Kennels, Sitters or House Sitters: Choosing Well

December boarding books out by October in most South African metros. Deciding early gets you a better option and a better price.

Boarding kennels

Best for sociable, robust dogs. Look for a facility that will let you visit unannounced — that is the single best filter. When you visit, check: are the runs clean and dry, is there shade and shelter, is water available in every run, how many staff per dog, is someone on site overnight, and what is the vet arrangement.

Ask about kennel cough vaccination requirements and the deadline, since many require it two weeks ahead. Expect roughly R150 to R400 a day per dog depending on facility and area, often with a discount for a second dog sharing.

Not ideal for elderly dogs, anxious dogs, or dogs that do not cope with barking.

Pet sitters who come to the house

Visits once or twice daily to feed, walk and check. Cheapest option and fine for cats, who almost always do better at home than in a cattery. Less suitable for dogs that cannot be alone all day, and it does not address security.

House sitters

Someone stays in your home. Best for anxious dogs, elderly animals, animals on medication, and it solves the empty-house security problem at the same time — which in South Africa is a real consideration over December. Costs more, and you are giving someone access to your home, so references and a written agreement matter.

What to check whichever you choose

• Insurance and, for sitters, whether they are contactable at night.
• Written instructions: feeding amounts, medication with doses and times, vet details, your contact number and a local emergency contact.
• Explicit authorisation for veterinary treatment and a spending limit, with the vet informed in advance.
• A trial run — one overnight before a two-week trip tells you a lot.
• References from actual clients, and check them.

Preparing your animal

Send their own bed and food. Do not change food at the same time as changing environment. Update the microchip details and make sure the collar tag is legible. And keep goodbyes short and unemotional — a long anxious farewell makes it worse for both of you.