Boarding facilities vs. pet sitters: which is right for your pet?

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 9 October 2026.

Planning a holiday means planning for your pet, too. And while you’re looking forward to a change of scenery, the right care can help make your time apart as comfortable as possible for you and your pet.

For many pet parents, the big question is: boarding facility or pet sitter? Both can be great options, but what works best will depend on your pet’s personality, routine, and how they respond to new people, places, and experiences, as well as your own preferences.

Some pets settle happily into a new environment, while others feel more at ease with familiar surroundings and routines. Let’s look at the differences between boarding facilities and pet sitters, so you can make a confident choice for your four-legged family member.

Table of contents

• Pet care while you’re away: what are the options?
• How does your pet feel about change?
• What to look for when choosing a boarding facility
• What to look for when choosing a pet sitter
• A little preparation can go a long way
• Where pet insurance fits into your plans

Pet care while you’re away: what are the options?

Every pet is different, so the right care while you’re away will depend on what helps yours feel safe, comfortable, and well looked after.

The most common options include a:

• Boarding facility, such as a kennel or cattery
• Pet sitter who cares for your pet at your home or theirs
• Trusted person, such as a friend, family member, or neighbour, who looks after your pet

The best fit comes down to your pet’s personality, routine, and individual needs. So, let’s take a closer look at each option and what it could mean for your pet.

Boarding facilities (including kennels and catteries)

A boarding facility is a dedicated place where your pet stays while you’re away, cared for by staff, alongside other animals. Some boarding facilities care for both cats and dogs in separate areas, while others may cater to just one species, such as catteries for cats and kennels for dogs. Services vary between facilities, but many provide secure and comfortable accommodation, regular care, and opportunities for exercise. Boarding facilities often require your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention to be up to date before your pet can stay.

Boarding can suit sociable, adaptable pets who take new environments in their stride. The key is choosing the right facility and thinking honestly about whether your pet is likely to cope well in that kind of setting.

Pet sitters

A pet sitter cares for your pet in a home environment. That might mean they stay at your place and care for your pet full-time, drop in regularly to check on them, or have your pet stay with them. Either way, your pet gets to keep more of their normal routine and surroundings.

This option is often ideal for pets who prefer minimal changes to their environment and routine, and who can find unfamiliar animals or places stressful. Cats, in particular, tend to like the familiarity of their own home, so an in-home sitter may be a good option for them.

Leaving your pet with a trusted person

Sometimes, the best person to care for your pet is someone they already know and are comfortable with. A trusted friend, family member or neighbour who’s familiar with your pet and their personality can be a great option while you’re away.

Even when your pet is in familiar hands, it’s worth taking some time to talk through their daily routine and care needs. From mealtimes and exercise to favourite activities, medications, and those quirks that make them unique, sharing the details can help your pet feel settled and comfortable.

Whether your carer looks after your pet at your place or theirs, making sure everyone knows what to expect can help things run smoothly, giving you one less thing to worry about while you’re away.

How does your pet feel about change?

Every pet has their own personality, preferences, and routines. Thinking about how yours usually responds to unfamiliar people, animals, and places can help you narrow down the options.

As you weigh up what might suit your pet, consider things like:

• If your pet tends to find unfamiliar places or other animals unsettling, being cared for at home may offer more familiarity.
• If your pet is comfortable around new people, animals, and environments, a reputable boarding facility may be worth considering.
• Cats can be particularly attached to their territory and routines, so some may be more comfortable being cared for in their own home.

The aim isn’t to find the ‘right’ answer for every pet. It’s to find the care arrangement that best suits yours. You know your pet best, so as well as making sure they’re properly cared for while you’re away, it’s important to choose an arrangement that suits their individual needs and temperament.

What to look for when choosing a boarding facility

If a boarding facility feels like it could suit your pet, it’s worth doing a little homework before you book. After all, you want to feel comfortable with where they’ll be staying and who’ll be looking after them.

Before booking, consider:

• Visiting the facility yourself or asking someone you trust to visit on your behalf. Take a look at the sleeping and exercise areas, cleanliness, ventilation, temperature, and how the animals are being cared for.
• Asking what a typical day looks like, including meals, fresh water, exercise, play, enrichment, human interaction, and rest, plus anything else your pet may need.
• Speaking to other pet parents who’ve used the facility and asking about their experience.
• Asking whether a short trial stay is possible, so you can get a sense of how your pet responds to the new environment.
• Checking what happens if your pet becomes unwell or needs vet care during their stay, including how and when you’ll be contacted.

