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With the holidays right around the corner, many of us may have a chance to get away for some much-needed vacation time. While you are on vacation, however, who will you entrust to ensure that your pets receive the highest quality care in your absence? For both long and short stays, you can always turn toward the assistance of a trusted pet sitter or boarding kennel. 2024 has been a long year for some of us in Connecticut—am I right?! Many of us have been dying to travel, spend time with our friends and families, and leave all of our worries behind! If you have a pet, you know that you can’t take them with you everywhere. It is crucial to ensure you have alternative care options for your pet if you will be away for an extended period. One thing people need to know about when choosing between these two options is the cost of pet sitting vs. boarding their pet in Connecticut. While many factors may drive up either option’s price, you must also weigh both options’ pros and cons and decide how your pet would do with either one. In this blog, we will compare the cost of pet sitting and boarding your pet in Connecticut and explore the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your fur baby.
What is Pet Boarding?
When people think about boarding kennels, they typically think of cold, concrete or steel runs or steel or plastic cages with no common social space. This sounds like a rather depressing environment. Fortunately for your pups, this is no longer the norm. Boarding kennels (or pet hotels) come with all sorts of fun amenities to make your pet’s experience as comfortable as possible. Your dogs can enjoy a luxurious suite with plenty of toys, plexiglass doors to see through, and even an elevated bed for maximum comfort while enjoying DogTV on their own personal television. That’s pretty fancy, right? Cats in boarding facilities can expect multi-level perches to relax and climb on. They will also have plenty of toys and the sounds of birds to keep them stimulated. Some facilities even provide shuttle service to and from the boarding facility, making boarding arrangements even more effortless for pet parents. 
The Cost of Dog and Cat Boarding in Connecticut
The cost of boarding depends on the amenities chosen and the level of care your dog or cat needs. Typically, boarding facilities charge a nightly rate, starting at $55 per night for one dog. Some facilities may also charge based on the size of your dog. If you have multiple pets, sometimes a slight discount is given, but expect to pay approximately double the price of one pup. For cats, on the other hand, you’re looking at around $30 per day to board at a facility. Some pet care boarding facilities may also host pets in various suites. You may have the option to choose a standard boarding experience, which typically costs less and is ideal if you won’t be gone for very long. If you plan to be away for an extended period, you may also have the option to upgrade to a luxury kennel with more features at an increased cost. Suppose you want to provide your pets additional services like extra play outings, cuddle time, medication administrations, baths, extra walks, treats, etc. These can drive up the overall cost of boarding in Connecticut. If your pet is boarding for the first time, the extra attention and amenities may help ease the stress and anxiety of entering a new environment. One last thing to consider: Most boarding facilities require that all pets be up-to-date on their regular vaccinations, the important ones being Rabies, DHPP/DHLPP, and Bordetella. Reputable kennels will also require a recent stool sample that tested negative for parasites. While this doesn’t directly affect the cost of boarding, it is another expense to consider if you do decide to go down this route for your pet.
What is Pet Sitting?
Hiring a professional in-home pet sitter is the best choice for most pets. Pet sitting allows your furry family members to stay in their familiar surroundings, which helps them feel safe and reduces stress. They can stick to their regular routines and enjoy the comforts of home – from their favorite sleeping spots to familiar sights and smells. This sense of normalcy is especially beneficial for dogs or cats that may become anxious in new environments or around other animals. Honestly, who can blame them?
With a professional pet sitting service, you can rest assured that your pets get individualized, loving care from someone dedicated to meeting their unique needs. Whether it’s a drop-in visit for a midday walk or a live-in sitter to provide around-the-clock companionship, they help to ensure your pets are happy and healthy in your absence. Additionally, professional pet sitters can handle small household tasks like collecting mail or watering plants, so your home stays secure and well-maintained with that lived-in look. Unfortunately, due to Connecticut labor laws, we cannot provide live-in-your-home (overnight) services but can make multiple in-home visits to your pet based on their care needs.
Our pet sitters at RCO Pet Care are trained to accommodate any special needs your pet may have, such as administering medication, providing extra playtime, or sticking to a specific feeding schedule. Compared to a boarding kennel, where animals may have to adapt to a structured routine and unfamiliar environment, our in-home care offers your pet the personal attention and comfort they deserve. With us, your pets enjoy a tailored, attentive experience supporting their health, happiness, and well-being.
The Cost of Pet Sitting in Connecticut
On average, the cost of pet sitting in Connecticut is about $27 per visit for one pet. Having multiple pets or different kinds of pets can certainly increase pet sitting costs. At RCO Pet Care, our pet sitting services start at just $25 per visit. Some pet sitters charge extra for additional services such as nail trims, medication administrations, or cleaning up any accidents your pet may have. Our company doesn’t charge extra for these amenities, as they are included in the service’s overall cost. I suppose you landed here after searching for the “best pet sitter near me” and live in the Middlebury, Naugatuck, Newtown, Oxford, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, and Woodbury areas. In that case, we will work together to cover your pets’ needs and keep your home safe. 
RCO Pet Care is Here For You & Your Pets!
To learn how RCO Pet Care can help you with your pet care needs, check out our services, contact us, or call us at (203) 641-2428. We proudly serve Middlebury, Naugatuck, Newtown, Oxford, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, and Woodbury, CT. We’re even happy to help you find a reputable, professional pet care provider if you’re outside our service area. We’ve even got your tail covered when it comes to dog training! Join our family today!
Jessica graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut in 2015. Her animal-centered coursework here included courses in animal behavior, health and disease management, anatomy and physiology, basic through advanced nutrition and feeding, genetics, comparative exercise physiology, endocrinology, reproductive physiology and equine science.
Her resume also boasts hands-on work experience managing horse farms, working with animals ranging from prairie dogs and bison to South American Primates at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, as well as care, training and management of domestic animals from hamsters to cows.
Outside of RCO, Jessica is the dog mom of five (Rocco, Luna, Owl, River and Peanut), enjoys reading, walking and training her own dogs, visiting Disney World and pursuing further educational opportunities.
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