• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Dog boarding and dog day care are two different options for getting support with caring for your pup. Many pet sitters and boarding facilities offer both services and have different package options, depending on your needs.

In general, boarding your dog, either at a facility that offers overnight care or in a sitter’s home, is the service for when you’re away from home. Dog day care is when you’re unavailable during the day to exercise or supervise your dog and can sometimes be offered during dog boarding.

Read on to learn more about day care and boarding, with tips to help you make the right choice for both you and your dog.

What’s the Difference Between Dog Day Care and Boarding?

The biggest difference between dog boarding and day care is the timeframe for care. However, the activities and supervision levels can also vary by pet sitter and facility.

Aspects	Dog boarding	Dog day care
Cost	Averages $40 to $50 per night	Averages $40 per day
Duration	Overnight or long-term care	Daytime only
Supervision	Often includes overnight monitoring and regular check-ins	Constant daytime supervision and group play
Purpose	Temporary routine care and socialization for dogs in a safe environment	Stimulation, supervision, and play for dogs during the day
Benefit	To maintain a dog’s routine, safety, and care while you’re away	To reduce unwanted or destructive behaviors at home by helping dogs get energy out
Environment	Quiet sleeping areas with scheduled potty breaks and playtime	Active, social setting for 6-8 hours with occasional breaks
Amenities	May include private sleeping areas, feeding routines, and walks	Play yards and kennels for naps
Ideal for	Dogs who need overnight care	Social dogs who enjoy group play and need daytime activity

Benefits of booking day care and boarding through Rover

Doggy day care through Rover has more care options for different types of dogs and their personalities. Most facilities won’t take reactive or anxious dogs during daycare, but sitters on Rover may. Pet parents can select “Accepts only one client at a time” under the “Pets in home” filter to ensure their dog still gets the daycare they need.

Or you may only be interested a smaller group of dogs, such as two or three pups per setting, which sitters on Rover are more likely to accommodate than a facility. These benefits can also be found when looking for dog boarding on Rover.

When reaching out to a sitter about dog boarding, ask if they include walking, playing, or cuddle time in their fees. Generally, the dog boarding rates on Rover are inclusive of having a personalized schedule or routine. Facilities and kennels, however, often charge more for these services because they have a smaller staff to dog ratio.

Pros of Going to the Same Day Care and Boarding Provider

Finding a day care provider on Rover who also offers boarding can come in handy. An arrangement where your dog knows the place and people can be especially helpful when:

• You need to travel on short notice and need emergency overnight care for your dog.
• You’re taking a long vacation and want your dog to stay somewhere they feel comfortable.
• You want a pet sitter who can accommodate last-minute care needs.

For most dogs, a familiar environment where they know the routine creates less stress. If your dog is already comfortable with their daytime pet sitter, they’ll generally have a much easier time boarding if you need to take a trip.

Keep in mind that some kennels may charge an additional fee if you want your dog to attend day care while boarding. This can depend on the facility, so just be sure to ask first.

Matching Your Dog’s Needs to the Care Environment

Every dog is different. Some thrive in a crowd, while others prefer quiet time and a cozy corner.

When trying to find the right dog boarding or day care option, it’s important to consider your dog’s age, health, and personality along with your schedule needs.

Personality: Extrovert vs. introvert

Your dog’s temperament can tell you a lot about what kind of care will help them thrive.

Outgoing dogs may love environments where they can play with other dogs and enjoy plenty of attention. Social dogs generally do well at both day care and boarding, whether with a sitter or at a kennel.

On the other hand, shy or anxious dogs who need boarding or day care may do better in smaller, quieter settings, like a pet sitter’s home. Some pet sitters will even come to your home to care for your dog!

Age: Puppies vs. seniors

Your dog’s age can shape what environment works best for them.

Puppies benefit greatly from interacting and socializing with other dogs. In fact, evidence suggests that properly socialized puppies are less likely to have behavioral problems as adults. Getting dogs used to boarding at an early age may make them easier clients for future sitters, as well.

Senior dogs, on the other hand, may prefer a slower pace with opportunities to rest and nap. A dog boarding facility or sitter without a day care may work best for boarding senior dogs.

In-home boarding or house sitting is also a good option for both puppies and senior dogs:

• Puppies benefit from frequent potty breaks and supervision to help prevent accidents and anxiety.
• Senior dogs who need a slow routine, have mobility issues, or need medications may benefit from one-on-one care.

Health: Medical needs or low immunity

Special health considerations can play a big role in deciding where your dog should stay.

A facility where many different dogs go in and out may not be the best place for high-risk, medically-sensitive dogs. Both day care and boarding facilities can lead to an increased risk of diseases like kennel cough.

House sitting or single-dog boarding may be the best fit for dogs with higher health risks.

You can search for sitters who accept one client at a time through Rover’s search filter function. The search filters also allow you to find sitters who are comfortable giving medications. This kind of one-on-one care can also be ideal for dogs who need a little extra help throughout the day.

FAQs About Day Care and Boarding

Does dog boarding include day care?

Whether dog boarding includes day care depends on the facility or sitter you book with. Some sitters on Rover may include day care as part of dog boarding since they provide services from their home and don’t have a separate space for day care like kennels do.

If a boarding facility or sitter you’re considering also offers day care, ask about their protocols for dogs who board.

Is it better to leave a dog at home or day care?

