Finding A Boarding Center With Your Values

Boarding facilities can be great places to leave your dogs at when you need to go out of town, as they may have on-site vet care and an open yard for dogs to socialize. However, there are some scenarios where an at-home pet sitter may be better; take a look.

If You Have an Anxious Dog

Some dogs get incredibly anxious if they are separated from their owners, while others may be frightened by new visual and aural stimuli at the boarding facility. If a dog is older, he or she may develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which is similar to Alzheimer's in humans and can cause anxiety due to memory decline. Dogs who are anxious may exhibit unwanted or distressing behaviors, such as urinating/defecating everywhere, pacing, or excessive barking.

If your dog is overly anxious and you are going on an extended vacation, it may be better to have a pet sitter come to your house. Your dog will be more comfortable staying in his or her own environment. Some pet sitters may be able to stay overnight at your home so that your dog doesn't have to go long periods without someone at home.

If You Have a Reactive Dog

Reactivity is an umbrella term for dogs who overact to certain stimuli. While some reactivity may be rooted in anxiety, it can also be caused by insufficient training, lack of socialization, or even genetics. Some boarding facilities may not accept reactive dogs because there is a risk that these dogs will be aggressive around other pups. Other facilities may accept reactive dogs, but you may have to pay more since the dog may require extra hands-on attention or solo walks when on a leash. Having an at-home pet sitter is an ideal situation for a reactive dog since you won't have to worry about your dog harming other animals.  

If You Have a Dog with Health Needs

When a dog is boarded near other animals, he or she may be at risk for contagious illnesses, like parvovirus, kennel cough, ringworm, etc. Healthy dogs that have been vaccinated may get over boarding illnesses, but dogs with pre-existing health conditions may not be safe in these situations. If your dog has a poor immune system, it's a good idea to have an at-home sitter so that your dog can avoid getting sick. Some in-home pet sitters may offer more specialized care than boarders, like injections for diabetic dogs. Do you have a dog with special needs? If a dog is in a wheelchair, he or she may require extra care, such as wearing diapers when indoors if he or she is incontinent. A pet sitter can monitor a sick pet more closely than a boarding facility with multiple pets.

Reach out to an in-home pet sitter in your area today for more details. Contact a company like Jerseys Pet Care if you have any questions.