April 3, 2024
If you’re going away and need someone to look after your furry friend, there are several options to choose from, but not all of them are equal. From dog kennels to pet sitters, to pet resorts and even asking the neighbour to pop over for mealtimes, you have a lot to consider when it comes to organising pet care while you prepare to leave town.
You want what’s best for your four-legged family member, but how do you decide? To start, it’s important to understand the key differences between a pet resort and a boarding kennel. While both provide care when you’re away, they offer very different environments and experiences for your pet. This article will break down the pros and cons so you can make the most informed decision when it comes time to book your next trip. With the right information, you’ll feel good knowing your pet is getting the same love and attention they’d get at home. So read on for the full scoop from pet parents who have been there.
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Key Differences Between Pet Resorts and Kennels
If you want to make sure your furry friend is well cared for while you’re away, you’ll need to choose between a pet resort or a kennel. How do you decide what’s right for your pet? Here are some key differences to consider:
Pet resorts, also known as luxury pet boarding facilities, cater to pets as if they were at home! They offer premium services like grooming, training, and recreational activities to keep your pet engaged. They also have comfortable, spacious suites that come at various price points. Obviously, this level of care and amenities comes at a higher cost.
On the other hand of the Pet Resort vs. Dog Kennel debate, boarding kennels provide basic housing, feeding and exercise for your pet at a lower rate. Accommodations are more standard, ranging from simple kennels to small enclosures. While kennel staff still care for your pet’s essential needs, there are typically fewer extra services or amenities offered.
If cost is a concern or you have a pet with simple needs, a kennel could work well. However, for high-energy breeds or pets needing special attention, a pet resort is probably your best option to ensure they receive the care and stimulation they require, even when you’re not around. At Pet Resorts Australia, we believe that our pets deserve a holiday while the owner is out of town too. Being away from their family can be quite stress-inducing, even for pets that seem placid or low maintenance. Using a pet resort means your pet is more likely to feel comfortable because we provide them with all the perks of being at home.
In the end, you know your pet best – when deciding Pet Resort vs. Dog Kennel, go with the choice that will make you both the happiest during your time apart! Their health, safety and happiness should be top priorities when deciding on a pet resort versus a kennel.
Amenities Offered at Pet Resorts vs Kennels
When deciding between a pet resort or kennel, consider what amenities and services are most important for your furry friend. Pet resorts are focused on luxury and recreation, while kennels provide basic care.
At a pet resort, your pet can enjoy:
– Pampering services like grooming, massages and playtime with staff
– Comfy, home-like suites with furniture, TVs and premium bedding
– On-call veterinary care in case of medical needs
– Outdoor play areas, splash pools, obstacle courses and playground equipment for exercise and socialisation
– Premium meals, treats and snacks
In contrast, a typical kennel will offer:
– Simple boarding in chain-link dog runs or concrete kennels
– Basic grooming and feeding
– Limited interaction and exercise time outside of feeding and cleaning
While a kennel provides essential care at an affordable price, a pet resort aims to keep your pet happy, engaged and entertained during their stay. The resort experience may cost more, but for many owners the extra amenities and activities are worth it to ensure their pet’s wellbeing and contentment while they’re away.
In the end, you need to weigh up your budget, needs and what level of care will put your mind at ease. Either choice can be the right one, depending on your priorities and what’s most important for your faithful friend.
Pet Resort or Kennel: Factors to Consider When Choosing
When deciding between a pet resort or basic kennel for your furry family member, several factors should influence your choice.
Amenities and Activities
Pet resorts typically offer far more amenities and activities to keep your pet stimulated. – Doggy daycare, playtime, walks, swimming, grooming, and training are usually available. – Kennels provide basic boarding essentials like feeding, watering, and waste removal. – If your pet has high energy or anxiety, a pet resort may be better for their well being during the stay.
Accommodations
Pet resorts provide more spacious, home-like accommodations, often with luxury bedding, more spacious rooms, and piped-in music. – Kennels typically have smaller, basic cages or runs. – For longer stays, the extra space and comfort of a pet resort can make a big difference.
Staff Experience
Pet resort staff usually have extensive experience and training in animal care, behaviour, and any medical needs. Kennel staff typically have more basic animal handling skills.
Cost
As you might expect, pet resorts come at a higher cost than basic kennels due to the additional amenities, services, and staffing required. For short-term or emergency stays, the added cost of a pet resort may be worth the investment in your pet’s happiness and wellbeing.
The choice ultimately comes down to your pet’s needs, your budget, and your own peace of mind. By weighing these factors carefully, you can make the choice that allows you both to relax and enjoy your time apart, knowing your faithful companion is comfortable, content and in good hands.
