Blog The Difference Between Dog Boarding and Overnight Care at a Dog Hotel

When leaving home, you want the peace of mind of knowing your dog is in good hands. Traveling is much easier when you trust a caregiver to treat your dog as their own. Both pet sitting and dog boarding have pros and cons. Pet sitting involves hiring someone to come to your home every few hours to care for your dog. Dog boarding entails taking your dog to an overnight facility and has some advantages over traditional kennels.

This article explains the differences and offers tips on the best choice for your dog and you.

Dog Boarding

Dog boarding involves leaving a dog at a pet boarding facility. The dog is cared for with meals, outdoor time, and playtime in places like Very Important Paws.

Pros and Cons

Determining the best option for your dog depends on researching and intentionally choosing a boarding facility.

Benefits

• More social environment.
• Skilled caregivers.
• Quality of the facility.
• Additional services.
• Security.
• Ability to check on your dog.

Your dog will be with caregivers and will not feel isolated, helping to alleviate separation anxiety. Dog boarding at Very Important Paws provides all-day indoor and outdoor socialization and play. Skilled caregivers treat your dog as they would their own.

They are skilled in tasks like medication administration. A dog boarding facility helps maintain your dog’s routine and predictability. High-quality dog boarding facilities like Very Important Paws allow plenty of outdoor playtime and offer additional services such as doggy daycare and dog grooming.

A dog boarding facility ensures high security for a dog that likes to escape. You may call to check on your dog’s progress.

Drawbacks

Every dog’s specific boarding facility is different. Dog owners are sometimes reluctant to send dogs to a boarding facility because:

• It seems a bit scary for a dog to be in a new environment.
• You cannot control other pets.
• Dogs who do not get along with other pets make boarding stressful for the dog and difficult for you.

Pet Sitting Services

Pet sitters are a wise choice for some, but some have better options.

Benefits

• Provide one-on-one attention.
• There is no risk of getting sick from another dog.
• The ideal choice for dogs with a sensitive stomach.
• Dogs remain in their home environment.
• A pet sitter can call or text with updates and photos.
• There is someone to check on the status of the home.

Your dog receives individualized care and a controlled environment that eliminates the risk of getting sick from another animal. A dog frequently suffering from health conditions, such as diarrhea, is not a good pet boarding candidate.

While the pet sitter is at your home, they can inform you of your dog’s well-being by sending photos or calling with updates. If necessary, they will check on the status of your home.

Drawbacks

• Isolation and loneliness.
• More prep work.
• Less skilled caregiver.
• Access to valuables.

Pet sitting is typically more isolating and lonely. Bored dogs find things to do that you may not like. With too much-unplanned activity, dogs are more prone to chewing on things like shoes and furniture. You must move plants and other items the dog can get into and write detailed instructions for private pet sitters.

A pet or dog sitter may not be able to administer medications to your dog.

You might be allowing someone you do not know to access your valuables. When choosing pet boarding or pet sitting services, consider the environment and your dog’s needs.

Cost Difference

Most people think in-home pet-sitting services are cheaper than boarding facilities. If a family member or friend is the pet sitter, they may not charge as much. It is hard to impose on them if you are going to be gone for a while or if you travel often.

The cost of pet sitting and pet boarding varies depending on your location. A broad estimate shows no significant difference between the two options. The average price of both pet care and boarding is between $30 to $50 per night pet pet. It may be higher depending on add-ons like medication administration and extra physical activity.

The average cost of pet-sitting services in the U.S. is approximately $25 for a 30-minute visit with a pet in your home. If your pet requires two to three daytime visits, the cost will be around $50 to $75 per day.

Choosing Boarding Facilities vs. Pet Sitters

Choosing who to entrust your dog’s care while you are away may be overwhelming and induce anxiety. Your dog is a family member. This guide makes the process less stressful. It is a list of factors to consider and questions to ask.

