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Planning a trip and searching for dog boarding in Crestview? We see you. Whether you’re scrolling through kennel reviews, calling around for availability, or just trying to figure out what kind of care your dog really needs—you’re not alone. But before you book that boarding stay, there’s something you should know: there’s a better, calmer, more personalized option your pup will thank you for. In home Pet Sitting!!
Pet sitting in Crestview, FL isn’t just an alternative—it’s often the best choice for dogs who thrive in their own environment, with their own routine, and one-on-one care from a trusted professional.
Because your dog? They’re not just a pet. They’re your shadow, your snuggle buddy, your midnight snack accomplice. And leaving them behind should never be stressful for them or you and absolutely shoud never feel like a gamble.
Let’s talk about why pet sitting—not boarding—is the move your dog’s going to thank you for. (And honestly? You’ll sleep better too.)
1) Less Stress, More Sanity (for Both
of You)
of You)Boarding kennels are loud, chaotic, and full of unfamiliar smells and energy. Dogs aren’t wired for that. Even the “fancy” ones have a lot of stimulation—barking dogs, rotating staff, weird schedules, and cold concrete floors.
For dogs who are who are high energy, not used to being around other animals, a little sensitive, or just used to a little peace and quiet, that’s a recipe for stress. And stress leads to problems: vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, obsessive licking, hot spots, accidents in the kennel—even elevated risk of injury from fence-pacing or panic behaviors.
Chronic stress in dogs isn’t just emotional—it’s physical. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to suppressed immune function, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea are some of the most common issues seen in dogs after boarding but it can go beyond that! Stress from boarding can even exacerbate conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or skin problems. For puppies, seniors, or dogs with preexisting health concerns, kennel stress can be especially risky.
When you choose in-home pet sitting, your dog stays in their space, with their smells, their routines, and their dignity intact. They get to nap where they want. Eat from their own bowl. Watch squirrels from their own window. It’s calm. It’s normal. It’s everything boarding isn’t.
2) Attention That’s Actually About Your Dog
Kennel staff may care—but they’ve got dozens of dogs to feed, clean up after, and rotate through schedules. Even the best boarding facilities can’t match the actual attention your pet gets when a sitter is there just for them.
We’re not checking off a clipboard. We’re reading body language, adjusting care based on the weather, and yes—singing to your dog if that’s what helps them eat dinner. (You’d be shocked how many of your pets have favorite songs. We know. We take requests.)
We’re also not rushing off to let out ten other dogs. Your pet is our job in that moment. Period.
3) Germs, Illness, and That Weird Cough
Boarding is like sending your dog to daycare during flu season. You hope for the best, but they’re coming back with something—especially if they’re puppies, seniors, or have a sensitive immune system.
Even high-end kennels deal with:
- Kennel cough
- Canine influenza
- Giardia
- Parvovirus (yikes)
- Fleas and mites
If you’ve ever brought your dog home from boarding and then spent the next few days at the vet—this part’s for you.
Pet sitting avoids all that. No shared bowls, no shared spaces, no airborne grossness. Just your dog. Your home. And a clean, controlled environment they’re already comfortable in.
You can read more about common illness risk in group settings like kennels, day cares, and dog parks HERE
4) No Packing. No Traffic. No Tears.
You know the drill. You pack up your dog’s food, bowls, meds, bedding, five toys, emergency contacts, maybe a note that says “He likes to be tucked in with a blanket.” And then you drive across town, wait in line, and say goodbye while your dog looks at you like you’ve just betrayed them. Aside from the little trip across town with your dog and all their supplies boarding kennels are also not open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that you can only drop off and pick up your pet during their business hours which may not jive with your travel plans. You may end up having to drop you dog off a day early or pick up a day or two after returning home because the kennel was closed. This isn’t just an inconvenience for you, it can also be one for your wallet and will result in having to pay for extra days/nights that you really didn’t need.
Skip it. With in-home pet sitting, your dog gets to stay put,. And so do you, until it’s time to walk out the door for your trip. No need to pack. No mad dash to the vet for an extra copy of those vaccine records your forgot. No guilt. No drama. Service begins and ends the moment you step through the door which saves you time and can save you money (that you can use to buy an extra meal or a fun souvenir).
