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You’re heading out of town for a few days, and your dog can’t come with you. Now comes the tough part: figuring out the best care option while you’re away. Is dog boarding at a kennel better, or would your dog be more comfortable at a sitter’s home?
While both options offer good care for your dog, the experience can be very different. Pet sitting usually means your dog stays at your home or in a sitter’s private home, often just with one person. Boarding typically takes place in a kennel-style facility with a rotating staff and lots of other dogs.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between dog boarding and pet sitting, including what you can expect from each, how the costs compare, and which type of care might be the best match for your dog’s needs and your peace of mind.
Pet Sitting Vs Kennel Boarding
This quick comparison table can help you weigh the pros and cons of pet sitting and kennel boarding based on your dog’s personality, needs, and your travel plans.
| Pet Sitter | Boarding Facility | |
| Best for | Anxious, routine-loving, special-needs dogs | Social, adaptable, healthy dogs |
| Environment | Familiar home | New, structured facility |
| Socialization | Minimal (unless sitter has pets) | High (with other dogs/people) |
| Supervision | One-on-one, sitter may stay at your home or their own home, or drop in daily | Staffed facility with rotating caregivers |
| Cost | Higher, especially for live-in care | Usually more affordable |
| Attention | One-on-one, more personalized care | Group care, less individual attention |
| Vaccination | Not always required | Always required |
Kennel Boarding
Traditional kennel boarding means your dog stays in a facility designed specifically for housing multiple dogs. Each dog typically gets their own sleeping space and an enclosed outdoor space they can access during the day.
Many kennels also offer optional add-ons like playtime, training sessions, and webcam access for pet parents. Licensed facilities often have staff on-site around the clock, and some are even run by owners who live on the property.
Costs
Kennel boarding is usually more affordable than private pet sitting. A typical boarding price is $40 to $50 per night depending on location and amenities, with luxury facilities costing more. Additional services like one-on-one walks, medication administration, or grooming are often available for an extra fee.
What kinds of dogs do well in kennels?
Kennel boarding works best for healthy, social, and adaptable dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs and don’t mind new environments. Dogs who are crate-trained, outgoing, or used to daycare often adjust well to kennel life.
If your dog thrives on routine, needs lots of individual attention, or gets easily overwhelmed, a kennel might not be the most comfortable choice. Even social dogs can come home overstimulated or tired after several days in a busy kennel environment.
Antonio_Diaz via iStock
Pet Sitting
“Pet sitting” is a broad term that can refer to a couple different kinds of care:
- Boarding in a sitter’s home. Your dog stays at a private sitter’s home. It’s a more personal alternative to kennels, usually with fewer dogs and more individualized care.
- Pet house sitting. Instead of taking your dog somewhere else, a professional pet sitter stays overnight in your home to feed, walk, and care for your pet in their familiar surroundings. Your dog can also stick to their regular routines.
- Dog daycare or drop‑in visits. These options let sitters care for your dog in their home while you return to pick them up each evening, or come by your home a few times during the day to feed, walk, and spend time with your dog. Dog daycare or drop-in visits are good options for pet parents who will be home at night and only need a sitter for the day.
Costs
Pet-sitting prices vary by service type and location. For 30 to 60 minute drop-in visits, the range is generally $20–$30 per visit. Full-day care typically runs $25–$45 per day, while overnight house-sitting or in-home boarding is usually $45–$75 per night.
What kinds of dogs do well with pet sitters?
Pet sitting is an excellent choice for dogs who thrive on routine and feel most comfortable in spaces that they’re familiar with. It’s especially well-suited for pets who may be anxious, elderly, or have special medical or dietary needs. Because pet sitters provide one-on-one care, your dog is more likely to receive personalized attention and stick to their normal schedule.
This type of care is also ideal for dogs who don’t do well in busy or highly social environments, such as kennels. Instead of adjusting to a facility with rotating staff and many other dogs, your pet gets a quieter, calmer experience.
Benefits of Finding Pet Sitting on Rover
If you like aspects of both kennel boarding and pet sitting, Rover might be the answer. You can review the profiles of local sitters to find the kind of care and environment that suits your and your dog’s needs, whether that’s a solo stay in a sitter’s home with personalized care or a bustling house with multiple pups for playtime. Filter for the ability to give medications, house rules (dogs on the furniture?), and expertise, then schedule a Meet & Greet to make sure it’s a great fit.
For pups who need the comfort of their familiar environment—and pet parents who want the peace of mind of an occupied home—you can also book a house sitter on Rover, reviewing background checks, reviews, and references from pet parents like you.
