Pet Sitter or Pet Hotel: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Animal

Vacation coming up, trip booked, and the inevitable question: what do you do with your pet? Taking them along isn't always possible — many destinations, hotels, and transportation don't allow pets. That's where two main options come in: pet sitter or pet hotel.

Each alternative has its pros and cons. The right choice depends on your pet, the trip duration, and your preferences. Let's explore everything.

What Is Each Service?

Pet Sitter

A professional who cares for your pet in your own home. They may make daily visits or stay at your place during your absence.

Types:

• Visits: The pet sitter comes 1-3 times daily to feed, walk, and provide company
• Overnight: The sitter sleeps at your house
• Day care: Care during the day, you pick up at night

Pet Hotel

An establishment that boards animals in its own facilities, similar to a human hotel.

Types:

• Group boarding: Animals interact in common areas
• Individual boarding: Private suites or rooms
• Home boarding: Pet stays at the caregiver's home

Quick Comparison

When to Choose a Pet Sitter

Pet Profile

Cats: Felines are extremely territorial. Environment changes are stressful. Pet sitter is almost always the best option for cats.

Senior dogs: Routine and environment changes can be very draining. Better to keep them in the comfort of home.

Anxious pets: Animals with separation anxiety or fear of new environments suffer less at home.

Pets with special needs: Medication, specific diets, or medical care are easier to manage at home.

Multiple pets: Taking several animals to a hotel can be expensive and complicated. A pet sitter cares for everyone together.

Advantages of Pet Sitter

✅ Familiar environment: Pet stays where they know, with their scents, bed, and toys

✅ Routine maintained: Feeding and walking times can stay the same

✅ No disease exposure: No contact with unknown animals

✅ Individual attention: Total focus on your pet

✅ House cared for: Someone also watches the house, waters plants, gets mail

✅ Less stress: Ideal for sensitive pets

Disadvantages

❌ Trust required (person has access to your home) ❌ Supervision isn't 24/7 (with visits) ❌ May be more expensive for long overnights ❌ Hard to find qualified professionals in some areas

When to Choose a Pet Hotel

Pet Profile

Social dogs: Pets who love playing with other dogs have fun in group hotels.

High-energy dogs: Hotels offer activities, space, and company — ideal for pets who need to burn energy.

Adaptable pets: Animals who handle change well adapt quickly to hotels.

Advantages of Hotels

✅ 24-hour supervision: Someone is always watching

✅ Socialization: Interaction with other pets and people

✅ Professional structure: Cameras, play areas, trained staff

✅ Scheduled activities: Games, walks, recreation

✅ Veterinary emergency: Usually have vet partnerships

Disadvantages

❌ Unknown environment causes stress in some pets ❌ Disease exposure (even with vaccines, there are risks) ❌ Less individual attention ❌ Different routine ❌ Can be traumatic for shy or fearful pets

What to Evaluate Before Choosing

For Pet Sitter

1. References and reviews

• Ask for recommendations from friends or your vet
• Search online reviews
• Talk to previous clients

2. Meet in person

• Schedule a meeting before the trip
• Observe their interaction with your pet
• Trust your gut

3. Experience and training

• How long have they worked in the field?
• Do they know about your species/breed?
• Can they handle emergencies?

4. Contract and communication

• Define everything in writing
• Agree on update frequency (photos, messages)
• Leave emergency contacts

5. Test first

• Do a short test before long trips

For Hotels

1. Visit in person

• NEVER trust only website photos
• Go unannounced if possible
• Observe hygiene, space, animal behavior

2. Ask about

• How many pets per staff member?
• Is there separation by size/temperament?
• What's the daily routine?
• What happens in emergencies?
• Is there an on-call vet?

3. Facilities

• Adequate space for your pet's size
• Indoor and outdoor areas
• Climate control (heat/cold)
• Security (fences, cameras)

4. Health requirements

• Current vaccines required
• Flea and tick control
• Updated deworming

5. Online reviews

• Search Google, social media
• Ask in pet owner groups

Alternative: Home Boarding

An intermediate option: your pet stays at a caregiver's home — a domestic environment, but with constant supervision.

Ideal for:

• Pets who don't adapt to institutional environments
• Those who want individual attention
• Pets who enjoy being around humans

Cautions:

• Check if there are other animals in the house
• Visit the location first
• Make sure the house is safe (fences, gates)

How Much Does It Cost?

Pet Sitter

Pet Hotel

Prices vary by region, pet size, and time of year (peak season is more expensive).

Checklist Before Traveling

Documentation

• Current vaccines (bring the card)
• Updated deworming
• Flea/tick treatment
• Health certificate (some hotels require)

For the Pet Sitter

• Keys and access instructions
• Food for the entire period + extra
• Medications with written instructions
• Emergency contacts (you, family, vet)
• Vet clinic location
• Comfort items (toys, blanket)
• Detailed routine in writing

For the Hotel

• Vaccination card
• Comfort items with your scent
• Food (if applicable)
• Labeled medications with instructions
• Emergency contacts
• Information about temperament

What If My Pet Has Never Been Away From Home?

Gradual Preparation

1. Weeks before: Make short visits to the hotel or introduce the sitter
2. Test: Leave for a few hours, then a day, then overnight
3. Familiar objects: Bring a blanket or toy with your scent
4. Calm goodbye: Don't dramatize leaving (pets sense your anxiety)

During Absence

• Ask for regular updates (photos, videos)
• Trust the professional — excessive anxiety doesn't help
• Keep the agreed communication routine

What About Taking Your Pet Along?

Before deciding on hotel or sitter, consider: can you bring them?

When It's Worth It

• Not-too-long car trips
• Pet-friendly destination (hotel, Airbnb, family home)
• Pet travels well and adapts easily
• Activities compatible with having a pet

When It's Better to Leave Them

• Long flights (very stressful)
• Inadequate destination (extreme heat, no infrastructure)
• Incompatible activities (all-day beach, tours that don't allow pets)
• Senior pet or one with health issues

Conclusion: Which to Choose?

Choose Pet Sitter if:

• Your pet is a cat
• Is senior, anxious, or has special needs
• Doesn't adapt well to new environments
• You want to maintain routine

Choose Hotel if:

• Your pet is social and loves to play
• Needs to burn energy
• Adapts easily to new environments
• You want 24/7 supervision

Most importantly: Visit, research, talk to other pet owners, and trust your instincts. Your pet deserves to be in good hands while you're away.

With the right choice, you travel peacefully and your best friend stays well cared for.

Sources

• American Kennel Club. "How to Choose a Pet Sitter"
• ASPCA. "Choosing a Pet Boarding Facility"
• Pet Sitters International. "Pet Sitter Selection Tips"
• International Boarding & Pet Services Association