Nobody likes being away from their four-legged friend for long, but there are times when you just can’t bring them along with you. The good news is, there are more options for pet owners to choose from now than ever before. Many kennels offer numerous amenities for your dog to enjoy, and in-home pet sitting has also come a long way from just having a neighbor pop in to feed your cat. Wondering which boarding service is the right choice for you and your pet? Our expert insiders at Fon Jon Pet Care shared their insight.
How much attention does your pet need?
While having an in-home sitter drop by a couple times a day to interact with your pet may be the least expensive option, this could potentially lead to separation anxiety and behavior issues, even if you have a relatively low-maintenance animal. Someone who interacts with your pet 24/7 is at the other end of the spectrum, in terms of attention level and price. That said, if you have an elderly animal or a very young puppy who has not yet had all its immunizations, this might be the best solution for you. Otherwise, a professional boarding facility is the middle ground. At a full-service kennel like Fon Jon, you can choose ahead of time what kinds of activities your dog will engage in. Being cage-free during the day and getting to interact with other pooches is a great way for your dog to socialize and exercise, diminishing the chances of separation anxiety. And while some cats don’t generally want to hang out with others, they can be more comfortable in a cozy group den than pacing around an empty house.
Do you know and trust the sitter?
Depending on what kind of pet-sitting scenario you’re looking at, there are different elements you need to consider before you hand over your credit card. A friend or relative who’s willing to watch your animal is most likely someone you trust—but would they know what to do in the case of a veterinary emergency? Do you feel confident that they’ll always remember to give your dog his meds, or that they’ll make sure the cat doesn’t get out? A professional pet sitter will likely have more training and experience with various animals; however, since it may be someone you don’t know, we recommend thoroughly vetting the service beforehand.
Here are some tips for an in-home sitter:
-
Run a background check for safety
-
Pick someone who is insured and who can provide references, which you should take the time to check
A professional boarding facility can help you take the guesswork out of pet-sitting arrangements. You should be able to tour the entire kennel, get answers to your questions, and read online reviews in addition to asking for references.
What other animals will be there?
If a pet sitter is coming to your home, it’s a safe assumption that no other pets are joining the party. But at a kennel, there will definitely be other animals. While cats tend to stay solo, cage-free group interaction is now the daytime norm for many facilities. Though that might sound like there’s more potential for friction, the opposite is true—your pup will have much more opportunity to find friends that suit his age, size, and activity level. Think of your dog like a kid and boarding like summer camp.
In the end, the decision comes down to what’s right for you and your pet. If you are looking for reliable, pet-centric dog and cat boarding that San Diegans love, check out Fon Jon Pet Care. They would be more than happy to show you around, answer your questions, and help you decide on a plan that suits your pet.
Contact Fon Jon Pet Care Center
5050 Santa Fe Street, San Diego, CA 92109
858-753-9892
fonjonpetcare@hotmail.com
This post includes third-party content, advertising, and/or website hyperlinks from businesses and organizations outside San Diego Humane Society. Their placement is not an endorsement for these businesses and organizations or their products, materials, services, or resources, not does it reflect the views/policies of San Diego Human Society. San Diego Pets Magazine and its affiliates shall not be liable to any party as a result of any information, services, or resources made available through these posts.