leading to a happier and calmer experience while you’re away.
Hannah and I always ask our hosts to tell us the pet’s exact routine and we’ll stick to it. Happy pets make for smooth and pleasant sits for us.
Personalized One-on-One Care
In a kennel pets are often one of many, which can limit the amount of personalized attention they receive. In contrast, a pet sitter’s sole focus is on your pets, providing individualized care tailored to their specific needs.
From administering medications to following precise feeding routines and engaging in their favorite playtime activities, pet sitters cater to your pet’s unique requirements, ensuring they receive the attention they deserve.
As I write, the dog under our care – Molly – is whimpering for her 11 am snack and belly scratch. Better than any alarm clock she is an easy dog to care for unless you accidentally forget her snack time!
Avoiding Exposure to Illnesses and Parasites
Boarding facilities, even the cleanest ones, can be breeding grounds for common illnesses like kennel cough, fleas, and other parasites due to the close quarters and shared spaces.
Pet sitting minimizes this risk by keeping your pet away from other animals, greatly reducing their exposure to infectious diseases. This is especially important for pets with compromised immune systems, senior pets, or those with existing health conditions.
Reduced Travel and Transition Stress for Pets
We’ve met several pets that hated being removed from their home – read my Short Tails – Bella the Very Angry Cat! Whether it’s the change in location they disdain, car sickness, or fear they’re actually going to the vet, some pets don’t like to be forcibly moved.
Transporting pets to and from boarding facilities can be a stressful experience. Hiring a pet sitter eliminates the need for travel altogether, allowing pets to stay at home without the disruption of being taken to an unfamiliar place and then brought back.
Minimizing Behavioral Issues Due to Overstimulation or Isolation
Boarding environments can be noisy and chaotic, which can lead to overstimulation, anxiety, or even aggression in some pets. Alternatively, quieter pets may feel isolated or neglected if they are not receiving sufficient attention or enjoying home comforts.
A pet sitter can adjust the environment and engagement levels according to your pet’s temperament, providing the perfect balance. Many of our hosts leave us with a digital guide or physical binder of information. This is great for outlining any pet issues or behavior patterns that need special attention.
BONUS – Enhanced Home Security and Peace of Mind
Beyond the benefits for your pets, having a pet sitter also means someone is regularly checking on your home, watering plants, collecting mail, and keeping an eye out for anything unusual. This dual service keeps your pets happy and adds an extra layer of security to your property while you’re away.
Knowing that both your pets and your home are in good hands can greatly enhance your peace of mind, making it easier to relax and enjoy your time away. To read about even more benefits of using a pet sitter read my previous article 10 Top Reasons You Should Use a House Sitter.
Where to Find a Pet Sitter
House and pet sitting is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel. Subsequently, it means there are several excellent platforms for finding the right house sitter for you.
Trusted Housesitters is the market leader and regularly lists thousands of homes, which in turn attracts more potential house sitters than any other platform on the market. Start browsing for free by signing up with your email address and you’ll see how straightforward the process is = click here to sign up for free.
To create a home and pet sitting listing you’ll need to become a full-paying member. Host memberships start at $149/year but use our exclusive referral code BEACHES25 at checkout to save 25% on any membership. Click here to learn more and sign up. Want to know more? Read our other post, Everything You Need to Know About Trusted Housesitters.
Conclusion
By choosing a pet sitter over traditional kennels or boarding facilities, you’re prioritizing your pet’s comfort and well-being and ensuring a seamless experience that closely mirrors their daily life.
This level of personalized care makes pet sitting the preferred choice for pet owners who want the very best for their furry family members.
If you’d like more advice on the homeowner/pet parent side of things head to the dedicated Hosts page on our website. You’ll find helpful articles such as How to Find the Perfect House Sitter to help you with your search.
FAQs – Here Are The Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
How Much Do You Pay a House/Pet Sitter?
Most house and pet sitting websites don’t involve a financial exchange between the homeowner and sitter. It is a mutually beneficial exchange whereby the homeowner/pet parent gets a secure and reliable sitter whilst away from home, and the sitter receives free accommodation in the form of a lovely home and the companionship of the pets in their care.
How Much Does Listing My Home For House Sitting Cost?
After paying for an annual membership the cost of listing is free. You could list your home as many times as you like within your annual membership cycle. Host memberships on top sites like Trusted Housesitters start at $149/year. Use BEACHES25 at checkout to save 25%, click here.
Is it Cheaper to Board/Kennel My Pets or Hire a Pet Sitter?
It is significantly cheaper to hire a pet sitter than placing them in kennels or a boarding facility. On top of the other many benefits that securing a pet sitter brings, the cost saving is a major reason why using a pet sitter is better than kenneling or boarding your pets. The top websites cost as little as $149/year, this would barely cover a few days of boarding.
Should I Trust a Stranger to Look After My Home and Pets?
Yes, you can trust a stranger to look after your home and pets if you use a reputable house and pet sitting website. By using a site like Trusted Housesitters you will receive applications from verified candidates with profiles and reviews. If you don’t like your first round of applicants, feel free to reject them and accept additional applications until you find your perfect house sitting candidates!
Like This Post? Pin it!
Owner’s consent granted for use of pet and home photos