What to look for when choosing a pet sitter

If being cared for at home feels like a better fit for your pet, finding someone you both feel comfortable with is an important next step.

Before you make arrangements, consider:

• Asking other pet parents or your regular vet clinic for recommendations and, if you’re using a professional sitter, checking their references, their experience caring for pets, and how they plan to meet your pet’s individual needs.
• Arranging a meet-and-greet before you go. It’s a good opportunity to see how your pet and sitter interact and talk through your pet’s usual routine.
• Having an honest conversation about your expectations, including your pet’s routine, feeding, exercise, play, enrichment, medication, and any other day-to-day needs.
• Talking through what should happen if your pet becomes unwell or needs vet care, including who to contact and which vet your pet usually sees.
• Discussing how your sitter will keep your pet safe while you’re away, including any escape routes or habits they should be aware of.

A reputable pet sitter will prioritise your pet’s wellbeing, be attentive to their individual needs, and provide reliable care while you’re away. Open communication and a willingness to answer your questions are also good signs.

A little preparation can go a long way

Whichever care option you choose, a little preparation can help keep your pet’s routine familiar and make sure their carer has what they need while you’re away.

Before you head off, here are a few things worth ticking off your to-do list:

• Check that your pet’s details are up to date. Make sure your pet is microchipped, their microchip details are registered and up to date, and their collar has an ID tag with your current contact details, so you can be contacted if they become lost while you’re away.
• Have a chat with your vet. A vet check before you set off can help identify and manage any potential health issues. It’s also a good chance to ask any questions about your pet’s care while you’re away.
• Pack something familiar. Favourite toys, bedding, and other familiar belongings can help your pet feel comfortable and settled while you’re apart.
• Share your pet’s health information. Leave your vet’s contact details and any relevant health or medication information with the person caring for your pet. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention are up to date, and check any requirements with the boarding facility, if applicable.
• Plan for your pet’s everyday needs. Make sure there’s enough of your pet’s usual food, treats, and any medications they need for the time you’re away. It’s also worth leaving clear instructions about meals, medication, and their everyday routine.

Where pet insurance fits into your plans

Decided on the care option that feels right for your pet? The next step is making sure you’re prepared for the unexpected while you’re apart.

Pets can become unwell or have an accident at any time, including while you’re away. Leaving your vet’s details, emergency contacts, and clear instructions with whoever’s caring for your pet can help make sure they know what to do if something comes up.

Pet insurance can be another part of that preparation, helping with eligible vet costs if your pet needs treatment for a covered illness or injury.

If you’re considering cover for your pet, RSPCA Pet Insurance offers customisable cover that can be tailored to your pet’s needs and your budget. Plus, every policy contributes to the RSPCA’s vital work caring for animals in need. It’s protection with purpose. For your own pet and thousands of others across Australia.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

 

References

[1] RSPCA Australia. How can I find a good boarding facility for my companion animal? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pets-and-holidays/how-can-i-find-a-good-boarding-facility-for-my-companion-animal

[2] RSPCA Australia. Can I take my cat with me when I go on holiday? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pets-and-holidays/can-i-take-my-cat-with-me-when-i-go-on-holiday

[3] RSPCA Australia. Can you give me some advice on caring for my dog? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/can-you-give-me-some-advice-on-caring-for-my-dog

[4] RSPCA Australia. Why is it important to ensure my pet is microchipped? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pet-ownership/why-is-it-important-to-ensure-my-pet-is-microchipped

[5] RSPCA Australia. How to plan for your pets if going away over the holidays. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/how-plan-your-pets-if-going-away-over-holidays/

[6] RSPCA Australia. Three essential tips for holidaying with pets. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/three-essential-tips-holidaying-pets/

[7] RSPCA Queensland. Holiday checklist: 10 tips to prepare your pet. Available from: https://www.rspcaqld.org.au/blog/pet-care/holiday-checklist

[8] RSPCA (England and Wales). Exploring pet sitting options. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/holiday/leavingyourpet