The Pros and Cons of Kenneling

You have 2 options when you go on vacation. The first is to kennel your dog and the second is to have a pet sitter watch him. There are advantages and disadvantages of both.

How dogs react or responds to each really varies with the individual dog and its personality. Below are some pros and cons of boarding vs. finding a pet sitter to help you as you consider which is best for your dog.

Pros for a Kennel or Boarding Facility


•You don't have anyone you don't know coming into your house.


•Your dog is being monitoring in a trustworthy location with professionals monitoring your dog. This is their business and they hopefully will know what they are doing.

Cons for a Kennel or Boarding Facility


•A kennel is convenient but it is important to find a facility that you trust. Not all of these are "great". Find one with a good reputation. Some dogs don't get the play and attention they desire. Extra walks and play time can be optional "add-on" to your base fee. Consider those features.


•Many dogs are more stressed at kennels than they are by staying in their own environment.


•Some dogs are fed or given different food which can lead to gastrointestinal upsets such as vomiting or diarrhea. This seems to be worse with the addition of "stress".


•It is possible for some dogs to acquire infectious diseases such as kennel cough while boarding. The combination of lots of dogs in a small area and stress can induce a viral infection in some dogs (this is similar to lots of kids in kindergarten passing around a common "cold"). To minimize this risk, make sure your dog is current on all vaccinations.

Pros for a Pet Sitter


•You have someone checking your house, getting your mail and making your home looked "lived in". You can sometimes find someone who is willing to stay at your home if you desire this level of service. A pet sitter that stays at your home is sure to give your pets plenty of attention. However, you have to find the right person! Office and technical staff at veterinary clinics can make good candidates for this job. They are animal-people and are trained to detect medical problems should they arise.


•Your dog is in his own environment which is generally less stressful.


•Your dog will eat his own food and have his own routine. A change of food or an addition of treats can sometimes induce gastrointestinal upset.

Cons for a Pet Sitter


•You are opening your home and pets to one person that you need to trust. If you choose the wrong person –it is possible they could have friends over to your home. You need to choose the right person – one that you trust.

Regardless if whether you choose a kennel or pet sitter - make sure you provide clear instruction on what food your dog should be fed and any required medications. A good kennel or pet sitter will often walk and play with the dogs several times a day. Give clear instructions on what you expect of his activity, playtime and interaction with other dogs. Also, ensure that you provide good contact information in both instances in the case of an emergency.

i could never put poppy in a kennel, she would stress loads and i would always be worrying, i would have to have a family member have her for the time xx

I have used kennels twice - the first one I reported as Jack came back with fleas and he stank to high heaven - not impressed - threw his baskets and toys away and got him new ones.

The second time was for both Jack and Diddy Dog - paid to have a bigger kennel so they could go together and also paid extra for longer exercise/walk time. Checked the kennels out first as well and they were really good xx

oh no, that kennel sounds bad!! you cant imagine what they did.. or didnt do to him!!

glad it was better at the other kennels xxx

They had chalets with four poster beds!!

really! haha, cute!! xx

Yep - with their own private back yard exercise patch !!

that sounds like a great kennel, when can i move in? xx