House Sitter vs Boarder: Which Is Right for Your Pet?

When you need care for your dog while you’re away, deciding between a house sitter and a dog boarder matters. I’ve helped many families weigh up these choices, and I know clarity and calm planning make all the difference.
In this guide, I explain what each option really looks like in the UK, what to check before you book, and how to match your dog’s needs with care that feels right.

Choosing between house sitting and boarding isn’t about one being universally better. It’s about what suits your dog’s personality, routine, and well-being.

I’ll talk about how pet sitting vs home boarding differs, how legal rules affect each option, and what to do if your dog gets worried when you leave

By the end, you’ll understand the small details that matter and be able to arrange dog care while on holiday without worry.

What a House Sitter Actually Does

A house sitter comes to your home and stays there while you’re away. They take care of your dog in the place your dog knows best.

Here’s what a house sitter typically does:

Keeps your dog in their own environment
Follows your usual feeding, walking and play routines
Offers companionship and reassurance
Looks after your home too, which can help with home security

Most dogs settle more quickly when they stay where they feel safe. For pets who don’t like change, keeping the familiar environment can reduce stress and separation anxiety. Many owners find that their dogs act more normally when a sitter is present because the routines remain the same.

This is true pet sitting in your home, not just feeding and checking in, but being present and giving attention through the day. The sitter keeps the house running, so your dog doesn’t experience sudden changes.

What a Dog Boarder Actually Is

A dog boarder looks after your dog in their own home. They may care for one dog at a time or a few dogs together, depending on how they work.

Boarding for sociable dogs can be a good fit. Some dogs enjoy company and adapt well to new settings.

Here’s what to expect with a boarder:

Your dog stays in someone else’s home
Other dogs might be present
Daily routines are shared across dogs
Boarders must be licensed by their local council to operate legally (GOV.UK)

In the UK, anyone offering dog boarding from their home must have a licence. This involves council checks on safety, welfare and insurance arrangements. Licensing helps ensure basic standards are met, which gives peace of mind.

Boarding isn’t the same as kennels or catteries, but it shares the principle of the dog being away from its usual environment.

Legal and Licensing Differences in the UK

Understanding the legal side helps you make confident choices.

House sitting doesn’t require a specific licence because the sitter works in your home, but it’s sensible to check they have insurance and a DBS check if they handle keys and access your property.

Dog boarders must have an animal boarding licence if they run the service commercially from their home. This licence shows that the council has assessed the property and care arrangements.

If someone is boarding dogs in their home without a licence, they are operating outside the law. Always ask to see the border’s licence and insurance.

You can request to see:

A current animal boarding licence
Public liability insurance
DBS checks for anyone entering your home

These checks protect you and your dog, and show the carer is accountable and prepared for emergencies.

Dog Care Needs: Matching Your Dog to the Right Option

No two dogs are the same. What suits one dog might not suit another.

Here’s how I think about it when I help families choose:

Dogs Who Prefer Quiet and Familiar

These dogs usually do better with a house sitter:

Nervous or timid dogs
Dogs who get anxious around new animals
Senior dogs with fixed routines
Dogs who struggle with car travel

Keeping the pet care routine familiar helps these dogs feel safe.

Dogs Who Enjoy New Friends and Activity

For confident, sociable dogs, boarding can work:

Dogs who enjoy playing with others
Dogs that handle change well
Dogs are used to daycare environments

Even then, make sure the boarding environment is calm and checked. Some boarders set limits on numbers and focus on slower, quieter routines.

Practical Steps to Choose Care You Trust

Step 1: Meet in Person First

Meeting a potential sitter or boarder before your trip helps you see how they interact with your dog. Take time for a meet-and-greet.

Talk about:

Your dog’s routines
Meal times and food preferences
Favourite walks and playtime habits
Behaviour quirks and triggers

A good carer will listen and ask questions.

Step 2: Share Your Dog’s Routine

A detailed routine helps carers follow what your dog expects. Dogs are creatures of habit. The more you share about:

Feeding schedule
Walk preferences
Sleep places
Comfort habits

…the smoother their care will be.

Step 3: Ask for Daily Updates

Many carers offer updates by message or photo. This helps you feel connected and reassured while you’re away.

Step 4: Prepare Your Home or Their Home

For house sitting:

Leave clear instructions for feeding and medicines
Show where leads and toys are kept
Highlight any spaces your dog prefers or avoids

For boarding:

Bring familiar items like beds or blankets
Pack food, medications and favourite toys
Ensure they have clear contact details for your vet

What to Do If Your Dog Is Anxious, more mature or Has Medical Needs

Some dogs need extra attention. This is often the case for dogs with:

Separation anxiety
Medical conditions
Mobility issues
Complex meal routines

For these dogs, a house sitter can help maintain calm dog care at home. They closely follow your dog’s routine to reduce disruption. You can also arrange additional time for slow walks or rest periods.

If you choose a boarder, make sure they:

Understand your dog’s medical needs
Can administer medicines
Have emergency vet procedures in place

Always discuss this before you book.

FAQ Section

1. Do house sitters need a licence?
No specific licence is required for pet sitters working in your home, but good pet sitting insurance and DBS checks are recommended for safety.

2. What’s the difference between home boarding and pet sitting?
Home boarding is care in the carer’s own home and requires a licence. Pet sitting usually takes place in your home and doesn’t require a licence. (Pet Business Insurance)

3. Can I choose a carer for just dog walks or one‑to‑one support?
Yes. Many carers offer solo dog walks and one‑to‑one support as part of their services. If your dog needs regular exercise or attention, ask about these options.

4. How do I know if my dog will suit boarding for sociable dogs?
Watch how your dog behaves around other dogs and in new places. If they stay calm and enjoy play, they may suit boarding. If not, house sitting or solo support may be gentler.

5. How much notice should I give to book care?
Holidays, weekends and school breaks get busy. Booking early gives you more choice of sitter or boarder.

Conclusion

Choosing between House Sitter vs Dog Boarder is a meaningful decision. What matters most is understanding your dog’s needs and matching them with care that feels safe and calm.

House sitting keeps your pet in a familiar environment, following routines they know.
Dog boarding can suit confident, sociable dogs who enjoy company.
Both need trusted carers, good communication and clear plans.

If you’d like support with solo dog walks, one‑to‑one sessions, house sitting, or cat and small animal care, I’m here to help. You can learn more about my services here.

Whatever choice you make, clear planning makes the time apart easier for you and your dog.

Resources (UK links)

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/holiday/leavingyourpet
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/