For pet owners, particularly those in rural settings, deciding how to care for pets during holidays can be a challenging task. Luxury kennels and boarding facilities promise pampered experiences for pets, while professional house sitters offer personalised care within the familiar environment of home. This post examines the pros and cons of both options, providing insights to help you make the best choice for your furry family member.
The rise of luxury kennels stems from a growing demand for high-end pet care. With amenities like underfloor heating, private suites, and gourmet menus, these facilities cater to pets as if they were guests in a five-star hotel. Conversely, professional house sitting services have become the choice for pet owners prioritising routine, familiarity, security and of course, the comforts of a pet’s own home. With these services, pets can remain in their comfort zone, reducing the stress often associated with separation.
The Case for Luxury Kennels
Pros:
- Luxury Amenities: Many facilities offer private rooms, plush bedding, and even flat-screen TVs streaming animal-friendly content. Some include spa treatments, swimming pools, and agility courses.
- Socialisation: Dogs that thrive on interaction may enjoy the opportunity to mingle with other dogs during group play sessions.
- Professional Supervision: Staff are often trained to handle a range of pet behaviours and medical needs, offering peace of mind in case of emergencies.
Cons:
- Stressful Environment: Despite their luxuries, kennels can be stressful, especially for pets unaccustomed to strange surroundings or excessive noise from other animals.
- Limited Personal Attention: Even in premium facilities, care is often standardised, leaving little room for tailoring to your pet's unique habits or preferences.
- Cost: The luxury label comes with a hefty price tag, often comparable to or exceeding the cost of hiring a professional house sitter.
Image by Fale Llorente Almansa from Pixabay
The Case for Using a Professional House Sitter
Pros:
- Routine is Key: Pets thrive on routine. A professional house sitter follows your pet's usual schedule, from feeding and exercise to medication schedules and toilet times. As highlighted in our experiences, this consistency reduces anxiety.
- Personalised Attention: Unlike a kennel, a house sitter focuses solely on your pets and home. Whether it's playing fetch in the garden or providing cuddle time on the sofa, the care is tailored to your pet's needs.
- Home Security: Beyond pet care, a house sitter's presence safeguards your property, deterring potential intruders and being on hand in case of power outages, or storm damage as examples.
- Comfort and Familiarity: Pets remain in their own environment with all their familiar scents, toys, and routines, helping them adjust better to your absence.
Cons:
- Dependence on the Sitter's Expertise: The sitter's ability to handle emergencies, from health crises to security issues, is crucial. This makes vetting sitters essential (see our guide on Choosing the Ideal House Sitter).
- Potential for Higher Costs: For multi-pet households or extended stays, the cost of a professional sitter may be higher than standard kennelling but is often competitive with luxury options.
Choose Professional House Sitters for Service Beyond
At A-Breed-Apart, we pride ourselves on offering bespoke care that goes beyond pet sitting. We’re on hand to care for your pets, your plants, your home.
Here are just some of the reasons our clients choose us:
Experience caring for dogs, cats, chickens & small livestock across the Cotswolds
Reliable, dependable, and equipped to manage emergencies including Pet First Aid
Tailored care for your pets, from walks to maintaining strict feeding routines and medication schedules
Glenn walking a client down another country road in the Cotswolds
Comparative Analysis
Suitability:
Luxury Kennels: Best for social dogs who enjoy activity and do well in new environments.
Professional House Sitter: Ideal for all pets, especially those with specific needs, medical conditions, or that are shy, anxious, or elderly.
Security:
Luxury Kennels: Pamper pets but obviously cannot safeguard homes.
Professional House Sitters: Protect pets and properties, offering a dual service.
Cost Effectiveness
While both options can be expensive, the personalised benefits and added home security of a professional house sitter often outweigh the costs of even the most opulent kennels.
Related Reads
Choosing the Ideal Pet House Sitter
Author Bio
Glenn Bauer is a trusted professional specializing in pet and house sitting for rural homes and estates across the Cotswolds and South West and South England. With years of hands-on experience in managing properties and animals, he offers tailored care and solutions. His expertise is reflected in consistent 5-star client reviews. Read Glenn's journey to professional pet and house sitter Glenn and Mandy: The Journey behind A-Breed-Apart
If you'd like to send Glenn a message, then visit his Contact Page.
Add comment
Comments