“Doggy daycare vs leaving your dog at home” is a common concern for most pet-parents. Read on to understand the pros and cons of each option to come with a decision that’s best for you as well as your four-legged friend.
As much as you love your fur-kid(s), there are times when you have to leave him/her alone to attend to some other important responsibility, such as going to the office, attending a wedding/funeral, visiting a hospital, etc. As a result, your four-legged companion spends hours at a time home alone without you.
During that time, your best pal will at least need a pee-poo break and perhaps a bit more care. It is due to this pressing need that several options have emerged – including doggy daycares, dog sitters, and dog walkers – to care for your pet once you leave home. But which option is right for your pet on an individual level?
Here are a few things to consider when choosing an option for times when you are running errands and leaving your dog alone:
Doggy Daycare: Overview
It’s true that doggy daycares aren’t for every pet, especially those who suffer from anxiety near other canines or lack socialization training. But in many cases, it is indispensable to alleviate loneliness, boredom and extend crucial human interaction for pups who’d otherwise spend hours alone at home. Although there’s no replacement for the quality time your furry pal needs from you, daycare is an excellent option to keep your pet happy and out of trouble.
We at Pixee’s Paws Pet Palace understand that it can be hard to leave your dog with strangers, but you can relax knowing that our facilities are designed to ensure your pet feels safe, secure, and has a great time.
Pros of Doggy Daycare
Here are the most notable benefits of a doggy daycare:
- Pet parents won’t have to stress about destructive behaviors and/or accidents while they’re away from home.
- Doggy daycare is a great place for pets to improve and keep up with their skills.
- Some daycares even work on training
- Opportunity to play with fun and safe toys while also making new friends
- A safe and climate-controlled environment
- Special report cards and notes for pets are maintained by daycare workers
- Opportunities to play, run around and spend substantial energy, eventually reducing boredom, anxiety, and unwanted behavior
Cons of Doggy Daycare
Here are some common drawbacks associated with doggy daycare:
- The financial aspect can be a deal-breaker for many pet-parents.
- Pets lacking social skills might not be accepted.
- Potential lack of one-on-one interaction and care since daycare workers look after multiple pets at the same tim
Leaving Dog at Home: Overview
We highly discourage leaving your pet alone at home for long hours and that too unattended since it can lead to accidents. But leaving them under the supervision of a credible pet caretaker isn’t entirely a bad idea. Just ensure that you check references for any potential caretaker and ask whether they are qualified to respond to medical emergencies. If you can’t leave your pet at a doggy daycare (for whatever reasons), here are some other options to consider:
1. Dog Walker
If you just want to ensure your pet receives a good, long walk along with a pee-poo break then hiring a walker might not entirely be a bad idea. Generally, dog walkers show up to your home and look after your pooch for certain hours.
Here are some common pros and cons of hiring a dog walker:
Pros
- Cheaper than pet sitters and doggy daycare
- The walk fulfills your dogs exercise need
Cons
- No full day care is given to your dog since walks are scheduled
- Lack of one-on-one interaction since walkers tend to look after multiple dogs at the same time
2. Dog Sitter
Dog sitters come over to your place before you leave and care for your pet until you return home. Some might ask you to drop your dog off at their house. But it’s best if your fur-kid stays in a familiar setting.
Here are some common pros and cons of hiring a pet sitter:
Pros
- They can spend the entire day with your pooch and even stay overnight when you’re traveling.
- Guaranteed one-on-one care
- Special needs of your dog will be addressed
Cons
- It’s hard to find someone trustworthy
- Charges can get high especially when you’re travelling
Let’s Start the Conversation
Remember, the answer to this “doggy daycare vs leaving your dog at home” debate can go on and on since there is no right or wrong answer. Which option is best will vary from one pet to another and is based on the unique needs of every pet-parent and his/her four-legged companion. Just know that both ‘doggy daycare vs leaving your dog at home’ has their unique set of benefits and shortcomings. Closely assess all factors to come up with a decision that’s most suited to your needs.
Still, confused about which option to choose out of the two for your petting needs? Here’s a quick refresher:
- Doggy daycare can be a safe yet fun place for your pet to meet fellow pooches, fight isolation, andalleviate boredom during the day.
- Leaving your dog at home with a pet sitter ensures greater companionship and the satisfaction of your pet’s special needs while you’re away.
- Apart from giving some company, a dog walker will also ensure your pet receives much-needed workout along with a chance to fulfill mother nature’s call outside.
As pet lovers, we know that dogs are not just animals, they are family. Know that you can turn to us for help, answers, and advice concerning your pet, whenever and wherever. Feel free to reach out to us at pixeespaws@gmail.com or give us a call at 682-999-8684 to learn about our services and pricing. You can even visit our website to learn how Pixee’s Paws Pet Palace is changing the lives of pet-parents and their best pals in central Arlington, Texas.
If you’re searching for more useful blogs on pet daycare, training, and boarding, do check the rest of our blog section. Pixee’s Paws Pet Palace strives to assist pet-parents in acquiring necessary knowledge to make informed decisions that’s best for them and their little furry pals.