Why choose home boarding over commercial boarding?

You're planning a holiday and overwhelmed by the boarding options available for your furkid.

There are commercial boarding places which offer private rooms, or caged spaces with common play areas. Some of these places offer CCTV access.

Then there is pet sitting, where the sitter goes to your place daily to take care of your furkid, and home boarding options, where you bring your furkid to someone's home. Which option should you choose?

Here are 3 things to consider:

1. Budget

You dont want to stinge on your furkid, but let's face it, not everyone can afford $100/night boarding for one furkid.

Home boarding can start from $25/night/furkid, which is an affordable rate.

2. Level of interaction with other pets

Unless you're opting for a private room at a commercial facility, which would also be pricier, your pet is likely going to be mingling with other pets during the staycation. Assess your own level of comfort about that. Is the boarding facility strict on not allowing FIV/FELV cats to mix with others, do they ensure all boarders have revolution applied two weeks prior to being boarded?

A home boarder may charge a much lower rate for a private room and has more control over whether your furkid interacts with others.

3. Boarding package

We all want bang for the buck. What will your furkids be getting for the daily rate? Are scratchers and toys provided? Litter box, food and water bowls? It's much easier on you if everything is provided and you'll only need to bring your furkid and food for the boarding.

4. Interaction / play time

Check with the boarder or facility on the length of play time and amount of interaction your kids will be getting. There are fixed timings for commercial places, with additional charges for add-ons. Home boarders are likely to spend at least a third of the day in the house and interact with your furkid more frequently.

5. Add-ons

If you need your furkid's eye or ear cleaned once in a while, or extra attention to your furkid's litter habits, they may come at additional cost at a commercial facility. A home boarder, on the other hand, may not tag on these extra charges if you're boarding for a long enough period.