What is Pet Sitting?

Pet sitting is a professional service where a caregiver looks after your pet while you’re away, either in your home or sometimes in the sitter’s home. It goes beyond just feeding your pet. Sitters can provide companionship, playtime, exercise, and even medical care if needed. Pet sitting can be tailored to your pet’s needs, from short daily visits and dog walks to overnight stays or live-in care. The goal is to ensure your pet feels safe, happy, and cared for while you’re away.

Types of Pet Sitting Services

Drop-in Visits

• A pet sitter visits your home for a short period (usually 20–60 minutes) to feed, walk, or play with your cat or dog.
• Ideal for pets that don’t need overnight care but still need attention during the day.

Dog Walking

• A pet sitter takes your dog for walks, either individually or in small groups.
• Great for high-energy dogs or pets whose owners are busy during the day.

Overnight Stays

• A sitter stays in your home overnight to care for your pet, ensuring 24/7 supervision.

Home boarding

• Your pet stays at the sitter’s home for one or more nights. This can be a more social or home-like experience for pets who enjoy company and activity. Perfect for pets that need consistent care, companionship, or medication while you’re away.

Specialized Care

• Some sitters offer additional services like administering medication, grooming, or providing enrichment activities.
• Ideal for pets with specific needs or health requirements.

Benefits of pet sitting

• Comfort and routine: Your pet can stay in their familiar environment with their own toys, bed, and smells, which helps reduce stress.
• Personalized care: Sitters follow your pet’s normal schedule, from mealtimes to walks.
• Extra home security: Your home is looked after too, with someone present to bring in mail, water plants, and ensure everything’s safe.
• Ideal for anxious pets: Pets who get nervous in new environments, like cats or older dogs, often do best with in-home care.

When pet sitting might be right for you

• Your pet doesn’t enjoy being around other animals.
• You want to minimize changes to their routine.
• You prefer a more personalized, one-on-one service.

What is Pet Boarding?

Pet boarding is a professional service where your pet stays outside your home, usually at a facility, while you’re away. Unlike pet sitting, which is often one-on-one care in your pet’s familiar environment, boarding provides a structured setting with supervision, social opportunities, and routine care.

Types of Pet Boarding

Kennels and Catteries

• Traditional boarding facilities where pets stay in individual kennels or cages.
• Pets usually have separate sleeping areas and access to outdoor or indoor play spaces.
• Supervised by trained staff, often 24/7.
• Great for pets that are comfortable with routine and can adapt to being around other animals.

Dog Daycare

• Focuses on daytime care rather than overnight stays.
• Pets spend the day playing, socializing, and exercising with other dogs.
• Typically includes structured activities, training sessions, or supervised group play.
• Ideal for energetic or social pets who enjoy interaction and mental stimulation.

Benefits of pet boarding

• Socialization: Dogs especially can enjoy meeting and playing with other pets.
• Supervised environment: Boarding facilities or sitters are often available 24/7.
• Structured schedule: Regular feeding, playtime, and walks are all part of the routine.
• Great for energetic pets: If your dog loves activity and social play, boarding can be a fun experience.

When boarding might be right for you

• Your pet enjoys being around other animals and people.
• You’re going away for a longer trip and want consistent, full-time supervision.
• You like the security of a professional, structured setting.

Typical Prices in the UK: Pet Sitting vs Boarding

Of course, cost also plays a role when deciding what’s best for your pet. Prices can vary depending on your location, the number of pets, and the level of care you need, but here’s a general guide to help you plan.

Good to know:
* Prices are generally higher in large cities.
* Holiday seasons and last-minute bookings often include extra charges.
* Boarding may cost more overall, but it often includes round-the-clock supervision and structured playtime.

Which Option Is Better?

Ultimately, it depends on your pet’s personality and your family’s needs. If your pet is shy, elderly, or anxious, pet sitting at home is likely the most comfortable choice. If your pet is social, active, and loves interaction, boarding might be the more stimulating option.

Whatever you choose, always meet the sitter or visit the boarding facility first, ask the right questions, and make sure your pet feels safe and happy.

At Babysits, we know that pets are family too! That’s why, starting in 2026, we’ll be launching Petsits, our brand-new service to help families find trusted pet sitters, dog walkers, and cat sitters. Whether you’re away for a day or a week, you’ll soon be able to connect with caring local sitters who treat your furry friends like their own. 🐶🐱

Babysits for kids, Petsits for pets. We’ve got the whole family covered! 🐾