For many pet owners, leaving their pets behind while traveling can be a challenge.
Whether your pet has special medical needs or simply loves attention, you may want to consider pet boarding while you’re away.
There are multiple pet boarding options available, and it’s important that you can choose the one that best suits your pet’s personality, needs, and budget.
In this handy guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the most popular pet boarding services.
What is pet boarding?
The purpose of a pet boarding service is to provide a safe and comfortable place for pets while their owners are away.
Pet boarding services have long been available to traveling pet owners, but today there are more options than ever before.
Kennels, in-home pet boarding centers, and even cat-only boarding facilities offer customized care around the clock.
Although staying at a pet hotel has many benefits, only 16% of dog owners traveling for more than two nights choose to board their dogs, and only 6% of cat owners choose to board their cats, according to pet statistics compiled by the Pet Hotel Association for 2018-2024. American Pet Products Association (APPA).
That’s because, for both cats and dogs, many pet owners say that family and friends are their go-to sitters.
5 Best Accommodation Options for Pets
1. Pet Kennel
In pet kennels, pets are grouped by size and personality and kept in individual enclosures or pens.
These enclosures are usually surrounded by chain-link fencing and have hard, often concrete floors. In addition to basic care such as feeding and cleaning, kennels also include daily walks and playtime.
Many pet hotels offer grooming services for an additional fee, and some may require a temperament test before you leave your pet there for the first time.
The benefits of a pet kennel include:
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Budget-friendly: With less emphasis on the appearance of the facility or extra services, kennels can be an affordable option for pet boarding.
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Consistent Schedule: Many kennels have set schedules for feeding, playing, and walking that may not be customizable to fit your schedule at home, but they do provide a routine that can reduce anxiety.
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Useful services: For an additional fee, pet owners can often add on a grooming session before their pet goes home.
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Trained staff: The kennels have experienced pet care staff who can provide basic care such as feeding, cleaning and medication.
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Animal Facility License: Each state has special licenses for businesses that keep and care for animals, including kennels. Many of these licenses require annual inspections to ensure the space is safe for pets and humans.
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Suitable for many pet types: Dogs and cats are the most common pets left at kennels, but some facilities also take in exotic pets like horses, birds, and even reptiles.
Considerations:
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Limited Socialization: While your dog may interact with many owners and other dogs, activities and socialization will usually be limited compared to other accommodation options, such as pet resorts or hotels.
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Lack of personalized care: Pets are usually looked after by multiple staff members rather than a single caretaker. Someone with separation anxiety may prefer familiar faces.
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Limited space: This can be a stressful change for pets who love to roam freely around the house and yard.
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Risk of disease: Crowding increases the risk of infectious diseases. Vaccinations against kennel cough and canine flu can help prevent the spread and reduce the severity of illness. David IsraelVeterinarian, Medical Director Veterinary Emergency Group In Denver.
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communication: It doesn’t always include daily updates.
2. Pet Daycare
Pet daycare provides care and supervision during the day, may have set drop-off and pick-up times, and may require temperament testing before dropping off your pet for the first time.
Benefits of pet daycare include:
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Plenty of social activities: Daycare allows your pet to interact with a variety of caregivers and fellow pets throughout the day. For those who enjoy a social atmosphere, this environment helps your pet get plenty of playtime and companionship. At pick-up time, your exhausted pup will be ready to be picked up.
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Flexible for short stays: Daycare is typically used for short periods of time, such as during long work days, and allows pet owners to set up a regular schedule or drop in as needed.
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Animal Facility License: They must meet certain standards regarding cleanliness and animal welfare.
Considerations:
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We may not be able to provide accommodation if: Some facilities may only be open during the day.
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Overstimulation: Some dogs may find the social environment too overwhelming.
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Risk of disease: Keeping many pets in a small space increases the risk of infectious diseases.
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Not suitable for cats: Pet daycare is typically only available for dogs.
3. In-home pet care
Home pet boarding is a comfortable alternative to a pet boarding facility. While there may not be the structured schedule of a facility, your pet will still receive personalized attention and care in the comfort of your own home.
The benefits of home pet boarding include:
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Personalized Care: Your pet will have a dedicated caregiver who can tailor the routine and care to suit your pet’s needs, which may be ideal for pets with anxiety or special needs.
