Home Dog Boarding Versus Kennels – The Pros and Cons

Traditionally when people went on holiday they would leave their four legged friend in a kennels, however in recent years there has been a new phenomenon which is home dog boarding. This alternative to kennels is a much preferred option nowadays giving the owner total piece of mind that when they leave their dog, it is treated much the same way it is at home, with the entire one on one care and attention it is used to.

Pros of home dog boarding

- A home from home environment, your dog will live in the home of an experienced professional pet minder who will provide love and care for your dogs and treat them as if they were one of their own. Your dogs stay will be fun, exciting and, most importantly, your dog will be in a safe and happy environment.

- Your dog will receive at least 2 walks a day by a professional dog walker as part of a pack or individually. Dogs will be kept on the lead unless consent is given.

- The pet sitters home dog boarding will have a secure garden and your dog will be with a professional dog minder at all times, so you can rest assured that they will be in very safe hands.

- Your dog’s routine in terms of feeding, walks, medication, and bedtime will be followed like it is at home.

- Most pet sitters offer a preliminary meeting so you can go and see the home dog boarding facilities and meet the resident dogs if there are any.

Cons of home dog boarding

- Exposure to disease: Most, but not all, home dog boarding require your dogs to be vaccinated before you drop them off. Always make sure your dog has been vaccinated and has up to date flea treatment.

- Cost: Home dog boarding can be expensive. It may be cheaper to have a friend or relative stop by your home and check on your dog, but home dog boarding would definitely be a better experience for your dog.

Pros of Kennels

- Security: Most kennels have double gates to keep dogs in their enclosures. This means that if a dog slips by a person when their kennel is opened, they are still enclosed by an outer fence. One of the easiest ways to lose a dog is to have your dog stay at somebody else’s house. Somebody could leave the door open, and your dog will be gone. Boarding your dog at a kennel should give you more peace of mind.

- Supervision: If you board your dog at a kennel, you know that somebody will be there during business hours. Some kennels have 24 hour staff. It is reassuring to know you can call and check on your dog anytime the kennel is open. If you leave your dog home alone, it will not be supervised, and may be destructive.

Cons of Kennels:

- Many dogs find kennels extremely stressful: they are put in a cage and don’t receive the one on one love and attention that they are used to at home.

- Exposure to disease: Most, but not all, kennels require your dogs to be vaccinated before you drop them off. Always make sure your dog has been vaccinated for kennel cough (Bordatella). Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be spread through a shared water bowl.

- Cost: Kennels are expensive. It may be cheaper to have a friend or relative stop by your home and check on your dog.

4 Paws in the park is a premium dog walking and pet service, based in a family home in East Sheen, London, providing a modern and preferred alternative to kennels.4 Paws in the Park offers a range of pet services to make your life happy and stress free. They include: Dog walking, dog boarding, dog daycare, pet feeding and pet taxi services. 4 Paws in the park is owned by Brodie Ellis. Originally from the Cotswolds, I naturally grew up surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes. I am and have always been a huge animal lover and nothing makes me happier than a content and happy animal. I have two dogs of my own and so I understand that it can be very stressful leaving your pet for long periods of time and finding someone you trust to look after them.