Top 10 Reasons Dog Boarding Is Better than Pet Sitting

When it comes to ensuring your dog’s safety, health, and happiness while you’re away, the decision between dog boarding and hiring a pet sitter is crucial. Both options have their benefits, but for most dogs, Canine To Five offers unparalleled advantages. Here’s a detailed look at why dog boarding at one of Canine To Five’s Metro Detroit locations often surpasses the choice of a pet sitter, and when a pet sitter might be the better option.

WHEN TO CHOOSE A PET SITTER

For some dogs, particularly those with specific health or behavioral needs, a pet sitter might be the best choice:

• Senior Dogs: If your dog is over 13 years old, they might be more comfortable in their familiar home environment. Dog boarding can be hard on older dogs who have arthritis, weaker immune systems, or a low tolerance for loud, active play around them.
• Uncomfortable Around Other Dogs: Dogs who experience anxiety or aggression around other dogs may benefit from the solitude and calm a pet sitter provides. While we do offer Pawsitive Enrichment for non-social dogs, these pups still need to be okay with seeing other dogs and not becoming reactive.
• Life-Sustaining Medications: Dogs requiring critical medications for conditions like epilepsy, cancer, diabetes, or heart conditions should stay at home with a pet sitter, or board with their veterinarian. While Canine To Five staff is trained to administer basic medication, for the safety of your pet they cannot administer these more vital prescriptions or injections.
• Female Dogs in Heat or Pregnant: Female dogs who are not fixed and over the age of 9 months old are welcome in Pawsitive Enrichment, but we cannot accommodate them if they are pregnant or in heat during your desired stay.
• Dogs in Recovery from the Vet: If your dog recently had surgery or is currently being treated for heartworm, parasites, or a virus, they will be best suited at home with a pet sitter or boarded at your vet’s office. Dogs cannot visit Canine To Five if they have had stitches in the past 10 days, and if they recently tested positive for an illness, Canine To Five will require a negative test before they can return to our care, and at least 10 days of being symptom-free.
• Dogs with Fleas or Ticks: If your dog currently has fleas or ticks, they must stay home until this is resolved and a preventative has been applied at least 48 hours prior to their stay.
• Dogs with Stranger Danger: If your dog struggles around new people or with a specific gender, either with having their food bowl taken away, being approached in a kennel, or being walked on a leash, they would be best suited for staying with a friend or family member who knows them best.

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WHY DOG BOARDING AT CANINE TO FIVE IS SUPERIOR FOR MOST DOGS

For dogs without the specific needs mentioned above, Canine To Five offers numerous advantages over a pet sitter. Here are the top 10 reasons dog boarding is better than pet sitting:

1. Constant Availability

Your plans might change unexpectedly, but Canine To Five is staffed 365 days a year! If your return is delayed, we can keep your dog safe and happy without any hassle.

2. Expert Training

Our team is extensively trained in dog behavior, health, and body language thanks to Pack Pro Training, providing a higher level of care and expertise than the average pet sitter.

3. Continuous Companionship

Group Play dogs get to enjoy a full day’s worth of companionship, engagement, socialization, and exercise daily in doggy daycare. This level of interaction far surpasses the few visits a day that a pet sitter might offer.

4. Certified Care

Canine To Five has documented emergency procedures and partnerships with local veterinarians should your dog have any medical needs during their stay. Our team is certified in pet CPR and first aid from Pet Tech, ensuring your dog receives the best care possible, and they also perform nose-to-tail wellness checks on each dog every day, and we’ll text you if we notice anything out of the ordinary. 

5. Exciting Activities

We offer a variety of fun activities like foam parties, photoshoots, pool time, and snacks. Your dog can even enjoy a bath before you pick them up! See a list of our events & services here.

6. Peace of Mind for Pet Parents

Stay connected with your pet through our live webcams and Pet Parent Facebook groups, where we share photo updates. You can also opt for our VIP package or Text Message Pupdates for photos and updates via text!

7. Enrichment and Positive Reinforcement

During their stay, your dog will benefit from basic obedience practice, impulse control games, and enriching brain activities using treats and positive reinforcement techniques.

8. Safety and Security

There’s no risk of your dog getting loose on a walk or running away from home. Our facility is secure with 8 foot vinyl fencing outside, and your dog is always under professional supervision when not in their spacious enclosure.

9. Overnight Attendant

We have an overnight attendant who is awake throughout the entire night, sanitizing the facility and checking in on the dogs, ensuring they are safe and comfortable at all times.

10. Experience and Community Support

With 19 years of experience, Canine To Five is a trusted name in dog care. By choosing us, you are also supporting a small, woman-owned business dedicated to providing exceptional care for your furry friends, and peace of mind for you.

Choosing the right care for your dog while you’re away is essential for their well-being. While a pet sitter is the best option for dogs with specific needs, Canine To Five’s comprehensive boarding services offer unmatched benefits for most dogs, ensuring they are happy, healthy, and well-cared-for until you return.