How to Determine the Best Care Option for Your Dog

Last week, I shared an exciting new venture that will soon become St. Louis’ first ever luxury cat boarding facility. Today, I want to discuss some options for dog parents seeking travel pet care. Deciding how to care for your dog while you’re away is a big responsibility. The choice between a boarding facility, in-home pet sitting, and in-home boarding (which we offer!) depends on your individual pet. Here’s how to determine the best care option for your dog.

When Boarding Facilities Are a Good Option

Dog boarding facilities offer socialization, playtime, and a safe environment. Dogs that tend to thrive in boarding situations usually share some key traits:

• Social and Friendly: Dogs who enjoy meeting new people and playing with other dogs often love the group environment of a boarding facility
• Adaptable to New Environments: If your dog has previously stayed at a friend’s house or handled changes in routine with ease, they’re likely to adjust well to boarding
• Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: Boarding facilities require current vaccinations to keep all pets safe, so your dog must be up-to-date on whatever vaccines the facilities mandate, which may include rabies, DHPP, bordetella (aka kennel cough,) and canine influenza
• No Separation Anxiety: Dogs that are comfortable being away from their owners and don’t show signs of distress when left in new places are good boarding candidates
• Spayed or Neutered: Most facilities require this for the safety of all pets
• Enjoys Activity: Active, playful dogs who need lots of stimulation often benefit from the structured play and exercise a boarding facility provides
• Has Stamina for Other Dogs: In the case of group boarding, dogs should be comfortable playing for extended periods of time and interacting with a number of unfamiliar dogs for long periods

A trial stay or “test run” is a great choice. Trial runs allow you to see how your dog reacts to the environment. Signs your dog is happy boarding include eagerness to interact with staff, healthy play, and returning home tired but content. Many dog boarding facilities offer daycare, which makes trials easy. In addition to trials, scheduling multiple visits to acclimate your dog before your departure is always a great idea.

When In-Home Boarding is a Great Option

At 4-Legged Kids, we offer our Paws@OurHome service. This service allows dogs to be a part of a dog-loving home while you’re away. These dogs may not be quite right for a commercial boarding facility. But, they may fit in well in an unfamiliar (at first) home environment with one of our pet boarders.

Dogs that tend to thrive in at-home boarding situations usually share the following traits:

• Social and Friendly: Dogs who enjoy meeting new people and playing with other dogs often love the group environment of a boarding facility
• Adaptable to New Environments: If your dog has previously stayed at a friend’s house or handled changes in routine with ease, they’re likely to adjust well to boarding
• Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: The Department of Agriculture regulates in-home boarding. We therefore require each pet that participates in this service be current on their rabies vaccine, DHPP, and Bordetella.
• Little to No Separation Anxiety: Dogs that are comfortable being away from their owners and handle being left in new places well are good home boarding candidates
• Spayed or Neutered: Again, this is for the safety of all pets both yours, those in the community, and those that may live in the assigned home
• Potty & Manner Trained: Dogs that stay in a pet sitters home should be fully potty trained, free from behavioral concerns, and have good house manners

With Paws@OurHome, your dogs truly become part of our family. We try our best to stick with their regular home schedule of meal and rest time. And, we include all the snuggles and playtime they want and need. Each of our locations only hosts one pet family at a time. And, in some cases your dog will get to make a new friend while they are visiting.

When Staying Home is The Best Option

For some dogs, staying in their home under the care of a professional pet sitter is ideal. In-home pet care offers a much less stressful alternative to either type of boarding. Dogs who are better off at home typically experience the following:

• Separation Anxiety or Fearfulness: Dogs that become anxious, withdrawn, or destructive in unfamiliar environments are usually much happier staying in their own home
• Health Concerns or Special Needs: Dogs requiring medication, special diets, or close monitoring benefit from the personalized attention of an in-home sitter
• Low Tolerance for Other Animals: Dogs who are reactive, aggressive, or simply uncomfortable around other dogs or people are best cared for in their familiar space
• Not Fully Vaccinated or Immunocompromised: Puppies, seniors, or dogs with health issues who can’t be fully vaccinated should avoid the exposure risk of boarding facilities – at 4LK, we only require rabies vaccines when pets remain in their own home
• Preference for Routine: Dogs who thrive on consistency and are easily stressed by change will appreciate the comfort and predictability of home
• Multiple Pets at Home: If you have more than one pet, an in-home sitter can provide care for all, maintaining their routines and reducing stress

In-home pet sitting offers personalized care, reduced stress, and less exposure to illness. Your dog remains in their safe space, following their usual routine, which is especially important for nervous, under-socialized, and older pets.