There are a variety of options available for making sure your dog gets the care that they need while you are traveling for work or going on a vacation. Two of the most popular options are to leave your dog at a dog daycare facility with an overnight boarding component or use an in-home pet sitting. Both options are great depending on your comfort levels and your dog’s temperament. Some dogs will succeed in either option, while others will thrive in one or the other. Whether you should send your dog to daycare or hire a private in-home sitter will depend on your comfort and needs.
Assessing pros/cons:
Both in-home pet care and dog daycare options have pros and cons. Sometimes dog daycares will have more availability, which is convenient if you travel frequently or need to travel without a lot of notice. On the other hand, an in-home pet sitter will provide your dog with one-on-one individualized care and focus. Depending on where you live, there may be a cost difference between daycare vs. in-home pet sitting. However, in large cities, you’ll probably pay comparable fees for an experienced pet sitter or a quality dog daycare.
High energy
If you have a dog who is always on the go and thrives in active environments, a dog daycare boarding might be the perfect way to pass the time while you’re away from home. For active and social dogs staying at daycare can feel like an exciting vacation. These dogs often enjoy being with their friends, which can even help them adapt better to their families being away than if they were home alone.
Health considerations
When deciding between in-home pet sitting and dog daycare, it’s essential to consider your dog’s overall level of health. If you have a dog who has arthritis or any other chronic health condition, the activity of a dog daycare-type environment might be aggravating for those conditions. Similarly, suppose you have a dog who relies on various medications or is medically fragile. In that case, an in-home pet sitter may be the best option, as you’ll have more control over when your dog gets their medication and other treatments.
Temperament
Dog daycare isn’t suitable for all dogs as the environment can be overwhelming. If you have a dog who is nervous, selective, or wary about people or other dogs, a daycare-style boarding environment isn’t a good option for your dog. Dog daycares have other dogs and a variety of staff members, which can be much too stressful for dogs to warm up to others or who are reactive. For these dogs, building a trusting relationship with an in-home pet sitter will likely be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you have a very social dog who has never met a dog or person they don’t like, daycare might fit your dog’s temperament.
Do a trial visit
Whether you decide on dog daycare or in-home pet sitting, it’s a good idea to do a trial visit to ensure it’s working well for you and your dog. Most daycares will do an introductory session where they can assess your dog’s temperament in the space. However, if you want your dog to stay at daycare, it’s best to do a trial before you get on an airplane and leave on a more extended trip. You’ll want to do the same with an in-home pet sitter. Ensure your dog has been introduced to the new sitter and gets along well (having their favorite treats around helps!). Then, have your sister come over for a pop-in visit while you’re out of the house for the day, just to make sure your dog is comfortable with their new sister coming into the house.
