Pet parents often ask, “What’s the difference between dog boarding and dog sitting?” That’s like asking, “What are the differences between a Bengal tiger and a tabby cat?” The answer, as you can imagine, is “a lot!”

There are so many differentiators, it’s easy to lose track. But the biggest difference between boarding at a pet resort versus leaving your dog with a pet sitter can be summed up in one word: responsibility.

At a glance, a dog sitter is an individual who is paid to keep an eye on your pet while you’re out of town or away for the day. They feed and give your dog potty breaks. It’s a serious responsibility- not just for the care of your pet but the trust you have of them being in your home.

But it’s not always the easiest transaction. And there are no guarantees.

So many calls to pet resorts hail from frantic pet parents whose sitters just canceled due to unexpected personal matters. And even when legitimate, this can be a huge inconvenience for the dog owner, if not derailing travel plans completely.

The checks and balances surrounding a sitter are also more nebulous. Without routine check-ins, progress reports, and other assurances, you can never be certain that a sitter has shown up to put in the work. But when you board your dog, you can have peace of mind knowing they are somewhere safe, supervised, and surrounded by a team of animal enthusiasts.

There are other distinct differences that give dog boarding an edge over dog sitting.

 

1. Dogs crave structure: Dogs thrive on structure, and changes in their routine can often cause stress or anxiety. Even the best sitters may provide different rules compared to what is being practiced at home, which can be confusing for animals. Pet resorts, however, follow a specific routine geared toward keeping dogs calm, comfortable, and engaged. Trained staff members ensure all pets get plenty of exercise, nutritious meals, and ample rest to relieve any potential stress that comes with being away from home.

 

2. Pet resorts are equipped for every scenario: When boarding your dog, you want to know that the caretakers you entrust with their well-being are proficient. Pet resort team members are explicitly trained in proper handling, medication management, first aid, and managing any other situations that may come their way. Dog sitters, on the other hand, may not have the training necessary to handle emergencies.

 

3. Pet resorts offer socialization opportunities. When boarding your dog, they’ll be privy to plenty of social engagement with other dogs and people. This not only helps guests develop new social skills but helps to prevent separation anxiety, as well. Unless you’ve arranged supervised playtime with a sitter who cares for multiple families’ pets, social activity is typically limited to the sitter alone.

 

4. Professional care extends beyond boarding. Pet resorts are run by experienced professionals who regularly work with dogs of all shapes, sizes, and personalities. But they also provide ancillary benefits that a dog sitter simply can’t provide, such as spa and grooming services, training options, and so much more.

 

Occasionally, hiring a pet sitter may be necessary. Anxious or fearful dogs, or pets who aren’t socialized may simply not be comfortable at a pet resort. Older dogs, too, may prefer the comforts of their actual home when the family is away. In these situations, finding a reliable pet sitter far in advance who can visit multiple times a day is important. Consulting with your veterinarian, asking family and friends for referrals and testimonials, and having a list of backups at the ready is essential.

For all other pups, a pet resort can be the ideal boarding situation. Not only have professional facilities been designed and constructed with a dog’s optimal comfort and care in mind, but they are regularly staffed by specialists who will ensure your pet is supervised, fed, and well-loved while you are away.

What is the difference between dog boarding and dog sitting? Paws & Play Pet Resort has the answers.

We offer comprehensive pet care options, including climate-controlled accommodations, state-of-the-art security measures such as smoke and fire protection and 24-hour surveillance, and more than 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play areas. Our goal is to provide a healthy, heartfelt environment where all guests feel like family, and accomplish this by treating each dog as if it were our own. Call (914) 278-7697 to request your reservation today.