06/29/2026
Most pets would probably do better staying at home rather than being boarded.
Why?
1. Location/ familiarity - the biggest change for them is you being gone for an extended period of time. Unless your dog regularly goes to daycare AND genuinely enjoys it, changing their location and routine is likely just going to cause them further stress. Activities like group play, pools and timed play sessions in a facility might stress them out more than assist in coping with your absence. Cats and exotics are usually kept in a small condo and might get some free time out of it- but these animals are also even more prone to health issues from stress than dogs. Letting them stay home in their typical environment reduces the only stressor to you being gone.
2. Routine. Talking to a sitter about how many times a day and what times to come by, along with YOUR PETS typical activities are going to greatly reduce stress. What times do they go out, do they play with you in the yard, or do you have a normal walking route? Routine is ESPECIALLY important for cats and exotics.
3. Health- Boarding facilities vaccine requirements only go so far, and vaccines are a strong prevention measure, not 100%. Owners of pets that are at higher risk of complications from infections (seniors, puppies, dogs with immune system problems) should be especially wary of boarding their animal. Kennel cough and giardia are frequent fliers of facilities, even with prevention vaccinations and medicine being used.
HM- boarding at someone’s house. This might ruffle some feathers- unless someone boards from home as a FULL TIME BUSINESS or works from home, nobody should be boarding at their home if they work a full time job. Bonus red flag points if they watch multiple dogs at a time without a kennel license and insurance. 🚩
Boarding facilities have their place- but letting your dog stay home might be the better option for your pet.
