Pet Sitting vs. Boarding
What to Do With Your Dog or Cat When You Travel
This question comes up constantly:
“Should I get a pet sitter, or should I board my dog?”
My immediate answer is always a pet sitter. So I usually always follow up with
“How far ahead are you planning?”
Because when it comes to pet care while you travel, the biggest mistake people make is waiting too long.
Plan Way Earlier Than You Think
If you’re traveling in the summer, you should already be thinking about this. Good pet sitters book out months in advance. I’m already planning for summer vacation, and it’s only February.
When it comes to my pets, I’m organized. And that’s not accidental.
What I Learned Running a Pet Sitting Business
I ran a pet sitting business for eight years. When it got busy during the summer months, I even hired a few other professional pet sitters to help. And in those eight years, I learned a lot about what pets actually need when their people are gone.
For most dogs, I did three visits a day, each about 30 minutes:
Breakfast
Mid-afternoon
Bedtime
If someone wanted four visits, I did four. Simple.
And almost every time, someone would say, “But my dog can’t sleep alone. Don’t they need someone overnight?”
Here’s my honest answer: no, they don’t.
Dogs Do Better at Home
Dogs and cats do best in their own environment. Their own smells. Their own beds. Their own routines.
When I explained this to clients, I reminded them that dogs adapt. They settle. They go to sleep. And in eight years of pet sitting, I never had issues with pets being alone overnight. No accidents. No anxiety. No destroyed houses.
I do the same thing every visit, and that consistency matters.
Why I Believe in Professional Pet Sitters
I’m a huge believer in hiring a professional pet sitter. And by professional, I mean:
They have liability insurance
They can provide references
You meet them ahead of time
You see how they interact with your pets
Do a trial run. Have them come during the day. Try an overnight if that makes you feel better. Build trust slowly.
That relationship is like gold.
Be Careful With In-Home Boarding
Some people offer to take dogs into their own homes. This can work, but there are risks.
Your dog is suddenly in a strange environment, often with other dogs they don’t know. Many of these setups are unregulated. Oversight is minimal.
I’m not saying never do it. I am saying be cautious.
Why I’m Not a Fan of Boarding Facilities
I was also a co-owner of a boarding facility for a couple of years. Boarding is stressful for most dogs, even in good facilities.
When people ask me for recommendations, I’m honest. I hear good and bad about all of them.
Putting a group of unfamiliar dogs together and expecting everything to be smooth is unrealistic. And 95% of boarding facilities require:
Proof of multiple vaccinations
Bordetella within a specific timeframe
Sometimes fecal tests (which is an extra cost)
It adds up quickly.
And if there’s a dog fight or bite, it takes real skill in dog behavior to manage that safely.
Neighbor Kids and Other Horror Stories
I hear nightmare stories all the time when people have a neighbor kid “just stop by.” That’s not to say teens can’t be responsible, but these are living beings and I don’t think it’s worth the risk.
If you’re gone for 7–10 days, that’s a lot of responsibility to put on someone who isn’t trained or insured.
Why I Use More Than One Pet Sitter
I actually use more than one pet sitter. My dogs get used to different people, which builds confidence and independence. It makes them less reliant on me, and it’s a very good thing for them to be social.
My sitter sends photos, communicates clearly, and knows my household routine inside and out. Shoutout to Jerry, who’s been with us for years. It makes my day when I’m on vacation and receive a quick text message with a photo of my dogs.
When Overnight Care Makes Sense
There are situations where overnight care is appropriate. Puppies. Dogs with seizure disorders. Pets with medical concerns or special needs.
Just know that overnight sitting is expensive, and for good reason. It’s a big commitment.
My Best Advice
Plan ahead. Write everything down. And then write more.
I leave pages of notes, even for someone who knows my dogs well. Details matter. Routines matter. And your peace of mind matters too.
When you find a great pet sitter and build that relationship, don’t let it go. It’s one of the best investments you can make for your pets.
For smart, engaging conversations about pet wellness, listen to the Toni Unleashed podcast on Apple and Spotify.
