
As pet owners, we all love our furry friends and want to provide them with the best possible care. When it comes to going away on a vacation or business trip, however, the decision of what to do with our pets can be a difficult one. While some may opt for a kennel or boarding facility, others are turning to professional pet sitters for their pet care needs. In this post, we’ll explore the many benefits of using a professional pet sitter over kennels or boarding for your pets.
What is a professional pet sitter?
A professional pet sitter is an experienced and trained individual who provides personalised pet care services for your pets in the comfort of their own home. They can provide a range of services, including feeding, playtime, medication administration, and even overnight stays.
Benefits of Using a Professional Pet Sitter
1. Familiar Surroundings
One of the biggest benefits of using a professional pet sitter is that your pet can stay in its familiar surroundings. They can maintain their regular routines, sleep in their own bed, and avoid the stress of being in a new environment. This is particularly important for pets that suffer from separation anxiety or other behavioural issues.
If you have dogs, the pet sitter will be able to walk them in an area they are already familiar with or take them to local areas you often take to them.
2. One-on-One Attention
Professional pet sitters offer personalised attention and care for your pets, which is not possible in a kennel or boarding facility where staff are caring for many animals at once. Your pet sitter will get to know your pet’s personality, likes, and dislikes, and provide individualized care based on their specific needs.

3. No Exposure to Illness
Kennels and boarding facilities can be breeding grounds for illnesses and parasites. By using a professional pet sitter, you can ensure that your pets are not exposed to other animals that may be sick. This is particularly important for pets that have a weakened immune system or are elderly.
Whilst I do travel with my own dog at this stage, he does not interact with the pets I look after. This is for the safety of both my own dog and also the pets I sit for. My dog is an elderly Staffordshire terrier and therefore I do not want to unwittingly expose him to any possible illness.
4. Reduced Anxiety
Pets can experience anxiety and stress when placed in a kennel or boarding facility. With a professional pet sitter, your pets can stay in their own comfortable and familiar environment, reducing anxiety and stress levels.
I have noticed this first-hand with my own pets in the past when I’ve had to resort to putting them in kennels which was always my last resort.
My dogs would come home completely exhausted as they were very unsettled in the kennels not getting much rest or sleep.
5. Special Needs Care
Pets with special needs, such as medication administration or dietary restrictions, can receive customized care from a professional pet sitter. You can rest easy knowing that your pet is receiving the exact care they need.
My own dog requires daily treatment for pain management of his arthritis as well as medication for his epilepsy. This is a combination of tablets and liquid.


6. More Freedom
By using a professional pet sitter, your pets can maintain their regular routines and schedules, including feeding, exercise, and playtime. Your pet will have its usual access to its own home rather than being confined for prolonged periods to a small kennel cage. This can lead to a happier and healthier pet overall.
7. Reduced Travel
With a professional pet sitter, you don’t have to worry about transporting your pets to and from a kennel or boarding facility, which can be stressful for both you and your pets. Your pet sitter will come to your home, making the process much easier and more convenient for everyone involved.
8. Home Security
In addition to caring for your pets, a professional pet sitter can provide additional home security by checking your home regularly, bringing in mail and packages, and ensuring that doors and windows are secure.
In the unlikely event of an emergency in your home, for example, a burst pipe, your pet sitter will be able to take
9. Peace of Mind
Hiring a professional pet sitter gives you peace of mind knowing that your pets are in good hands and receiving the highest level of care. You can enjoy your time away knowing that your pets are being cared for by a trained and experienced professional.
10. Personalized Updates
Finally, a professional pet sitter can provide you with personalized updates on your pets, including photos and videos, so you can stay connected with your pets while you’re away. This can be particularly comforting for those who are anxious about leaving their pets behind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a professional pet sitter is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their pets with personalized care and attention in the comfort of their own home. It offers many benefits over kennels or boarding facilities, including familiar surroundings, one
Book me as your pet sitter
Are you looking for a professional pet sitter to care for and love your pets in your absence? Get in touch using the contact form below with your date requirements, location and the number of pets and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible with my availability.
More information about me
My references
Follow my long-term photography project on YouTube
Join our pet owner and pet caregiver community on Facebook