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Comfortable environment: The familiar environment of home can reduce stress for pets who can easily become overwhelmed in a new place.
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Solo travelers or small groups: In most cases, pets will be the only guests staying in the lodger’s home unless otherwise discussed and agreed. This minimises exposure to illness and unfamiliar animals and is especially helpful for cats and timid pets.
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Flexibility and last minute scheduling: Home boarding offers flexible schedules and may be booked through an online application. Home boarding options typically do not require temperament testing prior to boarding.
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communication: You can also ask to receive daily updates and photos of your pet.
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Affordable price: This may be more affordable than leaving your pet at a facility.
Considerations:
4. Pet hotels and resorts
Boarding your pet at a hotel or resort is often the most expensive accommodation option due to the amount of amenities offered.
Pet hotels and resorts, as the name suggests, may feature spacious enclosures that are more like suites than kennels.
There are plenty of activities to keep your pet entertained, including outdoor lawns and swimming areas. Pet resorts and hotels may require a temperament test before your pet’s first stay.
The benefits of pet hotels and resorts include:
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Consistent schedule with upgrades: Pet resorts and hotels offer set feeding, play and walking schedules, and some offer the option to add extra care or playtime to your pet’s accommodation package, such as upgraded bedding or treat options. Other facilities offer special care packages for senior or younger animals.
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There are plenty of social and engaging solo play areas. Whether your pet is sociable or likes to play alone, pet resorts and hotels have a variety of amenities. These include swimming pools, agility courses, and group play sessions with compatible companions. Some resorts and hotels even offer individual obedience training for an additional fee.
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communication: Pet owners often receive daily reports on their pet’s activity, appetite and overall health, and there’s also the option to install a webcam in the room (for a fee).
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Animal Facility License: They must meet certain standards regarding cleanliness and animal welfare.
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Trained staff: Pet resorts and hotels are staffed with experienced caregivers who can provide basic care as well as specialized tasks such as administering medication, grooming, and training.
Boarding your pet at a hotel or resort is often the most expensive accommodation option due to the amount of amenities offered. Pet hotels and resorts, as the name suggests, may feature spacious enclosures that are more like suites than kennels.
Considerations:
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expensive: The luxury of pet hotels and resorts comes at a premium, and pet resorts are generally the most expensive pet boarding options.
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Risk of disease: Keeping pets in close quarters increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases.
5. Veterinary facilities
If your pet requires specialized care, choosing to leave your pet at a veterinary clinic is your best bet.
The benefits of staying at a veterinary facility include:
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Specialized Medication: Our trained veterinary staff can administer any medication your pet needs, including injections such as insulin.
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Seek immediate veterinary attention: If your pet experiences an unexpected illness or emergency during their stay, our veterinarians will be there to respond and treat them immediately, which is especially important for pets with underlying health conditions.
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Familiar caregivers and environment: For some pets, the familiar sights and smells of a veterinarian’s office may be less stressful than a new place.
Considerations:
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Limited space and facilities: Veterinary clinics often offer more basic kennel environments with limited space.
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Limited Socialization: Activities and interactions are usually more limited than at other boarding facilities.
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Potential costs: Depending on your pet’s needs, boarding fees at a veterinary clinic may be higher.
How do I find the best accommodation option for my pet?
Weigh the pros and cons of each option and take into account your pet’s personality, needs, and budget.
Next, ask yourself the questions that matter most to you:
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Can I tour the facility before leaving my pet?
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What experience does the staff have in caring for pets? If my pet requires special care, have the staff looked after a similar pet before?
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Is staff available 24/7 and what emergency veterinary procedures do you follow at your facility?
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What is the schedule for meals, playtime, and bathroom breaks?
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Verify that the facility has the necessary licenses and insurance to operate a pet boarding business.
Should I take my pet with me instead of leaving it there?
Leaving your pet behind is never easy, but knowing that they’re in good care will quickly ease your worries.
Before deciding, you should consider your pet’s personality, your travel plans, and whether your destination is pet-friendly.
If the pet boarding options above don’t seem right for you, there are other care options available, including in-home pet sitters.
With careful planning, you can make the best decision for you and your beloved pet.
