Pet Sitting or Dog Boarding?
There are so many things to consider when planning a vacation. Besides planning your travel itinerary and booking hotels, if you’re a pet owner you also have to figure out who’s going to take care of your furry companions while you’re away. Luckily, there are plenty of pet care options for the Bellingham pet owner preparing for travel. But what’s best for Bellingham pets–in-home pet sitting, or dog boarding? Read on to learn the benefits of hiring a professional pet sitter.
Why a Professional Pet Sitter?
While boarding has traditionally been the most popular choice for cat and dog owners, in-home pet sitting grows in popularity each year. The growth of the pet sitting industry means that there are more professional pet sitters available in Bellingham than ever before. A professional pet sitter, unlike a “hobby pet sitter,” has a business license and insurance policy, works under a contract, and has training and experience in pet care. Hiring a professional pet sitter is not the same as having a neighbor or friend come by to look after your animals. Quality professional pet sitters make a living caring for other people’s animals, so you know they’re going to go above and beyond for your animal companions.
Why Pet Sitting Over Boarding?
At Boulevard Bark, we truly believe that in-home pet sitting is the healthiest, safest option for cats, dogs, and other pets. Your animals will be happier, and safer too, when you bring in a professional pet sitter to care for them in the comfort of their own home. Here’s why …
1. Stress-Free Pets
Boarding can be traumatic for some pets, especially rescue cats and dogs or those with separation anxiety. For rescue animals, the boarding experience can bring back memories of being in a shelter or kennel. Non-rescue pets can find the experience stressful, too. Think about it–wouldn’t you feel stressed if you were in a cage surrounded by dozens of barking dogs? A pet sitter comes into your home and meets the animal there, in a safe, familiar and comfortable environment.
2. Personalized, One-On-One Care
A dog in a boarding facility is one of many, and kennel staff members are in charge of multiple dogs at any given time. They simply can’t provide the kind of undivided attention that a pet sitter will give to your dog. A professional pet sitter is being paid to look after just one animal (or two or three, if you have more than one–but still, they’re all yours) at a time. You’ll know your pets aren’t getting lost in the shuffle of a dozen other dogs, feeling ignored and lonely. Your pet sitter knows they were hired to make sure your pets have companionship and feel loved.
3. Pet Sitters Double as House Sitters
When you hire a pet sitter from Boulevard Bark, you’re getting more than just pet care. We also look after your home, bring in your mail, water indoor and outdoor plants, and rotate porch lights. Your home will look lived-in, and will be neat and tidy when you return.
4. Pets Pick Up Viruses in Kennels
No matter how clean a boarding facility, there’s always a danger of picking up viruses. Bordatella, or “kennel cough,” is one of the most common. However, pets can pick up other parasites and diseases, too. Play it safe, and avoid these risks altogether when you hire a professional pet sitter.
5. Stress-Free Humans!
Dogs and cats aren’t the only ones who will be less stressed when you hire a pet sitter. You will, too. Boulevard Bark‘s professional pet sitters will communicate with you frequently, sending daily updates and pictures of your pets so that you know all is well. You can rest assured that if there is an issue, your pet sitter will contact you right away. Pet sitters are reliable and punctual because their jobs depend on it. And of course, you’ll know that your pet is in the hands of someone with professional experience and training that qualifies them to care for your most precious companions.
Book Your Pet Sitter Early
If you’re planning a trip within the next year, now is the time to contact us and book your pet sitter. Our schedules fill up fast, so we welcome and encourage early bookings. We know you’ll do the right thing for your pets.
