There are many options for both pet sitting and boarding. While there’s no right answer - both can be GREAT - there are a few reasons why to choose Boarding or Professional Pet Sitting.
Professional Pet Sitting
In home Pet Sitting consists of daily visits in your home usually 2-4 times per day at 15 - 60 minutes per visit, depending on the level of care your pet requires. Hiring a Professional who cares for pets for a living ensures that your fur baby is given the love and care they need.
Pros:
Dogs and Cats are territorial animals meaning they like to be in their own environment. Most animals feel more comfortable in their own home and are therefore happier and experience less stress at home.
Their routines are uninterrupted (meal times, sleep time, attention).
Travel stress for both owner and pet is eliminated.
Your pet’s exposure to illness is minimized. There's a reason it's called Kennel Cough.
Untrained or unwilling friends/family/neighbors need not be called.
You’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professionally trained, caring individual.
Cons:
Finding the right pet sitter that you AND your pet trust can be challenging.
If you don't schedule enough visits, your pet may get lonely and bored.
Pet Boarding
Pet Boarding is like taking your dog to their own hotel. There's even options to have daily playtime and grooming while you're away. We love Pet Boarding for the highly active and social dogs that need a lot to do and don't mind a lot going on.
Pros:
Dogs who are sociable and playful would enjoy this option surrounded by other dogs and staff in day long boarding.
Boarding is also a better bet if you have a pet who gets destructive when you’re away.
Your dog would be tired and happy from all the socializing and busyness of the kennel.
Cons:
Dogs are more likely to contract Kennel Cough and other viruses in a boarding setting with other animals.
Your dog may not get the 1:1 attention they need in a kennel full of other noisy animals.
Your dog may be overwhelmed and frightened in an unfamiliar environment.
Boarding facilities can be stressful environments, especially during peak vacation times. It is loud and pets who are territorial are likely to be stressed out by others in their space.
It is expensive to board pets overnight.
Why hire a Professional Pet Sitter?
Professional pet sitters are just what the description implies – professional. While having friends, family, or the teenager down the street care for your pets may seem like the easy choice, a professional pet sitter cares for all types of pets for a living and have the experience necessary to care for your animals. PLUS, if there's ever an emergency, an Elle McCall manager can be with your pet within minutes. There's no risk of a sitter forgetting to visit your pet or not giving them the attention they deserve.
At Elle McCall, our sitters are:
Can be relied on to fulfill all of your care requests on time, each and every time
Experienced in caring for Dogs, Cats, and Exotic Critters of all sizes, types, and breeds
Extremely responsive, easy to communicate with, and always available through online chat and Facebook messenger
Professionally trained and experienced in working with all types of pet personalities
Trained and experienced in administering medication
Aware of signs to spot if your pet needs veterinary attention
Reliable and have backup sitters and management to assist in case of emergencies, car troubles or illness
Knowledgeable on how to tailor your pet’s care based on their individual likes, dislikes, and habits
Knows how to spot and avoid potentially dangerous situations, and can react quickly and effectively when necessary
We know you have many options when choosing a pet sitter or boarding and we would love to offer our services to you and your fur baby. Schedule a complimentary, no obligation Meet & Greet with one of our trusted, caring sitters so we can get to know you and your pet!
