Home is Where the is

Summer is a fantastic season. The house is alive with activity, the kids are home and the dogs have someone(s) to play with. Summer is also the time for travel, family vacations and making memories. Unfortunately, some trips do not accommodate the whole family and the pets are left out of the fun. So, who takes care of your pets when you travel? According to a recent study by Chewy™, the breakdown is as follows:

· 43% of pets stay with friends, neighbors or family members

· 30% stay with a professional sitter (either at customer or sitter’s home)

· 15% are boarded at a kennel

· 12% vacation with the family

The purpose of this article is to examine the benefits/deficits of the family dog staying at home (with a sitter) Vs. in a kennel. For the purpose of this exercise, when in-home care is referenced, an over-night stay by the sitter is inferred. While other care levels are available, in-home stay is the most common service choice.

First, it’s important to note that both kennel and in-home can be fine options, in this author’s opinion. Based upon pet-parent feedback, it would seem like the kennel can work well for younger, high-energy dogs that thrive socializing with new friends. Conversely, older, anxious, shy, change adverse or socially awkward dogs we hear prefer a home-based (preferably their home) sitting situation. We have heard that for many dogs, the kennel isn’t a healthy place for their pup, for a variety of reasons, both physical and psychological.

Consideration 1 – Dogs are routine driven and most crave familiarity. They can sometimes become obsessed with their routine – at 6:05 if dinner isn’t served when it was due at 6:00, you’re going to hear about it. By hiring a sitter, in place of a kennel, you have effectively stabilized a large part of your pup’s world for the time that you will be gone. They will have familiar sounds, scents, toys, treats, etc. According to that same Chewy study, 65% of pet parents say they see a noticeable improvement in disposition when they reunite.

Consideration 2 - Kennels have a lot of dogs. The average kennel in the US houses around 200 dogs. Some dogs love the chaos. Some tolerate it. Still others are terrified and hide behind a staff member’s legs. A kennel is often sensory overload for sensitive pups. It’s always noisy and the air has a pungent bouquet from @ 200 dogs. This environment:

· Dramatically reduces quantity & quality of sleep.

· Often leads to poor eating and potential digestive issues. Even when parents leave the pup’s food, dinner time is different.

· Has an increased risk of injury from out-of-hand play, altercations or disputes over shared resources (such as staff).

· Causes a good many dogs sustained stress throughout their stay. This can stress their heart, breathing and weaken their immune system.

· Poses an increased risk of communicable disease such as kennel cough.

· Risk of fleas.

· Reduces attention to any unique, detailed needs necessary to protect the dog’s well-being.

According to a 2021 study published in Animals magazine (peer to peer open access journal), dogs staying in a kennel exhibited markedly higher levels of cortisone (stress hormone) than dogs being cared for in their homes.

Consideration 3 – One-on-one attention delivers better outcomes for a dog’s mental & physical heath.

· One medical schedule to deliver – greatly reduced risk of incorrect administration.

· Better accuracy in documenting inputs (food) and out-poops to report to the customer.

· More cuddle and playtime with their sitter. We’re not you. We’re just trying be the next best substitute.

· A better account of any behavioral or physiological changes from their baseline – example reluctance to go outside, or upstairs.

· 1-1 human companionship should mitigate the risk of separation anxiety and it’s resultant destructive behavior.

· After the trip has concluded, it’s likely your pup will have made a new friend.

So, which is better for your pup? You are obviously the person best suited to answer based upon their personality. That said, roughly 85% of stays are currently happening in a home environment. Additionally, 82% of pet parents believe their pet is far happier at home than in a kennel. 65% of pet parents say they can see the difference in their pup vs when they were picked up at the kennel.

Substitute Pet Parents believes in home-based pet care for any/all dogs & cats. Multiple studies have shown correlation between a dog's anxiety and unfamiliar places & people.Experience has shown the benefit of stability outweighs any missed socialization opportunity found at the kennel. The dog park offers the same socialization benefits of the kennel’s group play and your dog will have a better daily experience,

Substitute Pet Parents is an organization of pet care professionals serving pets & pet parents in Pittsburgh’s South Hills. SPP offers pet sitting (days/nights), walks, park visits, feeding, meds, Doggy Uber etc. We would love the opportunity to care for your pets when you have the need. Click here to link to our services page. Interested in joining our pack? Click here and complete the application,

info@substitutepetparents.com

SPP emails our blog 2x/month to those interested in a fun look at pet parenting topics.

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