This post is all about Pet Hotels vs. Home Boarding and what is best for your dog. With the recent popularity of pet hotels, many people think boarding their dog at a hotel will give them peace of mind. On the other hand, staying with family or friends may seem like an affordable option, but it’s not always easy for everyone involved. Hiring a pet sitter is another option that is gaining popularity.
Pet Hotels vs. Home Boarding – What’s better for my dog?
So what’s the best option? What’s better for your dog? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons to help you decide what works best for your pet.
Pet Hotel Boarding Pros
*Less stressful for your dog
*They don’t have to deal with the stress of being around new people or animals all day, which can be tiring if they are uncomfortable.
All your dog’s meals and medications will be given as scheduled
If you’re gone for a long time, it might be difficult for someone staying at your house to remember to give your dog their daily meds. This is especially true if you have more than one pet.
Your dog will also get their scheduled feedings unless otherwise approved by staff or you. This way, they won’t go hungry even if there isn’t anyone around to let them outside during normal mealtimes.
All-inclusive rates
*Boarding at a hotel will save you from hassles such as buying kibble, treats, toys, and bedding for your dog. All of these things are provided by the hotel.
*You might be able to find a pet hotel that provides all these items too, but it’s usually included with the cost of boarding.
*Your dog won’t have to adjust to a new food or eat less than usual
*The staff will know your pet’s eating schedule and dietary needs. They will feed your pup exactly what they’re used to eating at home – no changes necessary!
Your dog will get plenty of exercise
The hotel’s staff will make sure your pup gets their daily exercise, whether it’s taking them on a walk or letting them play in the backyard. Your pup should be tired enough to rest well at night.
Pet Hotel Boarding Cons
Not everyone has access to a pet hotel. Unfortunately, not all cities have kennels available for boarding pets. If you live in an area without many options, staying with family or friends might be your only other choice.
Your dog won’t receive personalized attention if there are too many other dogs around
If your dog is shy or doesn’t interact well with other dogs, they might be overwhelmed during their stay at a hotel. It also means they may not be as comfortable and secure as they would if staying with you.
You won’t always know who your dog is interacting with
Your dog could potentially come in contact (or fight) with other dogs at the hotel, which is a risk you take when boarding them there. Your pet might also pick up an illness from another animal. If you board your pup at home, you will know who they’ve been near and can keep them protected by quarantining them if necessary.
Home Boarding Pros
*They feel comfortable in familiar surroundings
Let’s face it – dog quarters are not the most comforting for our pets. Even if the hotel has a room with a bed and blanket for your pup, they still won’t feel as comfortable as they would in their own home.
Your dog will have more personal attention
If staying at a hotel isn’t an option for you and your dog gets anxious around new people and animals, he/she might be overwhelmed by all the attention from strangers and other dogs at a kennel.
You’ll know exactly what your pup is eating
Some boarding facilities might change your pet’s diet, even if you prefer that they stick to their usual regimen. They may also feed your pup less than the recommended amount of food, which means they are losing weight while you are away. If you are home boarding, it’s up to you whether to leave out food all day or only give scheduled meals.
Home Boarding Cons
*Your pet may miss out on playtime with other dogs
If your dog loves to socialize, they might not get enough exercise and attention if you’re the only one around to care for them. That could lead to behavior problems such as destructive chewing and barking that will put a damper on your home life.
The Pet Sitter May Not Take Care of Your House
If you are gone for an extended amount of time, your home will need continuous care. A pet sitter may not be responsible enough to water plants, pick up mail, and do other household tasks.
Your dog’s safety is completely reliant on the pet sitter
Pets have been injured or died under the care of untrained or irresponsible pet sitters who were supposed to be watching them. It also means nobody else will know how to handle certain behavior problems that come up while you’re away unless they’ve had experience training dogs before.
If you are on the fence about whether to board your dog at a hotel or have them stay with family or friends while you go away, think about which option will give your pet the best care. If you worry about your dog adjusting to a new environment, home boarding is the way to go.
On the other hand, if you don’t feel like hosting company and want them to get more attention than they would at home, it’s best to board them out. Either way, be sure that whoever is caring for your pup has experience with dogs so that everyone will have a safe and pleasant experience while you are away.
Do you have anything to add to ‘Pet Hotels vs. Home Boarding‘? If so, please leave your comment below! Thank you!