Kennels Vs Dog Boarding Vs Dog Sitting
Dog Kennels, Home from Home Dog Boarding, or Dog Sitting, What’s Best for Your Dog?
When planning time away, one of the most common questions dog owners face is how best to care for their dog. Options usually fall into three categories: traditional kennels, home from home dog boarding, or dog sitting. Each can work well in the right circumstances, but the best choice depends on your dog’s personality, routine, and emotional needs.
Understanding the differences can help you make a confident decision that prioritises your dog’s wellbeing.
Traditional dog kennels
Kennels typically involve dogs staying in purpose built facilities, often with individual sleeping areas and scheduled exercise times. For some dogs, particularly those used to this environment, kennels can be a practical solution.
Potential benefits of kennels include:
Clearly defined routines
Professional oversight
Licensed and regulated environments
However, kennels can be busy and unfamiliar, and some dogs may find the noise, separation, or limited one to one interaction stressful. This is especially true for dogs that are sensitive, anxious, or strongly bonded to their home environment.
Home from home dog boarding
Home from home boarding offers a different approach. Dogs stay in a domestic setting rather than a kennel environment, allowing them to experience a more relaxed, familiar routine while still receiving professional care.
At JJ’s VIP Pets, our dog boarding is based within our own home. We have converted a large, dedicated space in our house specifically for dog boarding, designed to provide a calm, safe, and comfortable environment. This allows dogs to settle into a routine that feels more like home, with appropriate structure, supervision, and rest.
Potential benefits of home from home boarding include:
A quieter, calmer environment
Dogs living alongside people rather than in kennels
Consistent routines for feeding, rest, and exercise
Close supervision and individual attention
This style of boarding often suits dogs who enjoy human company, benefit from predictability, and feel more comfortable in a home environment.
Dog sitting
Dog sitting usually involves someone caring for your dog in your own home, or occasionally in the sitter’s home. Online platforms have made dog sitting more accessible, and for some owners, it can be a great option.
Dog sitting can work particularly well when:
A relationship has been built over time
The sitter understands your dog’s needs and routines
Clear expectations are in place
However, when using online platforms, it is important to remember that sitters can vary widely in experience, availability, and training. Owners should always check insurance, emergency procedures, and how much time the sitter will actually spend with their dog.
Which option suits different types of dogs?
Puppies and young dogs
Young dogs often benefit from structure, supervision, and consistency. A calm home from home boarding environment can support training and confidence while avoiding overstimulation.
Social and people focused dogs
Dogs who enjoy human company and predictable routines often thrive in a home based boarding setting, where interaction is balanced with rest.
Nervous, sensitive, or rescue dogs
Some dogs feel safest in familiar surroundings, while others gain confidence from calm routines and experienced handling. The quality of care matters more than the label of the service.
Dogs with additional needs
Older dogs or those with medical requirements need close observation, clear routines, and prompt response to any changes. A professional boarding provider should be able to explain how these needs are supported.
What to check before choosing any dog care option
Regardless of whether you are considering kennels, home from home boarding, or dog sitting, there are key questions every owner should ask.
Is the provider licensed where required, and what is their star rating?
Can you visit the premises or meet the sitter before booking?
Where exactly will your dog spend their time during the day and night?
What does a typical daily schedule look like, including play and rest?
Are staff or sitters trained in canine first aid?
Is appropriate insurance in place with a reputable provider?
A reputable provider will always welcome transparency and questions.
Our approach at JJ’s VIP Pets
At JJ’s VIP Pets, our home from home dog boarding in Waltham Abbey supports dogs from across Essex, including Epping, Loughton, Theydon Bois, Upshire, Broxbourne, Nazeing, and North London.
By offering boarding within our own home, in a purpose adapted space, we are able to provide a calm, structured environment with close supervision and a strong focus on wellbeing. Dogs are carefully introduced, supported throughout their stay, and encouraged to settle, rest, and enjoy appropriate interaction.
Our goal is always the same: dogs who feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed while their owners are away.
Final thoughts
There is no single right answer when choosing between kennels, home from home boarding, or dog sitting. The best option is the one that aligns with your dog’s personality, routine, and emotional needs.
Taking time to understand how care is provided, asking the right questions, and visiting in person where possible can help you make the best decision for your dog.
If you would like to learn more about our home from home dog boarding or discuss what would suit your dog best, please get in touch or arrange a visit. We are always happy to talk things through.
