Every dog owner wants to ensure that their pooch is safe and happy while they are away. Therefore, before booking the next family vacation or hopping on the plane for that oh-so-important business trip, a dog owner needs to decide between kennels and home dog boarding. The following details some of the differences that can help you make this important choice.
Pros of Home Dog Boarding
- Home Sweet Home. With home dog boarding, your pup will be in the comfort of a home, which is a similar environment to the one they live in every day. Your dog will have the same comforts they do at home without having to adjust to life in a kennel.
- 24-Hour Care. The one-on-one attention your dog will get from a home dog boarder is immeasurable. With a trusted, reliable host, you can enjoy your worry-free vacation without having to think twice about whether or not Fido is getting the love and attention he needs (and deserves!).
- Exercise. A home dog boarder will be able to regularly walk your dog or take them to the park to socialize with other pups. Many home dog boarders also have a secured yard for your dog to play outside or get some fresh air.
- Regular Routine. Home dog boarders will have an initial meeting with you to discuss your dog’s regular routine. The dog boarder will be able to follow this daily regime, which will help increase your dog’s comfort level and prevent illness.
- Affordable. Home dog boarding is often a more affordable alternative. With price points coming from every range, you have the option of picking a host whose rate matches your budget.
- Free-Reign. With home dog boarding, your dog will not be confined like they would at a crated kennel. As confinement can make a dog quite stressed, your pet will be happier and healthier in a home dog boarding environment.
- Reduced Risk of Disease. A home dog boarding environment is more intimate, your dog is not in a confined place with many other animals. Instead, your pup will be in a home, with a few other well socialized dogs or alone depending on your needs.
Kennels: Issues to Consider
- Behavioral Issues. It would be nice if all dogs got along, but some just aren’t meant to be trusted around other animals unless they are muzzled or under constant supervision. In these cases it’s best to take your dog to a crated kennel or leave him with a host that doesn’t have any other animals.
- Exposure to disease. In an environment where there is much exposure to dogs, dog-to-dog transmittable diseases are more likely to flourish in a kennel, as the dogs are all confined in a small space.
- Stress. Many dogs are used to the one-on-one attention they receive at home. Taking the dog out of this environment and placing them in an environment where the primary dog care giver is constantly changing can be very stressful for your pooch.
- Food. Some kennels do not allow you to bring in your own food. Switching your dog’s food can lead to stomach upset or refusal to eat. You can avoid coming home to a malnourished pup by using home dog boarding services.
- Cost. While some kennels are affordable, some are expensive because many of their “add-on” services like a third walk or administration of medicine is an additional expense. Home dog boarding usually offers an all inclusive rate.
- Limited exercise. While most kennels have dog runs, this is usually the only exercise that the dogs get. A dog that is used to regular walks will develop pent-up energy when placed in a kennel, which may lead to destruction.
- Contact with Other Animals. There are often lots of different dogs with different temperaments staying in one kennel facility. Your dog may become anxious or aggressive in response to these other dogs.
Dog boarding can be a stressful experience for the dog and the owner, it’s a good idea to really consider the needs of your dog and evaluate the best option for both of your needs.
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