Pet check-in vs kennels: which is best?
When you go away, you need to decide what to do with your pet. The two most common options are kennels (or a cattery for cats) and a pet check-in service where someone visits your home. Both have their place, and the right choice depends on your pet, your situation, and your preferences.
What is a pet check-in service?
A pet check-in (or pet sitting visit) is when someone comes to your home to look after your pet while you are away. They visit once or twice a day, feed your pet, provide fresh water, check on their welfare, and send you a photo and update. Your pet stays in their own home throughout.
What are kennels?
Kennels are a dedicated facility where your dog stays while you are away. They are housed in individual or shared runs, fed and exercised by staff, and looked after around the clock. Catteries provide a similar service for cats.
Advantages of pet check-in visits
- Familiar environment: your pet stays in their own home, which reduces stress and anxiety, especially for older, nervous, or territorial animals.
- Routine maintained: feeding times, sleeping spots, and daily habits can stay the same. This is particularly valuable for cats and animals with medical needs.
- No exposure to other animals: your pet avoids the risk of illness or stress from being around unfamiliar animals in close quarters.
- Home security: having someone visit your home regularly while you are away provides a security benefit. Post is collected, lights can be varied, and the house looks occupied.
- Flexibility: visits can be arranged around your pet's needs, and you can adjust the schedule if your plans change.
Advantages of kennels
- Around-the-clock supervision: staff are present all day and night, which can be important for dogs with separation anxiety or medical conditions that need constant monitoring.
- Social interaction: some dogs enjoy the company of other dogs and the stimulation of a busy environment.
- Structured exercise: good kennels provide regular exercise and playtime, which can be more than a check-in visit offers.
- No need for key access: you do not need to give someone a key to your home.
Which is best for your pet?
Pet check-in visits tend to work best for:
- Cats (who almost always prefer to stay at home)
- Older dogs who are settled in their routine
- Anxious or nervous animals
- Pets with medical conditions that are best managed at home
- Multi-pet households where moving all animals to kennels would be difficult or expensive
Kennels tend to work best for:
- Young, social dogs who enjoy other dogs' company
- Dogs who cannot be left alone for any period
- Situations where you are away for a long time and want round-the-clock care
Cost comparison
Pet check-in visits are typically charged per visit. If your pet needs one visit per day, this can be more affordable than kennels. If they need two visits per day (morning and evening), the cost may be similar to or slightly less than a good kennel. The main cost advantage of check-in visits is for cat owners and those with multiple pets, since one visit covers all animals in the household.
BathPaws pet check-in service
I offer pet check-in visits across Bath and surrounding areas. Each visit includes feeding, fresh water, a welfare check, and a photo sent to you. Visits last around 30 minutes and can be arranged once or twice daily.
Learn more about pet check-in visits
Book a free meet-and-greet