Pet Sitters

Factors to Consider

• The dog is not up to date on vaccinations.
• You will be away for extended periods.
• The dog has trouble adapting to a new environment or suffers from separation anxiety.
• The dog is afraid of new people or other pets.
• The dog has mobility issues.
• The dog is under supervision for behavioral issues, health complications, recent surgery, blindness, and more.
• You have multiple pets, and the cost is prohibitive.

Questions to Ask

• Do you own animals?
• Are you comfortable being in my home environment?
• If the pet sitter provides overnight care in their home, Are other dogs in the house? Do they have a fence?
• Do they have references?
• Can they accommodate your dog’s needs? (Have a list of your dog’s wants and needs, including medications, feeding schedule, exercise routine, etc.)
• How much do they charge?
• Will they provide updates?
• Will they meet your dog in advance?

Boarding Facilities

Factors to Consider

• The dog already attends dog daycare or quickly adapts to new environments.
• The dog is well-socialized and does not exhibit resource guarding over people, toys, food, etc.
• The dog is healthy and up to date on vaccinations.
• The dog does well in dog kennels.
• Your trip is short.
• You want your dog to socialize with other dogs.
• The dog does not suffer from separation anxiety.

Questions to Ask

• Are they certified?
• Can you tour the boarding facilities before scheduling your dog’s stay?
• Is the boarding staff available 24/7?
• What do they charge?
• What time do you drop off and pick up your dog?
• Is there a veterinarian available?
• How much one-on-one attention will my dog receive?
• Do they provide updates?

Finding the Best Caregiver for Your Dog

If your dog is going to stay overnight, it is recommended that you find high-quality facilities like Very Important Pets to care for it. With Very Important Paws, you know your dog is in good hands.

While in our care, your dog spends time in outdoor play areas and gets plenty of fresh air. Our trained professionals are skilled at medication administration and are dog lovers who treat your dog like their own. We offer other services such as doggy daycare, grooming, and training.

It is essential to do research before hiring a pet sitter or boarding facility. You want to ensure they are willing to take exceptional care of your dog and that you trust them. If they will be in your home, you want another level of evaluation before allowing them access.

Very Important Paws offers the benefits without the drawbacks. Our staff of trained pet care professionals will care for your dog. Our spacious suites and skilled caregivers make boarding a fun and comfortable experience for your dog’s stay.

High-Quality and Trustworthy Pet Boarding in West Palm Beach, Florida

Leaving a dog in overnight dog boarding facilities can be nerve-wracking. You want your dog to be well cared for. Our pet hotel provides luxurious pet boarding in West Palm Beach. With our boarding services, your dog may not notice you left.

Check our FAQs about dog boarding.

FAQs

1. Do I bring food for the dog?

We do not provide regular meals for our guests due to various dietary needs.

2. What if I forget food for my dog?

You can purchase various foods in our boutique. We select suitable food based on your preferences and add the charge to your bill.

3. Do I bring food if I take advantage of your doggy daycare?

Typically, dogs older than six months do not require midday meals. If you bring a meal in a Ziploc bag with the dog’s name on it, we will follow a feeding schedule you have established with your dog.

4. What is the feeding schedule for pet boarding?

Feeding times for pet hotel guests are at 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Lunch is served at noon.

5. If I have multiple pets, can they share a suite?

Dogs from the same family are allowed to share a suite upon request. Multi-dog families receive a discount when sharing a suite is requested.

6. Can I bring personal possessions?

Bring the dog’s favorite bedding, treats, and toys.

7. What about flea and tick prevention?

One health requirement for pet resorts is flea and tick prevention. All pet hotel guests receive a flea pill treatment when they arrive.

8. What if the dog is injured or becomes sick?

Pet owners sign a Medical Authorization form allowing us to take their dog to a veterinarian if we feel it is necessary and cannot contact family members.

9. Can I check on my dog?

We encourage you to do so. Calling from 8 AM to 6 PM Monday-Saturday is best.

Contact Very Important Paws today in Palm Beach for all your dog boarding, hotel, daycare, grooming, and training needs.