The Pet Sitter vs. Pet Kennel Debate: Should Your Pet Chill at Home or Party at the Kennel?

When you’re planning a vacation or business trip, one of the biggest worries is what to do with your beloved furry family members. Should you book them into a kennel, or hire a pet sitter? This decision can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available across the UAE.

As a pet owner myself, I completely understand this dilemma. Over the years, I’ve tried both kennels and pet sitters, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned to help you make the best choice for your pets.

What’s the Difference Between Pet Sitters and Kennels?

Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s clarify what each option actually involves.

Pet sitting means your furry friend receives care in either your own home or the sitter’s home. A certified pet sitter provides personalized attention, maintains your pet’s routine, and often becomes a temporary best friend to your companion.

Kennel boarding involves taking your pet to a specialized facility where they stay in individual or shared spaces alongside other animals. These facilities typically have structured schedules for feeding, exercise, and playtime.

The Case for Professional Pet Sitters

Personalized Care and Attention

One of the most significant advantages of choosing a pet sitter is the individual attention your pet receives. Unlike kennels, where staff care for multiple animals simultaneously, a dedicated pet sitter can focus entirely on your pet’s specific needs.

When I first used a pet sitter for Tito, my dog, I was amazed at how well she maintained his routine. She knew exactly when he liked his morning walk, respected his nap schedule, and even remembered that he prefers his treats broken into smaller pieces. This level of personalized care simply isn’t possible in most kennel settings.

Familiar Environment Benefits

Pets are creatures of habit, and staying in familiar surroundings can significantly reduce stress levels. With in-home pet sitting, your dog or cat can sleep in their favorite spot, play with their usual toys, and follow their established routine.

This is particularly beneficial for anxious pets or senior animals who might struggle with the changes that come with kennel boarding. Toto, my cat, is quite particular about his environment, and keeping him at home during our trips has made a world of difference in his stress levels.

One-on-One Bonding

Professional pet sitters often develop genuine bonds with the animals they care for. This relationship can provide emotional comfort to your pet while you’re away, making the separation much easier for everyone involved.

Flexible Scheduling

Pet sitters can adapt to your pet’s unique schedule and needs. Whether your dog needs medication at specific times or your cat prefers late-night play sessions, a professional sitter can accommodate these requirements.

Understanding Kennel Boarding Benefits

Professional Facilities and Equipment

Quality kennels in the UAE offer purpose-built facilities with proper ventilation, security systems, and specialized equipment for pet care. These facilities are designed specifically for animal comfort and safety.

Veterinary Support Access

Many boarding facilities have partnerships with veterinary clinics or have qualified staff on-site. This means immediate professional help is available if your pet faces any health issues during their stay.

Structured Socialization

For social dogs, kennels can provide opportunities to interact with other well-behaved pets under supervised conditions. This can be particularly beneficial for young, energetic dogs who enjoy canine companionship.

Established Routines

Boarding facilities typically maintain consistent schedules for meals, exercise, and rest periods. This structure can be comforting for some pets and helps preserve their daily rhythm.

Pet Sitter vs Kennel: Key Comparison Factors

Cost Considerations

The financial aspect often plays a significant role in decision-making. Generally, pet sitting services can vary widely in cost depending on the level of service required.

In the UAE, kennel boarding typically ranges from AED 100-300 per day, while professional pet sitting services can range from AED 150-400 per day, depending on the specific services included and the sitter’s experience level.

Safety and Security

Both options have safety considerations. Reputable kennels have security systems, trained staff, and established emergency procedures. Professional pet sitters should be thoroughly vetted, insured, and have clear protocols for emergencies. The key difference that the Pet Watch app has is that on the platform, there are only registered pet sitters who must be certified.

Your Pet’s Personality

Consider your pet’s temperament. Social, confident animals might thrive in a kennel environment, while shy, anxious, or elderly pets often do better with personalized pet sitting care.

Duration of Care Needed

For short trips (1-3 days), pet sitting often provides better value and less disruption. For more extended vacations, some pet owners find kennels more cost-effective, though this varies by location and specific needs.

Kennels in UAE: What to Look For

The UAE has numerous boarding facilities, from luxury pet hotels in Dubai to more modest kennels across the emirates. When researching kennels in the UAE, prioritize facilities that:

• Maintain clean, spacious accommodations
• Have qualified, caring staff
• Provide regular exercise and socialization opportunities
• Offer transparent communication with pet owners
• Have proper licensing and insurance

Popular areas like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah offer various boarding options, but quality can vary significantly. Always visit facilities in person before making your decision.

