You can't always bring your beloved pet with you when going on a vacation or an important business trip. However, there are a lot of options that you can consider when leaving your pet for long periods of time. If you don't have nice, caring, animal-loving neighbours, you can choose to leave your pet with either a boarding kennel or a pet sitter.

You must understand, however, that both options have their pros and their cons. Which one is better depends, of course, on your pet's needs, his temperament and the availability of a good sitter or an exceptional boarding kennel. We've compiled a list of all the pros and cons of both to help you decide the best option for you and your pet.

The Pros of a Boarding Kennel
One of the reasons why people like boarding kennels is because they value their privacy. When you leave your pet at a reputable kennel, you don't have other people (or even strangers) visiting your house whilst you're gone. Also, boarding kennels have their own veterinarians and animal specialists, so you're sure that your pet will be given utmost care at all times, especially when he gets sick. You also won't have to worry about your pet relieving himself inside your house. Well-trained staff and personnel also make sure that your pet's environment is always kept clean.

The Cons of a Boarding Kennel
Some animals, like cats, get stressed if they're confined in a small environment. Since animals are kept in cages in boarding kennels, your pet might not be used to this type of environment. He might get stressed because of his unfamiliar surroundings, the strange smells and also because there are other pets around. In addition, your pet can be exposed to diseases or organisms from other animals.

The Pros of a Pet Sitter
If you get a person you fully trust to "pet-sit," you also get someone who can check your snail mail and even tidy up your house a bit. He can even make sure that your house is safe whilst you're away. A pet sitter doesn't have to divide his attention amongst other animals, so you're sure that your pet's health and care will always be his number one priority. Your animal is also left in a comfortable, familiar environment where he feels safe. Your pet need not change his routine either, so he eats, gets walked and sleeps at the hours he's used to.

The Cons of a Pet Sitter
There are times when pet sitters can take advantage of you and have other people over in your own home. Some have stolen food, items and even money from houses! In addition, if the pet sitter you choose isn't a veterinarian, he might not know what to do in case your pet gets ill or injured.

So, should you choose a pet sitter or boarding kennel? The decision is up to you. If you can find someone who you can fully trust to take care of your beloved pet whilst you're gone, then go for a pet sitter. But otherwise, choose a reputable boarding kennel near your home to make sure that your pet gets only the best care possible whilst you're away.