When Charlotte pet owners plan a vacation, one of the biggest decisions is what to do with their furry family members. The two main options are boarding facilities (kennels, pet hotels) or in-home pet sitting (hiring a professional to care for pets in your own home).
Both options have their place, but they're very different experiences for your pet. Let's break down the pros and cons to help you make the best choice for your Charlotte pet.
Quick Comparison: Boarding vs. House Sitting
| Factor | Pet Boarding | In-Home House Sitting |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Unfamiliar facility | Pet's own home ✓ |
| Stress Level | Higher (new environment, other animals) | Lower (familiar surroundings) ✓ |
| Individual Attention | Shared with many pets | Personalized care ✓ |
| Disease Exposure | Higher risk (kennel cough, etc.) | Minimal exposure ✓ |
| Cost (Charlotte avg) | $35-75/night | $85-125/night (includes home care) |
| Home Security | None - house is empty | House is occupied/monitored ✓ |
| Routine Maintained | Facility schedule | Pet's normal routine ✓ |
| Best For | Social dogs, short trips | Anxious pets, seniors, cats, long trips ✓ |
Pet Boarding: Pros and Cons
Pet boarding facilities range from basic kennels to luxury "pet hotels" with webcams, private suites, and playtime. Charlotte has many options including Camp Bow Wow, PetSmart PetsHotel, and various local kennels.
Boarding Pros
- 24/7 staff on premises
- Socialization with other dogs
- Structured activities and playtime
- Good for very social dogs
- Often less expensive per night
Boarding Cons
- Stressful unfamiliar environment
- Exposure to kennel cough and illness
- Disrupts pet's routine
- Limited individual attention
- Your home sits empty
- Terrible for cats (they hate change)
In-Home House Sitting: Pros and Cons
With professional house sitting, a trusted sitter comes to your home to care for your pets in their familiar environment. This combines pet care with home protection.
House Sitting Pros
- Pet stays in familiar, stress-free environment
- Normal routine maintained (feeding, walks, bedtime)
- One-on-one personalized attention
- No exposure to other animals' illnesses
- Your home is occupied and protected
- Ideal for anxious, senior, or multiple pets
- Perfect for cats who hate travel
- Mail collection, plant watering included
House Sitting Cons
- Higher cost per night
- Requires trusting someone in your home
- Less socialization for very social dogs
- Need to find qualified, vetted professional
Which Option is Best for Different Pets?
🐕 Dogs
Best choice depends on personality:
- Social, high-energy dogs who love playing with other dogs may enjoy boarding with group play
- Anxious dogs, senior dogs, or dogs with health issues do much better with in-home care where their routine isn't disrupted
- Dogs who get kennel cough easily should definitely stay home with a house sitter
- Dogs on medication receive more reliable care from a dedicated sitter
🐱 Cats
In-home care is almost always better for cats. Cats are territorial creatures who become extremely stressed when removed from their environment. A car ride to a boarding facility, unfamiliar smells, and other animals nearby can cause serious anxiety that may last days after returning home.
Cats do perfectly well with daily check-ins from a house sitter—fresh food, clean litter box, and some affection is all most cats need.
🐦 Birds, Fish, and Exotic Pets
In-home care is essential. Most boarding facilities don't accept exotic pets, and transporting them is stressful and sometimes dangerous. A house sitter can maintain their specific environmental needs (temperature, lighting, feeding schedules) much more reliably.
🐕🐕 Multiple Pets
House sitting is usually more cost-effective and less stressful. Boarding multiple pets gets expensive quickly, and separating bonded animals causes anxiety. A house sitter can care for all your pets together in their home environment.
The Hidden Benefit of House Sitting
When you choose in-home pet care, you're also getting home protection. Your house isn't sitting empty—someone is there collecting mail, rotating lights, monitoring for problems, and deterring burglars. With boarding, you pay for pet care AND your home sits vacant. With house sitting, you get both services combined.
Cost Comparison in Charlotte
Here's what you can expect to pay in the Charlotte metro area:
| Service Type | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Kennel | $25-40/night | Enclosure, feeding, basic care |
| Pet Hotel (luxury) | $50-85/night | Private suite, playtime, webcam |
| Cat Boarding | $20-35/night | Enclosure, feeding, litter service |
| In-Home Pet Visits | $20-35/visit | 30-min visit, feeding, potty break |
| Overnight House Sitting | $85-125/night | Pet care + home protection + mail + plants |
Important note: When comparing costs, remember that house sitting includes home protection services. If you board your pet AND hire someone to check on your house, the costs become much closer—and you're coordinating with two different service providers.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing
If Considering Boarding, Ask:
- What's the staff-to-pet ratio?
- What vaccinations are required? (Reputable facilities require proof)
- How are dogs grouped for playtime?
- What happens if my pet gets sick or injured?
- Can I tour the facility?
- What's included vs. extra charges?
If Considering House Sitting, Ask:
- What's your background and experience with pets?
- Are you licensed and do you have professional standards?
- What's your emergency protocol?
- Will you provide photo updates?
- What's included in your service?
- Can I contact references from other pet owners?
The Verdict: When to Choose Each Option
Choose Boarding If:
- Your dog is extremely social and loves playing with other dogs
- You're only gone 1-2 nights
- Your pet has no health or anxiety issues
- Budget is the primary concern
Choose House Sitting If:
- Your pet is anxious, elderly, or has health issues
- You have cats (almost always)
- You have multiple pets
- You're traveling for more than a few days
- You want your home protected while you're away
- Your pet is on medication requiring precise administration
- You have exotic pets
- Your pet has never been boarded before (starting late in life is very stressful)
Professional Pet Care in Your Charlotte Home
CLT Home Guardian offers professional in-home pet care combined with house sitting services throughout Charlotte. Your pets stay comfortable, and your home stays protected.
Inquire About Pet Care