5) Routines Matter—and We Know It
Your dog knows what time breakfast is. What time the mail truck comes. What time you usually cave and share a little popcorn on movie night. The know the sounds and rhythm of your household and its comforting when things can stay almost he same.
Boarding destroys all that. But with pet sitting? We follow your routine down to the detail. A professional pet sitter will take notes and know who eats where, which door gets used for potty breaks, and how many treats are appropriate for bedtime.
Pet sitters don’t just follow instructions—we respect the rhythm of your pet’s life. That’s what makes a good pet sitter worth their weight in gold covered milk bones (it’s what makes our team so Wonderful too!)
6) Real Updates. Not Vague Reports.
You shouldn’t have to hope everything’s fine. A real professional pet sitter goes above and beyond to keep you informed about all the fun your pets are having. Our clients get detailed Wonder Pup-dates with notes, photos, GPS walk logs, and adorable proof that your dog is living their best life. These aren’t just text messages—they’re peace of mind in digital form.
Your kids? Can see their dog on vacation while they’re on vacation. You? Can stop worrying that something went wrong.
And if something does go sideways (like a chewed-up shoe or upset tummy)? We tell you. Promptly. A real pro won’t just inform you of a potential issue, Nope, No sir, they show up with information and solutions. Because you deserve to have zero problems dumped on your during your travel, you want to know whatever happens can be handled, even if it was unexpected.
Bonus – Check out a wonder pups style “pupdate” HERE
Boarding With Hobby Sitters VS Professional Pet Care
Let’s talk about the in-between option: home boarding with hobby sitters—often found through pet-sitting apps or classified listings and occasionally offered by professional compaies.
While some of these folks may love animals, most aren’t trained, insured, or experienced in animal behavior, health, or emergency care. They may accept multiple dogs at once, have unclear protocols, or lack any real accountability. And yes, we’ve fielded plenty of calls from frantic pet parents who tried one of those “app sitters” and needed help—fast when their reservation was unexpectedly cancelled. Social media is flooded with lost dog posts frequently during the spring and summer from little escape artists who were boarding with one of these types of sitters and found a hole in the fence too. A professional is 100% invested in keeping your pet not just safe and healthy but also firmly planted in YOUR home and backyard.
This isn’t just about having someone “let the dog out.” It’s about professional care that understands your pet’s needs and has systems in place to deliver it and the back up plans in case life thorws a curve ball.
Because when your pet’s health and safety are on the line, experience matters.
The Cost of Waiting (or Booking the Wrong Thing)
Here’s where the urgency comes in. Pet sitting isn’t some backup plan—it’s the better plan. It’s fully customized, it’s personal, But it’s also limited.
Unlike kennels, professionals pet sitters can’t, (and don’t), pack in 30 dogs a night and do their best not don’t overbook. For our team we match each Wonder Family with the right sitter, build in time for meaningful care, make sure there is wiggle room in bookings in case a family experiences a travel delay, and we protect that schedule fiercely.
That means once the schedule is full—it’s full. This is true for every real professional pet sitting company.
So if you’ve been Googling “dog boarding near me” and found this blog, it’s not a coincidence. It’s your reminder to consider all the aspects of your pets care book the best option before it’s gone.
Finding the right pet sitter is like finding the right babysitter. You don’t wait until the night before and you ask lots of questions. Actually knowing what to ask is pretty important too. Check out this list of must ask questions before hiring a pet sitter, (and they apply to boarding kennels too!), to make sure you’re getting the best service and you know all the details about it.
Final Bark and Bottom Line
Pet sitting keeps your dog happy, healthy, and safe in their own home. Boarding doesn’t. And while it might seem like a small choice—it matters. A lot. Not only will your pet be happier and healthier but you too will have the ultimate peace of mind. Imagine how wonderful it will be to go and just enjoy your vacation or be able to focus on your work trip without having to worry about your home or your pet. A professional pet sitter can make sure you get he ulimate level of care stress free.
Want to make sure your dog, cat, bird, lizard or gold fish (pet sitters love ALL kinds of pets!!), gets real care, not just a clean kennel and a barky bunkmate?
Click here to book vacation pet sitting in Crestview before the schedule fills up
You can also check these amazing rescources out to help you find a quailifed professional pet sitters.
Pet Professionals Guild Directory
Give your dog the care they deserve. And give yourself a break that actually feels like a break.
