Both choices can be right. The best one depends on your pet's temperament, how long you will be away, and what you want to know before you leave. Here is the comparison, using our own facts and neutral facts about each approach.
Side by side
| Question | In-home sitter | Kennel boarding at Happy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Where your pet stays | At your home, or the sitter's | In an indoor/outdoor run on about 10 acres |
| Routine | As close to home as it gets | Walks included in the rate |
| Temperature | Your home's | Heated in winter, air-conditioned in summer |
| Cost | Set by each sitter | $52, $59 or $72 a night for one dog, 2026 rates; $35 for a cat |
| Medications | Ask the sitter | Given at no extra charge |
| Meeting them first | Ask for a meet-and-greet | Tour any day 9 to 11 AM or 2 to 4 PM, no appointment |
When a sitter fits
- A pet who is calm at home but anxious anywhere else
- A short trip with a trusted person already in your circle
- A home that needs lights, mail or plants looked after too
When a kennel fits
- Longer trips, when you want a facility with set hours and dedicated space
- Pets who do well with other animals around, or who enjoy walks and play areas
- Holidays when a sitter may be away themselves
- Travel with several pets, since dogs from one home can share a run at a lower second-dog price
What California requires of a boarding facility
State law sets minimum standards for kennels that board four or more pets for pay. Among other things, every pet must be observed at least once every 24 hours, have water available and receive daily enrichment. Happy Paws is licensed as a business and commercial kennel by Solano County. The rules for a sitter at your home differ, so ask any sitter about their routine.
Questions to ask either way
- Who is with my pet, and when?
- What happens if my pet gets sick or I am delayed?
- How do you handle medication and special food?
- Can I see where my pet will stay before I commit?
Further reading
For the longer version, read kennel or pet sitter, an honest comparison and the questions to ask a boarding kennel.