Professional Pet Sitter vs. Kenneling: Which is Right for Your Dog?

As a dog parent, one of the most important decisions you need to make is who will take care of your pup while you’re away. While you’d love to take your dog with you every time, sometimes it’s not possible to take them with you on vacation.  Some people choose to board their dog, but the kennel environment can be stressful, especially for shy or anxious pups. If you have a rescue dog, kenneling can also stir up past trauma.  Instead of kenneling your dog, consider hiring a professional pet sitter to give your pup the care and attention they deserve.

5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Pet Sitter in Hagerstown, Maryland

1.    Your Dog Stays in the Comfort of Their Own Home

One of the best benefits of hiring a professional pet sitter is that your dog never has to leave the comfort of their own home.   With their fur parents gone, many pups feel stressed or experience some separation anxiety. A new kennel environment filled with lots of other dogs and strangers only exacerbates your dog’s anxiety.

Instead, your dog can stay in their safe space, enjoying their favorite toys and surrounded by the smells of their favorite person—you!

2.    Keep Your Dog’s Schedule

Sticking to a schedule is important for all dogs, but for puppies especially. If you have a young pup that you’ve finally established a regular potty routine, they will need to adjust to an entirely new schedule if you put them in a kennel.  A professional pet sitter will follow your care instructions, keeping up with your pup’s potty and food routines, so you can come back to a happy, healthy pup.   Pet sitters are also great for older dogs who may need to go potty more often than their younger counterparts. They can customize their care schedules to meet your individual dog’s needs.

3.    Your Dog Gets All the Attention and Care

Kennels have multiple dogs that all require care, dividing the attention of the boarding staff and limiting how much one-on-one time your dog will get. With a professional pet sitter, you can be sure that your dog is the sole focus, getting all of the attention they deserve.   This is great for dogs that may have more specialized needs, as well, like food allergies, medications, or reactivity to other dogs.  With Platinum Paws Pet Services, for example, your dog will only ever be walked alone or with other dogs from their household, minimizing their reactive behavior.

4.    Keep Your Dog Safe from Diseases, Germs, or Injury

Because there are so many dogs in one space, your dog runs the risk of getting sick or injured when they stay in a kennel. Kennel cough is an especially common illness in kennel environments like boarding facilities and animal shelters.  When your dog stays in the comfort of their own home, they’re never exposed to the germs and outside diseases of these facilities, keeping your pet’s health and wellness top of mind.

5.    Get Peace of Mind While You’re Gone

A professional pet sitter gives you the comfort of knowing that not only is your dog well taken care of and safe while you’re away, but your home is as well.  Because they are checking on your dog daily, as well as providing a detailed report of their visit with pictures, you can be sure that everything in your home will be how you left it.   Professional pet sitters are also certified in dog and cat First Aid, giving you even more peace of mind that your pup will be safe in case of an emergency.

Looking for an Exceptional Professional Pet Sitter in Hagerstown, Maryland?

Platinum Paws Pet Service goes above and beyond to provide our clients and their pups with the best service possible.   Our team of pet sitters is all fully employed, insured, and bonded professionals that have gone through an extensive 10-point screening process to make sure they’re the best fit to care for your furry (or feathered!) family member.  We care for your dog like family, and we know that no two dogs are the same. We create a custom care plan for each dog in our care to give them the love and attention they need.

If you’re ready to try the Platinum Paws Pet Service difference, contact us today to Become A Client or Request a Quote.