Day care is a good option if you need supervision for your dog. Many people opt for day care for puppies, since supervised play reduces risk of destructive chewing and other unwanted behaviors. Dogs who can stay home alone for several hours without chewing or barking will likely be fine without going to day care.

If you’ll be away from home for longer your dog can hold your pee—typically about six hours or so—consider drop-in visits from pet sitter who can take your dog for a walk.

How do I make sure my dog will adjust to daycare or boarding?

Whether you choose a kennel or a sitter on Rover, it’s a good idea to allow your dog to get to know their sitter or facility staff before you drop them off for boarding.

Some kennels and sitters may even require a trial overnight or day care session to make sure your dog gets along with the other dogs and does well in the environment.

This trial can provide some reassurance that your dog will be safe and well while you’re away—but it can be inconvenient when searching for last-minute care. If you need emergency care for your dog, look on Rover. Set your calendar dates and look for sitters who have updated their calendar recently.

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

You’re heading out of town for a few days, and your dog can’t come with you. Now comes the tough part: figuring out the best care option while you’re away. Is dog boarding at a kennel better, or would your dog be more comfortable at a sitter’s home?

While both options offer good care for your dog, the experience can be very different. Pet sitting usually means your dog stays at your home or in a sitter’s private home, often just with one person. Boarding typically takes place in a kennel-style facility with a rotating staff and lots of other dogs.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between dog boarding and pet sitting, including what you can expect from each, how the costs compare, and which type of care might be the best match for your dog’s needs and your peace of mind.

Pet Sitting Vs Kennel Boarding

This quick comparison table can help you weigh the pros and cons of pet sitting and kennel boarding based on your dog’s personality, needs, and your travel plans.

	Pet Sitter	Boarding Facility
Best for	Anxious, routine-loving, special-needs dogs	Social, adaptable, healthy dogs
Environment	Familiar home	New, structured facility
Socialization	Minimal (unless sitter has pets)	High (with other dogs/people)
Supervision	One-on-one, sitter may stay at your home or their own home, or drop in daily	Staffed facility with rotating caregivers
Cost	Higher, especially for live-in care	Usually more affordable
Attention	One-on-one, more personalized care	Group care, less individual attention
Vaccination	Not always required	Always required

Kennel Boarding

Traditional kennel boarding means your dog stays in a facility designed specifically for housing multiple dogs. Each dog typically gets their own sleeping space and an enclosed outdoor space they can access during the day.

Many kennels also offer optional add-ons like playtime, training sessions, and webcam access for pet parents. Licensed facilities often have staff on-site around the clock, and some are even run by owners who live on the property.

Costs

Kennel boarding is usually more affordable than private pet sitting. A typical boarding price is $40 to $50 per night depending on location and amenities, with luxury facilities costing more. Additional services like one-on-one walks, medication administration, or grooming are often available for an extra fee.

What kinds of dogs do well in kennels?

Kennel boarding works best for healthy, social, and adaptable dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs and don’t mind new environments. Dogs who are crate-trained, outgoing, or used to daycare often adjust well to kennel life.

If your dog thrives on routine, needs lots of individual attention, or gets easily overwhelmed, a kennel might not be the most comfortable choice. Even social dogs can come home overstimulated or tired after several days in a busy kennel environment.

Pet Sitting

“Pet sitting” is a broad term that can refer to a couple different kinds of care:

• Boarding in a sitter’s home. Your dog stays at a private sitter’s home. It’s a more personal alternative to kennels, usually with fewer dogs and more individualized care.
• Pet house sitting. Instead of taking your dog somewhere else, a professional pet sitter stays overnight in your home to feed, walk, and care for your pet in their familiar surroundings. Your dog can also stick to their regular routines.
• Dog daycare or drop‑in visits. These options let sitters care for your dog in their home while you return to pick them up each evening, or come by your home a few times during the day to feed, walk, and spend time with your dog. Dog daycare or drop-in visits are good options for pet parents who will be home at night and only need a sitter for the day.

Costs

Pet-sitting prices vary by service type and location. For 30 to 60 minute drop-in visits, the range is generally $20–$30 per visit. Full-day care typically runs $25–$45 per day, while overnight house-sitting or in-home boarding is usually $45–$75 per night.

What kinds of dogs do well with pet sitters?

Pet sitting is an excellent choice for dogs who thrive on routine and feel most comfortable in spaces that they’re familiar with. It’s especially well-suited for pets who may be anxious, elderly, or have special medical or dietary needs. Because pet sitters provide one-on-one care, your dog is more likely to receive personalized attention and stick to their normal schedule.

This type of care is also ideal for dogs who don’t do well in busy or highly social environments, such as kennels. Instead of adjusting to a facility with rotating staff and many other dogs, your pet gets a quieter, calmer experience.

Benefits of Finding Pet Sitting on Rover

If you like aspects of both kennel boarding and pet sitting, Rover might be the answer. You can review the profiles of local sitters to find the kind of care and environment that suits your and your dog’s needs, whether that’s a solo stay in a sitter’s home with personalized care or a bustling house with multiple pups for playtime. Filter for the ability to give medications, house rules (dogs on the furniture?), and expertise, then schedule a Meet & Greet to make sure it’s a great fit.

For pups who need the comfort of their familiar environment—and pet parents who want the peace of mind of an occupied home—you can also book a house sitter on Rover, reviewing background checks, reviews, and references from pet parents like you.