House Sitting vs. Boarding: What’s Best for Your Pet?

Understanding your options for pet care while you’re away

House Sitting vs. Boarding: What’s Best for Your Pet?

Why where your pet stays matters more than you think

When you're planning to be away from home, one of the most important decisions you'll make is how to care for your pets in your absence. The most common options are house sitting, boarding in a sitter’s home, or boarding at a commercial facility—but not all care is created equal.

At Burbank Pet Sitting, we believe pets deserve more than a cage, concrete floor, or rotating shift of unfamiliar staff. Your pet’s comfort, routine, and emotional well-being are our top priorities—which is why we focus on in-home care and personalized boarding.

Here’s how the options compare—and why we don’t recommend commercial boarding for most pets.

House Sitting: Comfort, Consistency, and Care at Home

When a professional sitter stays in your home, your pet’s entire routine remains intact—something no boarding facility can replicate.

Why it works:

• No Stressful Transitions – Your pet stays where they’re most comfortable, surrounded by familiar smells and routines.

• Consistency – Meals, medications, walks, and cuddle time happen on schedule.

• Full Attention – Your pet is the only focus of care, not one of dozens.

• Added Home Security – Your home is occupied, giving you peace of mind while you're away.

  
  

At Burbank Pet Sitting, our in-home house sitting service provides the gold standard in individualized care. Your pet stays in their safe space—and we handle the rest.

Boarding in a Sitter’s Home: The Next Best Thing to Home

If house sitting isn’t an option, a stay in a trusted sitter’s home offers a calm, nurturing alternative to traditional kennels.

Why it’s a good fit:

• Home-Like Environment – Your pet stays in a real home, not a facility.

• Small Group Setting – Limited number of pets, which means lower stress and more personal attention.

• Fewer Health Risks – Much cleaner and lower exposure to illness than a commercial setting.

• More Freedom – Comfortable sleeping spaces, access to yards, and lots of human interaction.

  
  

We offer a limited number of boarding spots in our home for pets who are well-socialized and comfortable with new environments. It’s personal, quiet, and designed to feel like home.

Commercial Boarding Facilities: High Volume, Low Individual Care

Boarding facilities are designed for efficiency—not comfort. While they may seem convenient, they often come with compromises that can negatively affect your pet’s health, behavior, and stress levels.

• Loud and Overstimulating – Dozens of barking dogs, harsh lighting, and unfamiliar smells can be overwhelming.

• Limited Interaction – With high pet-to-staff ratios, even basic care can feel impersonal.

• Strict Schedules – Feeding, exercise, and potty breaks happen on the facility’s clock, not your pet’s.

• Higher Illness Risk – Even the cleanest kennels carry risk of kennel cough, parasites, or stress-related illness.

• Crating and Isolation – Many pets spend the majority of the day confined, with limited social time or supervision.

  
  

While commercial boarding may suit a few highly adaptable dogs, it's rarely the best option for pets who are sensitive, senior, recovering from illness, or simply used to a quieter life.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Feature	House Sitting (Your Home)	Boarding (Sitter’s Home)	Commercial Boarding Facility
Environment	Familiar	Quiet home setting	Loud, high-traffic facility
Stress Level	Low	Low to moderate	Often high
Attention	One-on-one	Small group	Minimal, high ratio
Health Risk	Very low	Low	Moderate to high
Routine	Fully maintained	Partially maintained	Often disrupted
Supervision	Consistent, dedicated sitter	Attentive, limited-capacity	Rotating staff
Ideal For	Most pets, especially seniors or anxious animals	Socialized, adaptable pets	Only highly social, kennel-trained dogs

Why Burbank Pet Sitting Doesn’t Recommend Commercial Boarding

We’ve worked with pets who have come back from commercial facilities stressed, sick, or behaviorally regressed. The sensory overload, inconsistent care, and confinement can undo months of positive routine and training. For most pets—especially cats, seniors, and those with anxiety—boarding in a kennel environment simply isn’t worth the risk.

We Offer What Pets Actually Need: Calm, Consistent, Compassionate Care

Whether your pet stays in their own home or ours, Burbank Pet Sitting is committed to creating a low-stress, loving experience. We take the time to get to know your pet, maintain their routine, and keep you updated every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about our in-home sitting and home boarding options—and say goodbye to stressful drop-offs, noisy kennels, and one-size-fits-all care.