Pet Sitting vs Kennels: What’s Best for Your Pets While You’re Away?
- hannah
- Jul 23, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 18, 2025
Thinking about booking a kennel for your pets while you’re away?Here’s why in-home pet sitting—especially with Sits and Giggles (okay yes, slight bias)—is a happier, healthier, and surprisingly cost-effective choice for your furry family.
1. Your Pets Stay Happier and Healthier at Home
No matter how “luxury” a kennel says it is, it’s still a strange place with unfamiliar animals, smells, and sounds. Most pets—especially cats and older dogs—thrive on routine and the comfort of home. (I mean, even if it’s a nice Ibis Hotel, wouldn’t you still rather be in your own bed? Your pets agree.)
Studies show that pets cared for in their own environment experience less stress, eat better, and are less likely to develop anxiety or illness while you’re away.
2. Personalised, One-on-One Care
At home, your pets get all the love and attention—no rotating staff, no “group play” overwhelm, no missed meds or skipped walks. I stick to your routine, right down to the exact way you stir the gravy into the kibble.
Bonus: zero risk of kennel cough or other contagious nasties.
3. Your Home Stays Safe (and Tidy)
A sitter doesn’t just care for pets—they care for your home too.Plants get watered, bins go out, parcels brought in, lights turned on and off—keeping things ticking over and making your place look lived-in (a big plus for security).
You’ll come back to calm pets and a clean space—not a stressed animal and a mountain of laundry.
4. It’s Surprisingly Cost-Effective
Kennels often charge per pet, then pile on extra fees for walks, medications, or “premium” playtime. If you’ve got more than one fur child, it stacks up quickly—and let’s be honest, no one wants to feel like they’re upsold just to make sure their dog gets walked.That's not how we play at Sits and Giggles.
We like to ensure your pets stay comfy at home and your wallet doesn't have an anxiety attack.
With us, the standard rate covers up to two pets (dogs, or a mix of dogs and cats); extra pets are just $20/night each—still far more affordable than booking extra kennels.If your animal-child has special needs or complex medical care, a small additional fee ($20–$30/night) covers the extra attention they deserve. And if you've got a big boofhead or a high-energy pup which needs more time, strength, or TLC on walks, we’ll chat through it together and agree on a fair rate upfront—no surprises.
For peace of mind - all rates are clearly discussed and confirmed before booking. No sneaky add-ons, and absolutely no guilt for wanting the basics done properly.
You can read all about this on the pricing page of the website for more or just contact me!
5. Peace of Mind for You
You’ll get regular updates—photos, messages, and even the odd pet selfie—so you can relax knowing your home and fur babies are in loving hands.
6. Real Pets, Real Results
I've cared for:
A nervous rescue dog who was afraid of sound noises and didn’t like humans other than his parents - but curled up next to me within a couple of hours and didn’t mind the action film I watched.
A brain damaged cat who was afraid of everyone and every thing... but after a few days of specialised care, she let me brush her daily.
A pool named Gary. Yes a pool. (Yes, I also do house-only sits. And yes, Gary sparkled.)
In Summary:
Kennels work for some. But for pets who love their home comforts—and humans who love peace of mind—in-home pet sitting is the gold standard. Fewer germs. More cuddles. Happier pets. Cosier homes. No regrets. If you want to know more about what you get when you book with me, in a nice big list of 'inclusions,' check out the 'What You Actually Get When You Book Sits And Giggles' article here!
Ready to chat about your next trip?
Contact me here or register for a quote and book a sit that suits everyone—especially your four-legged (or finned… or chlorinated) family.
Signing off for now, Hannah 🤗
Comments