A guest blog by Emma Cornelius – We Love Pets – Bridgend
Every dog owner wants the best for their furry friend, and while kennels have historically been a common option, more pet parents today are choosing a different way, and for good reason! Here are great options for you and your best friend.
- Home-boarding – where the dogs come and stay in our homes.
- House-sitting – where we go and stay in the dog’s home through the day and night.
- Pet-sitting – where we sit with your pets from 1 hour to a couple of hours at a time.
All of these services ensure dogs always feel comfortable, secure and well cared for.
Kennels vs. Home-Boarding – A Quick Comparison
Here’s a simple breakdown of why home-boarding is a better choice for most dogs:
| Feature | Kennels | Home Boarding |
| Routine | Disrupted schedule | Stays consistent |
| Care | Staff managing multiple dogs | One-on-one attention |
| Stress Levels | Can be noisy and overwhelming | Calm and familiar environment |
| Health Risks | Higher risk of illnesses like kennel cough | Reduced risk due to controlled socialisation |
| Socialisation | Large groups, which may be intimidating | Smaller, controlled interaction |
| Home Comfort | Sterile environment | Cosy, personalised care |
A Better Alternative
Dogs thrive on routine, and sudden changes can be unsettling for them. With home-boarding, house-sitting, or pet-sitting your dog can stick to their usual schedule—whether it’s mealtimes, walks, or play sessions—without disruption.
Unlike kennels, where staff must juggle the needs of numerous dogs, we offer one-on-one care. This means tailored attention to ensure your dog’s unique physical and emotional needs are met. If you’re happy for your dog to mix with other dogs we can home-board dogs from more than one household, but never more than 2-3 dogs at a time from different households.
Kennels can also be noisy and overwhelming, whereas home-boarding and house-sitting provides a calm and nurturing environment. Imagine for a moment that you are a dog. Scenario One: Your family is going away, which can be stressful in itself. Then you’re shipped off to a kennel full of other stressed-out dogs, barking and crying. You have a bed, some toys, a water bowl and every now and then you’re let out for exercise. OR Scenario Two: Your family is going away and someone who loves dogs comes to your home and stays with you while they’re gone. So much less stressful for your best friend who remains surrounded by familiar sights and smells, and their routine remains the same. Dogs staying in a familiar home setting feel more secure and relaxed. Or your dog can stay with a home-boarder and enjoy the comforts of a home setting.
Another benefit is that kennels can expose dogs to a higher risk of contagious illnesses, such as kennel cough. Home-boarding and house-sitting minimises this risk by avoiding large groups of dogs in shared spaces.
Dogs staying in a home environment can still enjoy social interaction, but in a controlled and comfortable setting. Whether it’s spending time with a trusted sitter or socialising with a small group of dogs, they won’t feel overwhelmed.
House-Sitting or Home-Boarding?
It’s worth considering that if your dog has any addition needs because they’re deaf, blind or suffering from severe separation anxiety, it’s always more beneficial for them to be cared for in their own home.
If you’re going away and don’t want someone to house-sit with your dog in your own home, home-boarding allows your dog to stay in a warm, welcoming and dog-friendly home environment, rather than a sterile kennel. They receive affection, companionship, and a cosy place to rest, just like they would at home.
Dogs can follow their regular walking, feeding, and sleeping schedules, making the transition seamless and stress-free.
Ideal for Older Dogs or Dogs with Health Issues
Whether your dog is a senior, set in their ways and doesn’t like their routine disrupted, or they have health issues that require medication and constant monitoring, house-sitting or home-boarding ensures their needs are met with care and patience.
And there’s a science behind the benefits too! Veterinary professionals and dog behaviourists agree that a familiar environment plays a significant role in a dog’s wellbeing. According to pet care specialists, dogs experience lower cortisol levels (stress hormone) when staying in a familiar home setting rather than an unfamiliar kennel.
Real-Life Testimonials
“We have been using We Love Pets for over 12 months. They are fantastic and Molly loves them! She gets really excited when she hears them arriving and she is worn out for the day after her walk. We have recently used the overnight boarding for a weekend and it worked really well. It was a home from home for Molly which is exactly what we wanted. I would highly recommend this dog walking service and Boarding. — Tony
“I’ve had the pleasure of using We Love Pets – Bridgend services for our dog Hudson, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! Their team is incredibly helpful and flexible, always ready to assist with walking Hudson, whether it’s a last-minute request or an overnight stay. It’s such a relief to know that he is in good hands. What really sets We Love Pets – Bridgend apart is their commitment to communication. We always receive updates and adorable pictures of Hudson during his walks on the same day, which brings us peace of mind and joy as we see him having fun. Their genuine love for pets shines through in everything they do. If you’re looking for a reliable and caring service for your furry friend, look no further than We Love Pets. They truly live up to their name and make pet care a breeze!” — Sion
The Benefits of a Dog Walker
If you don’t work from home, chances are that you have to leave your dog alone at home for a number of hours. Your life may be very busy with other commitments like getting the kids off to school, or perhaps you have to leave very early to commute to work. This doesn’t leave much time for ensuring that a dog has the mental stimulation they crave or the physical exercise they need. Dogs get bored, so a great way to break up the monotony of their day is to have a dog walker come and take them out for a stimulating walk while you’re at work. Depending on your budget you can choose to do this every day or several times a week.
Final Thoughts
If you want a stress-free experience for your dog while you’re away for a few hours to a few weeks, house-sitting, home-boarding and pet-sitting are your best options. They provide personalised care, a familiar routine, and a loving environment, ensuring your dog stays happy and healthy.
At We Love Pets Bridgend, we pride ourselves on offering professional, compassionate, and reliable pet care. Whether you need a trusted sitter or a loving home for your dog while you’re away, we’re here to help!
📍 Find out more: We Love Pets Bridgend
📞 Book a Consultation Today – Give your dog the best care possible!
e: bridgend@welovepets.email | t: 07757227393
WOOFABILITY 