Pet sitting vs boarding: Which is the best for your pet?

Your furry friends deserve the best care while you’re away, but with so many options, from neighborhood pet sitters to luxury cat resorts and dog hotels, it can be hard to decide. For loving pet parents, it often comes down to one big choice: pet boarding vs. pet sitting.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy, home-like environment or a more structured setting, the goal is to find what’s most convenient and comfortable for both you and your furry family member. After all, pets are family, and family means no one gets left behind so they deserve nothing but the best!

What is pet sitting?

Pet sitter playing with a dog. (Source: iStock)

Pet sitting is a fantastic option for pet parents who want their furry friend to stay comfortable while they’re away. With a pet sitter, your pet remains in its own home. Surrounded by the things that they’re already accustomed to, this aids reduce stress, particularly for pets prone to separation anxiety. 

The routine stays consistent, whether it's feeding times, daily walks, or other special needs, ensuring that your pet feels safe and secure. Pet sitters offer flexibility, providing care for short visits or extended stays, tailoring their attention to your pet’s specific needs. What makes this option truly great is the personalized one-on-one care for your dearly loved pet.

What is pet boarding?

Cat housed at a pet boarding facility. (Source: iStock)

Pet boarding is an excellent option for pet parents who want their furry companions to stay in a safe, professional environment while you’re away. At a boarding facility, such as a kennel, cattery, or luxury pet hotel, your pet will be well looked after, with staff available to cater to their needs. 

This service is particularly great for pets that enjoy exploring new surroundings and socializing with other pets, as many boarding facilities offer communal play areas where pets can interact. With options ranging from standard accommodations to more grand amenities like grooming, playtime, and even spa services, boarding facilities are designed to keep pets comfortable and entertained. 

Additionally, boarding is a popular choice for those who prefer not to have someone in their home while knowing that their pets are in capable hands.

Pet boarding vs pet sitting: Which is the best choice for your furry friend?

When it comes to pet boarding vs pet sitting, choosing the right option for your cat or dog depends on a range of factors. From planning a day trip to being away for a holiday, it’s important to think about what will work best for your furry companion. 

While this guide focuses on cat care and dog care, much of the advice can apply to other pets as well. Let’s walk through the main things to keep in mind:

In terms of the environment

Dog napping peacefully in a park. (Source: iStock)

For pets that struggle with separation anxiety or take time to adapt to new environments, pet sitting is ideal, as it allows them to remain in the comfort of their own home with a sitter ensuring their wellbeing. Pets will still have access to their favourite spots, like their cozy bed, the couch they love to nap on, or their familiar toys, providing them with a sense of security and normalcy. 

However, if your pet enjoys exploring new spaces and socialising, pet boarding, whether for cat boarding or dog boarding, in a kennel, cattery, or even a luxury pet hotel might be the better option. These places offer comfortable individual spaces with communal spaces where pets can interact, helping them build social skills. With trained staff available around the clock, boarding facilities ensure pets receive care, attention, and an enriching environment that can reduce anxiety while you’re away.

In terms of care and supervision

When it comes to pet sitting and pet boarding, the level of care and supervision can differ significantly. 

In a pet boarding facility, dog care and cat care are often provided in a structured environment, with set routines and a staff-to-pet ratio, meaning your pet may share attention with others. Additionally, for short trips, pet boarding is usually convenient. 

But if your pet thrives on individual attention or has specific care needs, opting for a pet sitter is ideal. A cat or dog carer in a pet sitting setup offers more one-on-one attention, tailoring to your pet’s specific needs and routine in the comfort of their home. If your pet has unique requirements or isn’t up to date on vaccinations, a pet sitter is the better choice.

In terms of pet socialisation

Cats participating in a virtual meeting. (Source: iStock)

A study by McEvoy et al. suggests that early socialization for pets helps prevent behavioral issues later in life. So, if you want to teach your dog early social skills, pet boarding is an excellent option.

Pets that enjoy being around other pets might love cat or dog boarding facilities, where they can socialize in communal areas. Places like pet daycare even offer play sessions, ensuring your furry friend stays active and engaged while you’re away. 

But if your pet isn’t used to socialisation or long outdoor stays, pet sitting is your best bet. It’s also the ideal choice if your pet prefers a calm environment or struggles with unfamiliar animals or people. Your cat sitter or dog sitter can give them a variety of activities such as taking them for short walks to nearby parks, or to the many pet-friendly venues around. 

In terms of training

Pet boarding in terms of training is often more specialized. Boarding facilities, especially premium options like pet hotels, usually have experienced staff and may even include training sessions as part of their services. 

For pet sitting, you can give instructions if your pet knows basic commands to maintain consistency. Female dogs as compared to male dogs, being more docile, might do well with dog sitting, particularly if in heat. 

For cat care, sitters focus on routine and comfort rather than training, which is perfect for keeping your feline happy in familiar surroundings. Male cats unlike female cats are typically more social, but unneutered males can be aggressive, making pet sitting the calmer choice.

In terms of medical emergencies

Administering medicine to a dog. (Source: iStock)

Pet sitters, with their one-on-one attention to your pet, often build a strong bond with your pet and are quick to spot any changes in behavior, health, or mood. It’s common for pet sitters to have the local vet’s contact information on hand, and it's wise to have a detailed chat with your sitter before you leave, particularly if your pet has a trusted vet or any ongoing medical needs.

For pet boarding, part of the steeper price tag covers the fact that they’re generally better prepared for medical emergencies. They typically have protocols in place and many high-end facilities are equipped with staff trained in first aid. Some top-tier boarding facilities even have vets on-site, giving you extra peace of mind.

In terms of cost

For those wondering how much to charge for dog sitting or cat sitting, it can depend on factors like the type and number of pets, length of stay, travel, and extra services such as walking or special diets. 

For dogs, the dog sitter cost typically runs between $15 to $90 per hour. Meanwhile, the dog boarding cost varies depending on the type of facility: 

• Dog kennel: $18 - $60

• Dog hotel: $50 - $120 

• In-home dog boarding/dog sitter: $10 - $15 (per hour) or $45 - $75 per night

• Veterinary/dog boarding: $20 - $50

The cat sitter cost is often lower, ranging from $20 to $30. But any extras such as grooming, training, or emergency medication can further drive up the price. Here’s the average cat-sitting cost per duration: 

• 1 hour: $10 - $25

• 1 day: $27 - $30 

• 1 night: $45 - $75

• 1 week: $250 - $375

• 1 month: $400+

By comparison, the typical cost for a cat boarding specialist ranges from $25 and $40 per night. Some pet boarders may charge additional fees for services such as food, training, grooming, and administering medication.

Find trusted pet sitters and boarders on Airtasker 

When it comes down to it, whether you choose a pet boarder or a pet sitter, both will ensure your pet gets the care they deserve. If you’re planning a vacation, it’s smart to secure your pet care early since availability can get limited fast. 

Just post a task on Airtasker, and you'll quickly connect with top-rated local pet sitters and boarders who’ll care for your pet with the same love and attention you would. You'll have that added peace of mind with ongoing updates from your pet sitter or boarder, along with the flexibility to select the ideal caregiver based on feedback and ratings.