What Kinds of Pet Sitting Services Are There?

This option is ideal for pets with medical needs, multi-pet households, and cats (who often prefer to stay in a familiar environment). Unlike a drop-in visit, where the sitter simply pops over to the house once or twice a day to check in, housesitting requires an overnight stay.

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Pet Boarding

Boarding your pet overnight is a popular option for those who travel. Kennels, pet hotels, and other professional boarding facilities have a rotating staff that cares for dogs at all hours. You might also choose to board your dog at a sitter’s home, where they can receive ongoing love and care as well.

Social dogs that enjoy new people and pups may thrive at a boarding facility, but pets who prefer solitude will find this a challenge. If you’re boarding your pet with a sitter, it’s important to ask about resident animals in the home as well as other boarders.

Services may include:

• Daily meals
• Outdoor and indoor exercise
• Playtime with other pets
• Administering medication
• Comfortable spots to lounge and sleep
• Add-on services such as grooming, baths, and swimming

Since cats traditionally prefer their own home and may become stressed with other pets, it’s usually best to avoid boarding for feline companions.

Dog Daycare

Whether you’re bogged down at the office or enjoying a day trip, chances are your dog will crave extra attention when you’re not around. Daycare gives your pup the chance to play, socialize, and be cared for during busy days. Unlike boarding, daycare is not an overnight service; it requires a drop-off and pick-up on the same day.

Services may include:

• Outdoor and indoor exercise
• Playtime with other pets
• Add-on services such as grooming, swimming, and training

In addition to professional dog daycare facilities, some pet sitters offer in-home daycare too. This can be a good option for pets who might do better in smaller groups or calmer home environments.

Drop-In Visits

Quick drop-in visits are an efficient way to give your pet some love on longer days. During a drop-in, a sitter will stop by for a visit (lasting 30 or 60 minutes through Rover) once or twice a day. For dogs, this might include a potty break, some playtime, and fresh food and water. For cats, it may mean fresh food and water, a clean litterbox, and pets.

Services may include:

• Daily meal(s)
• Letting dog outside
• Cleaning litter box
• Playtime and pets
• Add-on services such as dog walking or additional time (i.e., upgrading from a 30-minute visit to a 60-minute visit)

While this option might suit dog parents who are just away from home for a couple of extra hours, drop-ins are a great option for cat guardians who are gone for a few days. Easygoing, healthy adult cats are usually just fine with care once a day to ensure they have access to fresh food and a clean box.

Dog Walking

Adopting a dog is a big commitment, and maintaining a consistent walking routine can be difficult when life gets busy. Fortunately, professional dog walkers help ensure your pup gets the exercise they need in your absence. Unlike a drop-in visit, which focuses on basic care (i.e., food and potty breaks), dog walking is all about keeping your pet active.

This service typically includes a long walk, though some sitters may also offer extra options like providing meals or playtime. Keep in mind that some dog walkers handle multiple dogs at once, so if your pup prefers solo attention, be sure to choose a one-on-one walker.

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Board & Train

Pet parents seeking help with obedience training or reactive behaviors may consider a board and train program, where dogs stay overnight with a professional trainer. While typically more expensive than other forms of pet care, this option focuses specifically on your dog’s needs and can be well worth the investment for those seeking expert help in building healthy habits.

Choosing the Right Type of Service

The duration you need pet care, along with your pet’s specific needs, will determine the type of service that works best for you. Some pet parents only use sitters occasionally (such as during a vacation), while others rely on regular care through dog walking or drop-in visits. Depending on your pet’s temperament, routine, and health, certain types of pet care may work better than others.

Cats

Generally, cats are creatures of habit, which means they can become stressed and anxious at any sign of change. It’s usually best to keep a cat in their own environment, which means hiring a house sitter or drop-in sitter for your cat. Certain cats may be okay to board at a cat-specific facility or in the quiet, pet-free home of a trusted sitter.

Puppies

Leaving your puppy is no easy feat! While some pups are just fine staying at a boarding facility by 4 to 6 months of age, others may find a kennel overwhelming. You might consider hiring a house sitter to stay with your puppy if you plan to be away from home for a longer duration, or try out dog daycare to help teach positive socialization.

Shy and anxious dogs

Being away from an anxious dog can be stressful for both human and canine. Before booking an overnight stay, consider how your dog handles new people, pets, and environments. Visiting a boarding facility and speaking with the staff can help you determine if it’s a good fit. If your dog prefers familiar surroundings, hiring an in-home sitter may be a better option.

Reactive and pet-selective dogs

A reactive pup, or one that struggles with other pets, may fare best with one-on-one care. This can include booking a pet sitter to stay in your home if you’re traveling, or ensuring that your dog walker knows your dog’s specific triggers before taking them for a stroll.

High-energy dogs

Social, high-energy dogs will have a field day playing with other pups at daycare. These dogs often enjoy the excitement of boarding overnight at a facility or in a sitter’s home. However, even the most outgoing dogs benefit from proper socialization and basic training before being placed in a multi-pet environment.

Choosing a Professional Pet Sitter

It can feel daunting to trust someone new with your pet. Platforms like Rover offer a plethora of certified caretakers, each with a different set of skills or certifications. Though location and rates are important when finding the right sitter, it’s important to look into the following too:

• Check a sitter’s profile for a certified background check and any specific pet-care licensing/certifications
• Look for reviews from pet parents with similar pets, and don’t be afraid to ask for references!
• Request a Meet & Greet with a sitter before booking to assess their willingness to get to know your pet, as well as how your pet responds

It can feel like a lot of work to find just the right care fit for your pet—but figuring out just what they need is worth it for the peace of mind of knowing your pet is in good, loving hands.