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There’s nothing better than planning a vacation, but if you have a dog, you’ll have to consider how they will be taken care of while you’re away. Should you hire a dog sitter or take your pup to a boarding facility? There are advantages and disadvantages to each, along with costs to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of dog sitting and dog boarding in Canada to help you budget accordingly.
Reasons to Consider Dog Sitting Over Dog Boarding
There are many reasons to consider hiring a professional dog sitter when you’re away from home.
- Your dog will get one-on-one attention: When you use a professional dog sitter, your pet will get plenty of individual attention and care. This is often not the case at a kennel, where dogs are sometimes left in cages for long periods of time.
- Your dog can stay at home: Keeping your dog in its own home can reduce stress and help them feel more comfortable while you’re away. This is especially beneficial for senior dogs or dogs with anxiety disorders.
- You can choose the type of care for your dog: When you use a professional dog sitter, you can choose the level of care and attention that your pet receives. For example, some sitters offer 24/7 care, while others may only stay for a few hours each day.
- You can get daily updates: Most professional dog sitters will provide you with regular updates on your pet’s progress while you’re away. This can help put your mind at ease and enable you to enjoy your vacation knowing that your pet is in good hands.
Unfortunately, hiring an in-home dog sitter isn’t the answer for everyone, and it comes with a few downsides.
- You have to hire a trustworthy professional: You’ll want to do background research on any pet sitter you hire. No specific qualifications are required to advertise dog-sitting services, so it can be tricky to ensure that you’re hiring a trustworthy professional.
- A stranger is staying in your home: Ask yourself whether you are comfortable with a stranger having full access to your home while you’re away.
Reasons to Consider Dog Boarding over Dog Sitting
Dog boarding involves taking your dog to a facility where it will be cared for alongside other dogs. This is usually a less expensive choice than hiring a personalized pet sitter, but it has its own pros and cons.
- It’s cheaper than pet sitting: Pet boarding is a less personalized service than pet sitting. However, it is usually much less expensive.
- Your dog gets to socialize: Boarding facilities let your dog play and socialize with other dogs while you’re away. This reduces the chance of them being lonely or becoming anxious due to your absence.
- Your dog is cared for by qualified professionals: People who work in boarding facilities are usually trained professionals who work with dogs all the time. They are uniquely qualified to deal with any issues that may arise while your dog is at the facility.
- Stress on your pet: Staying in a new environment with new people can cause undue stress for your dog.
- Lack of personalized routine: Your dog will have to follow the facility’s daily routines for feeding and exercise. However, most facilities will personalize care for your dog, if you are willing to pay extra for it.
- Greater risk of illness or accident: Anytime your dog is interacting with other dogs on a daily basis, there is a risk of them contracting an illness or getting injured.
How Much Does Dog Sitting & Dog Boarding Cost?
The cost of dog sitting depends on various factors, including the length of time needed, the location, and the type of service required. Generally, dog sitting rates start at around $25 per day. However, if you live in a major city or require special services (such as overnight stays or walks), you can expect to pay closer to $40–$50 per day.
Cost of Dog Boarding by Province
The cost of dog boarding can vary greatly depending on your province. For example, in Alberta, the average dog boarding cost is $25 per night. However, the average cost in Quebec is only $15 per night.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
When trying to figure out how much dog sitting will cost, it’s important to consider any additional costs that may arise. For example, if you’re hiring a dog sitter to stay at your house while you’re away, you’ll need to factor in the cost of food and any other supplies that they’ll need. Additionally, if you have a particularly high-energy dog, you may need to pay for extra walks or playtime.
Some dog sitters offer additional services like bathing and grooming, which can add to the overall cost. That said, these services can be worth it if it means your dog will be comfortable and relaxed while you’re away.
Ultimately, the cost of dog sitting will vary depending on your individual needs and the services that you select. By taking into account all the potential costs up front, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible value for your money.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Sitting & Dog Boarding?
If you’re like most pet parents, you want to do everything that you can to keep your furry family member healthy and happy. Part of that includes making sure they’re taken care of while you’re away. The costs of dog sitting or boarding can add up. Does pet insurance cover dog sitting?
The answer is maybe. It depends on the specific policy and the type of coverage that you have. Some policies will cover dog sitting if it’s considered medically necessary, while others will only cover expenses related to accidents or illnesses.
To be sure, check with your insurance company before you book a dog sitter. That way, you’ll know exactly what is and isn’t covered.
Conclusion
The cost of dog sitting and boarding can vary considerably depending on where you live and the type of care that you wish your dog to receive. There are pros and cons to hiring an in-home sitter or taking your dog to a boarding facility. You can expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $50 per day, depending on your care type.
See also:
- 10 Canadian Service Dog & Pet Therapy Statistics to Know
- 155 Dog Names Starting With P: Prodigious Names For Your Perfect Pup
Featured Image Credit: Jayme Burrows, Shutterstock