Pet Sitters or Asking a Mate To Look After Your Pet
Another choice pet owners usually consider is hiring a pet sitter, or simply asking a mate or neighbour to keep an eye out. This comes with its own list of pros and cons. Some of which are:
Pros
– Personalised care: A pet sitter can provide individualised attention to your pet, tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
– Familiar environment: Your pet can remain in the comfort of their own home, reducing stress and anxiety associated with unfamiliar surroundings.
– Home security: Many pet sitters also offer additional home services such as bringing in the mail, watering plants, or rotating lights, which can give your home a lived-in appearance and deter potential burglars.
Cons
– Limited observation: Pet sitters may be juggling several clients at once and only drop in occasionally to your home. Because of that, your pet is essentially home alone for big portions of the day without supervision. Many pet sitters use your home more as a base of operations and will provide pet care during the day like swinging by for walks, meals or just check-ups. Some even continue their full-time jobs and return to your home after business hours.
– Strangers in Homes: Pets can be a little more defensive when it comes to their own turf. A stranger visiting your home may actually be more stressful than having them in a new facility.
– Reliability: Not all pet sitters may be reliable or experienced, so finding a trustworthy and competent individual or service can require time and effort.
– Limited socialisation: Your pet may miss out on the opportunity to socialise with other animals if they are not taken to a boarding facility or doggy daycare.
– Dependency: Relying on a pet sitter means you’ll need to coordinate schedules and may have limited flexibility for spontaneous trips or changes in plans.
The same list applies to asking a friend for pet care, however, they have no accreditation and less experience looking after pets professionally.
Questions to Ask When Touring Pet Resorts and Kennels
When checking out pet resorts and kennels or simply just giving them a buzz, you’ll want to ask questions to determine which place will provide your furry friend with the best care and amenities. Here are some important things to ask:
– What experience and credentials do the staff have?
Look for places where staff have certifications in pet first aid and CPR, as well as several years of experience caring for animals. The more experience, the better.
– What is your facility like?
Inquire about the size of enclosures, outdoor play areas, bedding, heating/cooling, and any extras. Better facilities will have spacious enclosures, separate areas for feeding, and areas for play and exercise.
– What is a typical day like for the animals?
Ask about their feeding, exercise, play, and rest schedules to ensure your pet’s needs will be met. Reputable places will walk, play with and give one-on-one attention to the animals daily.
– What safety procedures do you have in place?
Look for emergency preparedness plans, secure enclosures and buildings, as well as a vet either on-site or on-call. Their procedures should ensure the wellbeing of all animals in their care.
– What are your rates and services? Compare rates and determine what is included, e.g. meals, playtime, training, grooming or medication administration. Some places charge extra for add-ons.
– What have other clients said about your services?
Check online reviews from other pet owners to determine overall satisfaction. Look for mostly positive reviews mentioning cleanliness, caring staff, safety, and affordable, high-quality care.
Pet Resort vs Dog Kennel FAQs
What are the main differences?
A pet resort aims to provide a home-away-from-home experience with amenities like luxury suites, grooming, training or daycare. Kennels offer basic boarding services, usually in more basic accommodations. Resorts typically cost more but provide more amenities and activities for pets.
Which has better facilities?
Resorts invest in higher quality facilities, with features such as climate control, soft bedding and private outdoor access. Kennels typically have more basic housing, like concrete runs and cages. Some kennels do offer more home-like boarding areas, so check what’s offered.
Which offers more activities?
Resorts provide opportunities for exercise, play, and socialisation. Activities may include swimming, walking, playtime, grooming and pet adventure playgrounds. Kennels typically only offer basic outdoor exercise. If your pet is very active or sociable, a resort may suit them better.
Which has more experienced staff?
Resorts employ staff specifically to engage with pets, so they tend to be very experienced in handling animals and monitoring for health or behaviour issues. Kennel staff may only do basic feeding, cleaning and exercising. Resorts may have vets or vet techs on staff to monitor pets’ wellbeing.
Which offers more extras?
Resorts provide extras like grooming, training, and transportation to and from the facility. Some even offer “spa” treatments like massages. Kennels typically only provide basic boarding services. If pampering your pooch appeals, a resort is probably the right choice.
Treat Your Pets With A Stay at Pet Resorts Australia
After digesting these Pet Resort vs. Dog Kennel points and you’ve decided a pet resort stay is right for your pets, give Pet Resorts Australia a call. We are a leader in pet boarding and pride ourselves on our superior facilities and the exceptional service standards we provide to all fur-babies in our care If you want to treat your pet to a holiday rather than just finding ‘good-enough’ accommodation, get in touch with one of our resorts today.
