You're packing your bags and your dog is watching. Tail down. Eyes tracking every move you make. Every pet owner knows that moment, and the guilt that comes with it. The good news is that the anxiety you feel about leaving your pet is actually pointing you in the right direction. Your instinct that your pet is better off at home is backed by research.
What Happens to Dogs in Boarding Kennels
Multiple studies in veterinary behaviour journals have documented elevated cortisol levels in dogs placed in kennel environments, even in well-run facilities. The triggers are predictable: unfamiliar smells, the constant noise of other anxious animals, disrupted routines, and the absence of their person. A 2023 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that cortisol levels in kennelled dogs peaked at day two and remained elevated throughout the stay, only returning to baseline two to three days after coming home.
What In-Home Pet Sitting Actually Looks Like
An in-home sitter stays at your place for the duration of your trip. Your dog sleeps in their own bed. Your cat has access to their favourite window. Feeding happens on the usual schedule. Walks follow the same route. To your pet, the biggest change is simply that a different friendly person is in charge for a few days. For most animals, especially dogs, senior pets, and those with anxiety or medical needs, this is so much less stressful than a kennel stay.
The Added Bonus: Your Home Stays Safe
There's a side benefit that homeowners often overlook. An occupied home is far less attractive to opportunistic thieves. A car in the driveway, lights on at night, mail collected from the letterbox. In-home sitters also water plants, handle unexpected deliveries, and can alert you straight away if anything looks off with your property.
The Numbers Are Worth Knowing
73% of Australian households now own a pet, according to Animal Medicines Australia (2025). Of those who have used both kennels and in-home sitting, most report their pet showed fewer behavioural changes after in-home care, including less hiding, a faster return to appetite, and less restlessness at night.
Is It Safe to Have a Stranger in My Home?
This is the question we hear most often, and it's a fair one. The answer really comes down to how you vet the sitter. On Sitterly, sitters carry government-issued ID verification, police checks, and public reviews from previous homeowners. You can read their full history before you reply to a single message. We also strongly recommend a video call and an in-person meet-and-greet before confirming. Trust gets built. It doesn't just get assumed.
When a Kennel Is the Right Choice
To be fair, some dogs do genuinely thrive in social kennel environments, especially young, high-energy breeds who love company. And some homeowners simply prefer not having someone in their home. There's no single right answer. But if your pet is older, anxious, on medication, deeply attached to their home environment, or has had difficult experiences in kennels before, in-home sitting is almost always the kinder option.
- Senior dogs and cats who rely heavily on routine
- Pets with separation anxiety or noise sensitivity
- Animals on daily medication or special diets
- Pets who have shown distress after previous kennel stays
- Cats, who are naturally territorial and home-bound
- Multi-pet households where separating the animals would add extra stress