The Pet Sitter Advantage: Why More UAE Pet Owners Are Choosing This Option

After experiencing both options with Tito and Toto, I’ve become a strong advocate for professional pet sitting services. Here’s why this option often wins in the kennel vs dog sitter debate:

Reduced Stress for Pets

Staying in familiar environments with consistent routines dramatically reduces pet anxiety. This is especially important in the UAE’s climate, where the comfort of air conditioning and familiar spaces can make a significant difference in your pet’s wellbeing.

Better Health Monitoring

A dedicated pet sitter can quickly notice changes in your pet’s behavior, appetite, or energy levels – early indicators of potential health issues that might go unnoticed in a busy kennel environment.

Customized Care Plans

Professional pet sitters can accommodate special dietary requirements, medication schedules, and exercise preferences that make each pet unique.

Home Security Benefits

As an added bonus, having a trusted person regularly visit your home provides security benefits and maintains your property while you’re away.

Finding Trusted Pet Care in the UAE

When searching for reliable pet care services in the UAE, it’s essential to use platforms that thoroughly vet their service providers. Quality pet care platforms typically offer:

• Background-checked and certified pet sitters
• Transparent reviews and ratings from other pet owners
• Easy booking and communication system
• Emergency support and backup care options

The key is finding services that understand the unique needs of UAE pet owners, including cultural considerations, climate factors, and local regulations.

Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, the decision between a pet sitter and kennel boarding depends on several factors specific to your situation:

Consider a pet sitter for your furry friend if they:

• Struggle with separation anxiety or stress
• Need regular medication or special care
• Are elderly or have mobility challenges
• Prefer a calm and familiar environment
• Benefit from flexible scheduling that accommodates their needs

Consider kennel boarding if your pet:

• Enjoys socializing with other animals
• Is young, healthy, and adaptable
• Has stayed in kennels before without issues
• You’re comfortable with structured care routines

Red Flags to Avoid

Whether choosing a pet sitter or kennel, watch out for these warning signs:

• Lack of proper licensing or insurance
• Unwillingness to provide references
• Poor communication or delayed responses
• Unclean facilities or unprofessional appearance
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• No emergency care procedures in place

Preparing Your Pet for Either Option

Regardless of your choice, preparation is key to success:

For Pet Sitting:

• Provide detailed care instructions
• Leave emergency contact information
• Ensure your pet is comfortable with the sitter beforehand
• Prepare familiar items like favorite toys or blankets

For Kennel Boarding:

• Visit the facility with your pet before boarding
• Ensure vaccinations are up to date (very important for pet sitters, too!)
• Pack familiar items for comfort
• Discuss your pet’s routine with staff

What Comes Next in Pet Care in the UAE

The pet care industry in the UAE continues to evolve, with more professional services emerging to meet growing demand. Technology is playing an increasingly important role, with platforms offering real-time updates, video calls, and comprehensive care tracking.

As pet owners become more discerning about the quality of care their animals receive, the standards across both pet sitting and kennel services continue to improve. This competition benefits everyone, leading to better services, more transparency, and ultimately, happier pets.

Conclusion

Choosing between a pet sitter and kennel boarding is ultimately about understanding your pet’s unique personality, needs, and preferences. Both options can provide excellent care when chosen thoughtfully and executed professionally.

From my experience with Tito and Toto, I’ve found that the personalized attention and familiar environment provided by professional pet sitting services often result in happier, less stressed pets and greater peace of mind for owners. However, the most crucial factor is ensuring that whatever option you choose, the service provider is qualified, trustworthy, and genuinely cares about animal welfare.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to find someone to watch your pet – it’s to find someone who will love and care for them almost as much as you do. Whether that’s through a professional pet sitter who becomes part of your extended family or a high-quality boarding facility with caring staff, your pet deserves nothing but the best while you’re away.

Take the time to research your options, visit facilities or meet potential sitters in person, and trust your instincts. Your furry family member is counting on you to make the right choice, and with proper preparation and selection, both you and your pet can have peace of mind during your time apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a kennel or a dog sitter better?

The answer depends on your pet’s individual needs and personality. Pet sitters typically provide more personalized care and allow pets to stay in familiar environments, making them ideal for anxious, elderly, or special-needs pets. Kennels can be better for social, adaptable dogs who enjoy interacting with other animals and don’t mind structured routines.

What is the difference between dog boarding and pet sitting?

Dog boarding involves taking your pet to a specialized facility where they stay with other animals under professional supervision. Pet sitting means your pet receives care either in your home or the sitter’s home, with more individualized attention and personalized routines. Pet sitting typically offers more flexibility and one-on-one care.

What is the downside of kennels?

The main downsides of kennels include: increased stress for some pets due to unfamiliar environments, potential exposure to illnesses from other animals, less individualized attention due to multiple pets being cared for simultaneously, rigid schedules that may not match your pet’s preferences, and possible behavioral changes due to kennel stress or overstimulation.

By Monja Madan, Founder of Pet Watch App.

September 05, 2025