When you’re going away or need temporary care for your pet, choosing the right option is important, not just for your peace of mind, but for your pet’s comfort, safety, and happiness. Boarding kennels and pet sitters can provide excellent care, but the right choice depends on your pet’s personality, needs, and your specific situation.
Start by Asking the People You Trust
Friends, family, neighbors, and even your veterinarian can be great sources for recommendations. If you need more options:
- Search online for local boarding facilities or sitters.
- Check reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook.
- Use services like Rover to find private pet sitters by location, availability, and type of care (in your home, in their home, or drop-in visits).
Remember: Boarding facilities and pet sitting services are largely unregulated. While some providers belong to professional associations or follow a code of conduct, it’s not required, which is why asking the right questions is essential.
Boarding Facilities vs. Pet Sitters
Before choosing, think about your pet’s temperament:
- Are they comfortable around new people and other animals?
- Do they adapt well to changes in environment and routine?
Consider a Boarding Facility If:
- Your trip is short (boarding can get expensive)
- You’re boarding only one pet
- Your pet is healthy and current on vaccinations
- Your pet adapts well to new places, people, and other dogs
- They’re well-socialized, non-reactive, and don’t show severe resource guarding
- They’re comfortable in a kennel
- You’d like them to have opportunities to socialize with other pets
- They don’t suffer from separation anxiety
Consider a Pet Sitter If:
- You’ll be away for an extended time
- You have multiple pets (boarding can be costly)
- Your pet isn’t up to date on vaccinations
- They suffer from separation anxiety or struggle in new spaces
- They’re fearful of other animals or new people
- They have health complications or behavioral issues
Ask Questions — Lots of Them
Whether it’s a sitter or a boarding facility, you know your pet best. Don’t hesitate to ask the hard questions.
Questions for Boarding Facilities:
- What licenses or insurance do you hold?
- What training or certifications do staff have?
- What vaccination and spay/neuter requirements do you have?
- Is there an assessment process before booking?
- Can I tour the facility and meet the staff before I commit?
- Is staff on-site 24/7? How are pets monitored overnight?
- How do you handle caring for multiple pets at once?
- What’s the staff-to-animal ratio?
- What’s the daily cost, including enrichment fees?
- Are there set drop-off/pick-up times?
- Is there a vet on-site?
- How do you handle emergencies?
- How often will my pet get one-on-one attention?
- Do you provide updates, and how frequently?
Questions for Pet Sitters:
- Do you currently have pets of your own?
- Do you have relevant certifications or training?
- What experience do you have with animal care and handling?
- If staying in my home, are you comfortable living in someone else’s space?
- If sitting in your own home, do you have a fenced yard? Other pets?
- Can you provide references?
- Can you accommodate my pet’s specific needs (feeding, exercise, medication)?
- How much do you charge?
- Will you send regular updates?
- Can we schedule a meet-and-greet before booking?
Reducing Stress for Your Pet
If your pet will be staying somewhere else, ask if you can bring items from home, like their bed, favorite toys, or a worn t-shirt that smells like you, to help them feel secure.
If a sitter is caring for them in your home, request that they stick closely to your pet’s normal routine.
Planning for Emergencies In Your Absence
Before you leave:
- Create a checklist for your pet’s daily care (feeding schedule, medications, quirks).
- Notify a trusted neighbor of your travel plans.
- Prepare a pet emergency kit with food, water, medication, and vet information.
Choose an Emergency Contact:
- Pick someone dependable and confirm they’re willing to step in if needed.
- Provide them with your vet’s contact info, a list of health issues, medications, and care preferences.
Make Sure Your Pet Has Identification
- Keep ID tags up to date with your current contact information.
- Microchip your pet as a backup if they lose their collar or tag.
Where to Get a Microchip:
- Nevada Humane Society vaccine clinics
- Your primary vet
- Washoe County Regional Animal Services (free for residents; no appointment needed)
The right choice is the one that keeps your pet safe, comfortable, and cared for, and gives you peace of mind while you’re away. Taking the time to research, ask questions, and prepare will help make the experience smoother for both you and your pet.
