What’s the Difference Between a Dog Sitter and a Dog Boarder?
When you’re planning a holiday, one of the biggest decisions isn’t always where you’re going — it’s what’s best for your dog while you’re away.
Should they stay at home with a dog sitter, or go and stay with a dog boarder?
Both options can work really well, but they’re quite different experiences for your dog. Here’s what you need to know.
Dog Sitter
A dog sitter looks after your dog in your own home — either by staying overnight or by visiting during the day.
Their job is to keep your dog happy, safe and as close to their normal routine as possible. They may also look after your home while you’re away.
A good dog sitter should ideally have appropriate insurance and a DBS check, and canine first-aid experience is another valuable qualification to look for.
Typical setup
- Come to your home to feed, walk and play with your dog
- Spend time keeping them company
- Stay overnight while you’re away
- Keep your dog’s usual feeding and walking routine
- Let your dog sleep in their own bed, surrounded by familiar smells and surroundings
Best for dogs who:
- Become stressed in unfamiliar places
- Like their routine and familiar surroundings
- Are nervous or elderly
- Need medication or additional care
- Prefer one-to-one attention
The big advantage
For many dogs, nothing changes except the person looking after them.
They stay at home, follow their normal routine and don’t have to cope with the stress of travelling somewhere unfamiliar.
Daily care
- Feed your dog at their normal times
- Refresh their water and clean bowls
- Walk them once or several times a day, depending on what you’ve agreed
- Play games and provide cuddles and attention
- Provide mental stimulation
- Keep their normal routine as closely as possible
Health & safety
- Give medication if required
- Keep an eye on eating, toilet habits, behaviour and general wellbeing
- Contact you if anything seems unusual
- Wipe muddy paws
- Provide basic grooming
- Clean up any little accidents
Looking after your home
- Bring in post and parcels
- Take the bins out
- Water plants
- Keep things generally tidy
- Make sure doors and windows are secure
There are two common types of dog sitting
Live-in / house sitting
Your sitter stays overnight in your home and looks after your dog there.
This can be particularly reassuring for dogs who don’t like being left alone or who benefit from having company throughout the day and night.
Drop-in visits
Drop-in visits can be arranged for dogs who need care and company throughout the day but don’t require their sitter to stay overnight.
Visits are planned around your dog’s individual routine and needs, with feeding, walks, play and plenty of companionship included.
For dogs who are anxious, unsettled or simply don’t cope well with being left alone, live-in care is usually the better option — and that’s something we can provide.
Dog Boarder
A dog boarder looks after your dog in their own home or at a boarding establishment such as kennels.
You drop your dog off and they stay somewhere different while you’re away — a bit like having their own little holiday.
Typical setup
- You take your dog to the boarder’s home or boarding facility
- Your dog stays there for the duration of your trip
- They may be cared for alongside other dogs, depending on the setup
- Their routine will be adapted to their new environment
Best for dogs who:
- Are confident and adaptable
- Enjoy new environments
- Like being around other dogs
- Are comfortable being away from home
The big advantage
Boarding can provide structured care and plenty of company, and for social dogs it can be a lovely experience.
So which is better?
There isn’t one answer that’s right for every dog.
Some dogs would absolutely love a little holiday somewhere new. Others would much rather stay on their own sofa, sleep in their own bed and wonder why you’ve left without them.
The most important thing is to think about your individual dog’s personality, age, routine and needs.
If your dog is happiest at home, a dog sitter could be the least disruptive option.
If they’re confident, social and enjoy new experiences, boarding might suit them perfectly.
The best care is the care that’s right for your dog.
Whichever option you choose, plan ahead, ask questions and choose someone you feel completely comfortable trusting with your four-legged family member.
If staying at home would suit your dog best, we’d be very happy to chat about how our professional home dog sitting service could work for you.