Last updated: August 2026
When you’re planning a holiday, it’s completely natural to compare different pet care options.
One question I occasionally get asked is:
“Why does your professional house sitting service cost £60 per night when kennels or some boarding services appear cheaper?”
It’s a fair question.
The simple answer is that they are very different services.
You’re not simply paying for somewhere for your pet to sleep.
You’re investing in professional, personalised care that keeps your pets in the place they know best – their own home.
If your dog is elderly, a rescue, nervous, reactive, recovering from illness or simply happiest in familiar surroundings, that difference can be priceless.
For many of my clients, they tell me afterwards that it was one of the best investments they made before going away.
You’re Comparing Different Services
A kennel, home boarding and professional house sitting all have their place.
The best choice depends entirely on your pets.
Here’s a simple comparison.
| Feature | Kennels | Home Boarding | My House Sitting Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pets stay in their own home | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| One household at a time | ❌ | Usually not | ✅ |
| Normal daily routine maintained | Limited | Partly | ✅ |
| Ideal for rescue or nervous pets | Sometimes | Sometimes | ✅ |
| Home security while you’re away | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mail brought in | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Indoor plants watered (where agreed) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Multi-pet households | Extra charges common | Varies | ✅ |
| Personal photo updates | Varies | Usually | ✅ |
As you can see, you’re not comparing like with like.
Each service offers something different.
What Does My House Sitting Include?
Every booking is tailored to your pets and their normal routine.
That typically includes:
- Staying overnight in your home
- Feeding and fresh water
- Dog walking where required
- Cat care
- Small pet care where agreed
- Play and enrichment
- Medication (where previously discussed)
- Lots of companionship
- Regular photo and video updates
- Bringing in post
- Watering indoor plants and patio pots (where agreed)
- Keeping an eye on your property while you’re away
Because your pets remain at home, they continue with the sights, smells and routines they already know.
For many animals, particularly rescue dogs and cats, this greatly reduces stress.
You can read more about what is included on my House Sitting Service page.
You’re Also Reserving My Time
One thing that’s often overlooked is that house sitting isn’t just about looking after pets.
When I’m staying in your home, I can’t accept another overnight booking elsewhere.
For that period, my time is dedicated to one household.
I don’t rotate between multiple overnight clients.
I don’t fill a house with different dogs.
Your pets have my full attention.
That level of commitment is very different from many other forms of pet care.
Behind Every Booking Is A Professional Business
People sometimes see a nightly price without considering everything that sits behind it.
Like every professional pet care business, my fees help cover:
- Comprehensive pet business insurance
- Professional training and continuing education
- Enhanced DBS check
- Website and booking systems
- Fuel and travel
- Vehicle running costs
- Mobile phone and internet
- Pet first aid equipment
- Replacement leads, towels and cleaning materials
- Accountancy
- Tax
- National Insurance
- Time spent meeting new clients before bookings
- Administration
- Emergency planning
These aren’t “extras”.
They’re part of providing a reliable, professional service.
Experience Makes A Difference
Since 2011, I’ve cared for lots of pets across Finchley, Muswell Hill, Wood Green, and North London.
That experience means recognising when something isn’t quite right.
It means adapting walks for senior dogs.
It means understanding nervous body language.
It means helping rescue dogs feel secure.
It means knowing when to contact owners or veterinary practices if something unexpected happens.
Experience is something that’s difficult to measure until you need it.
You’re Trusting Someone With More Than Your Pets
When you book professional house sitting, you’re trusting someone with:
- Your pets
- Your home
- Your house keys
- Your routines
- Your belongings
- Your peace of mind
That’s a responsibility I never take lightly.
I treat every home with respect and every pet as an individual.
Many Clients Tell Me It’s Excellent Value
One thing that always makes me smile is that several clients have said:
“That’s actually very good value.”
Usually, that’s after we’ve talked through everything that’s included.
Once people understand the level of care, they often realise they’re comparing two completely different services rather than simply comparing prices.
The Cheapest Option Isn’t Always The Best Value
This isn’t about saying kennels or home boarding are wrong.
Many pets thrive in those environments.
The important thing is choosing the option that’s right for your own pets.
Professional house sitting is often ideal for:
- Rescue dogs
- Nervous or anxious pets
- Senior pets
- Cats who prefer staying at home
- Multi-pet households
- Pets who rely on familiar routines
If that sounds like your household, house sitting may offer excellent value—not because it’s the cheapest option, but because it provides the right care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because it provides dedicated, one-to-one care in your own home, rather than your pets adapting to a new environment, I adapt to theirs while also looking after your property.
Neither is better for every pet. Some dogs enjoy boarding, while others—particularly rescue dogs, senior pets, and many cats —are much happier remaining in familiar surroundings.
Yes. As well as caring for your pets, I can bring in post, water indoor plants and patio pots, and help ensure your home appears lived in while you’re away.
Many clients tell me that once they understand everything included—pet care, companionship, home security and peace of mind- they feel the service offers excellent value
.
Related Guides
If you’d like to learn more, these guides may also help.
- House Sitting Service
- House Sitting for Rescue Dogs
- Evening pet sitting
- House Sitting FAQs
- House Sitting Prices
- Meet Del
- Testimonials
- Homeowner’s Checklist
- Cat Sitting Service
- Service Areas
Useful Independent Information
For independent advice on choosing the right type of pet care, these organisations provide helpful guidance.
- RSPCA – Finding the Right Pet Care While You’re Away
- Cats Protection – Why Most Cats Prefer Staying at Home
- GOV.UK – Animal Welfare Act 2006
Final Thoughts
Every pet is different, and every owner’s priorities are different too.
Some families choose kennels. Others prefer home boarding. Many of my clients choose house sitting because they want their pets to stay in the comfort of their own home, following the routines they know and love.
My aim has never been to be the cheapest option. Instead, I focus on providing a calm, reliable and professional service that gives both pets and their owners confidence while they’re apart.
If you’re unsure whether house sitting is the right choice for your pets, I’d be happy to discuss your needs and answer any questions before you book.
