Boarding vs. Pet Sitting vs. Asking a Friend: What’s the Best Option for Your Dog?

Boarding vs. Pet Sitting vs. Asking a Friend: What’s the Best Option for Your Dog? 🐾

Because your dog deserves more than just “someone to feed them” while you’re away

You’ve got a trip coming up—maybe a vacation, a work trip, or a last-minute family emergency. You’re packing your bags... and then you look over at your dog. Cue the “what am I supposed to do with you?” internal panic.

Leaving your dog behind is never easy, and figuring out who they’ll stay with while you’re gone can feel like its own full-blown decision matrix. Do you board them? Hire a sitter? Beg your friend with the fenced yard and heart of gold?

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and key questions of boarding vs. in-home sitting vs. asking a friend—so you can choose the right fit for your pup and your peace of mind.

🏨 Option 1: Boarding at a Facility

Think of it like doggy hotel meets summer camp. Boarding facilities are structured, social environments with staff on hand to care for your dog while you’re away.

Pros:

• Professional supervision: Staff trained to handle dogs of all temperaments

• Structured routines: Meals, potty breaks, and playtime often on a reliable schedule

• Optional add-ons: Like grooming, training refreshers, or enrichment play

• Socialization: Great for social dogs who love to make friends

Cons:

• Can be stressful for anxious or reactive dogs

• Group settings = higher exposure to illness or injury

• Some facilities can feel sterile or impersonal

• Dogs may come home exhausted or overstimulated

Best For:

• Outgoing, confident dogs who enjoy other dogs

• Dogs already crate-trained and comfortable in new environments

• Owners who prefer structure and professional oversight

🏠 Option 2: In-Home Pet Sitter

Hiring a pet sitter to come to your home (or stay overnight) is a great middle ground—your dog gets to stay in their own space, and someone else handles the details.

Pros:

• Familiar environment = less stress

• One-on-one attention without competing for time or resources

• Great for dogs with routines, anxiety, or health issues

• You don’t have to pack up all your dog’s stuff

Cons:

• More expensive than boarding in many cases

• Trust factor—you’re giving someone access to your home

• Not always 24/7 care unless you hire an overnight sitter

• You’ll need to vet references, credentials, and backup plans

Best For:

• Dogs with separation anxiety or complex routines

• Senior or reactive dogs who don’t thrive in group settings

• Owners who want peace of mind and personalized care

🙋 Option 3: Asking a Friend or Family Member

This is often the go-to Plan A when you’re in a pinch. It’s free, familiar, and lets you feel like you’re leaving your dog with someone who already loves them.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly (or free!)

• Your dog may already know and love them

• You can text without feeling like you’re annoying them

• More flexibility with rules and routines

Cons:

• They may not fully understand your dog’s needs

• Less likely to be trained in handling emergencies or behavior quirks

• Could strain the friendship if something goes wrong

• You might feel guilty asking for too much

Best For:

• Short trips (1–3 days)

• Dogs that are easygoing and well-behaved

• Friends/family who genuinely enjoy dogs and are reliable

What to Consider When Choosing

Ask yourself:

• Is your dog social or solo-minded?

• Do they have health conditions or medications?

• How do they handle change, noise, or new people?

• Do you want someone to stay in your home or just visit?

• What’s your budget?

• How often do you want updates and communication?

If your dog thrives on routine and struggles with stimulation, an in-home sitter or familiar friend might be the best call. If they love being around other pups and need a lot of activity? Boarding could be perfect.

And remember—there’s no wrong choice, only the one that best fits your dog’s vibe.

Bonus Tips for Any Option

• Create a “Dog Manual” with feeding schedule, commands, vet info, quirks, and emergency contacts.

• Leave an extra key or code in case of tech issues.

• Stock up on meds, food, and treats in advance.

• Always do a trial visit or short test run before a long trip when possible.

Final Thoughts: Choose What’s Right for Your Dog

Every dog is different. Some thrive in a lively kennel full of new smells and bestie possibilities. Others just want their bed, their window, and someone who knows how to rub their ears just right.

The right choice is the one that meets your dog’s emotional needs—and lets you travel without spending your whole trip worrying.

Need more real-talk dog care tips for travel, transitions, and everything in between? Follow us on Instagram @mutty_prints for daily dog mom support, checklists, and hilarious “my dog did WHAT while I was gone” stories.

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