As a dog parent, you’ve probably faced the dilemma of how to care for your pup when you can’t be around. Whether heading to work, going on vacation, or just needing a little break, finding the right care option is an important part of being a pet parent. Two of the most popular options are dog daycare and pet sitting, but which one is better for your dog?
Dog Daycare
Dog daycare facilities offer a supervised, social, and stimulating environment where dogs can interact with other pupa, play, exercise, and rest. Some dog daycare centers, such as Dogtopias in Portland, also offer additional services like spa services and overnight boarding.
One of the biggest advantages of dog daycare is the opportunity for your dog to safely socialize with other dogs. For pups who enjoy the company of other dogs, daycare provides a chance to play and build positive social skills. Additionally, daycare offers a lot of opportunities for exercise. Whether it’s running, fetching, or supervised playgroups, your dog will get plenty of physical activity. On average, Dogtopia dogs get upwards of 30,000 steps per day at daycare versus less than 10,000 steps a day at home. As a pet parent, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your dog is being cared for in a safe, supervised environment. At our facilities, you can even check in on your pup with our live webcams to see how they are doing throughout the day. Plus, you don’t need to worry about leaving your dog home alone all day.
On the contrary, if your dog does not thrive in social environments and feels rather stressed around groups of other dogs, a daycare environment may not be for them. While your pup will have a lot of social interaction with other dogs in a daycare facility, they may not get as much one-on-one attention as they would with a pet sitter. This can be a downside for dogs that need special care or are more anxious and require additional comfort.
Pet Sitting
Pet sitting is a good option for those looking for more one-on-one care for their dog. Pet sitters typically watch your pet within your home, which is especially helpful for dogs with separation anxiety or those who are easily stressed by new environments. Some sitters can also provide overnight care, which can be helpful if you're going away for an extended period.
However, with pet sitting, your pup doesn't have the same opportunity for socializing with other dogs as they would at daycare. If your dog thrives on interaction with other dogs, they may miss out on that aspect with a sitter. Additionally, depending on the sitter’s schedule and your dog’s energy level, your dog may not get as much exercise or playtime as they would in a daycare setting. While some sitters may offer long walks and play sessions, others may not have the time or ability to keep your dog as active as a daycare facility. Also, they may not be as well-versed in dog behavior, body language, and health issues as daycare coaches, who receive significant training for the role.
What is Better for Your Dog?
The decision between daycare and dog sitting ultimately comes down to your dog’s specific needs and preferences. If your dog is friendly, active, and loves to play with other dogs or needs help developing socialization skills, daycare is probably the better option. It provides plenty of social interaction and exercise to keep your dog happy and healthy.
If your dog is more introverted, anxious, or has health concerns, dog sitting may be a decent choice. By assessing your dog’s personality, energy levels, and care requirements, you can make the best decision for their happiness and wellbeing.
At Dogtopia, we understand that every dog is unique, which is why we offer daycare and boarding services with your dog’s needs in mind. No matter your dog's preference, we're here to provide the personalized love, attention, and care they deserve. Learn more about our daycare and boarding options and discover the perfect solution for your furry friend at one of our five Portland locations. To arrange a Meet & Greet for your pup at the nearest Portland Dogtopia, fill out our form here!