Many pets have ongoing disorders or diseases that can be treated to prolong and improve their lives, like kidney disease, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, and heart disease. If you have a pet with one of these conditions or another special need, you might think that having a pet sitter come to your home while you go on vacation is a good idea. While your pet may feel a bit more comfortable in their familiar surroundings, it isn't necessarily the best choice for their health, safety and wellness. Here are three reasons why boarding is better for pets with special needs than hiring a pet sitter.

Medicating

Many pet sitters advertise that they're able to medicate your pets. However, there's no certification to prove that you're well-versed in giving medication to pets, so there's no way for them to prove it other than to say that they're experienced. In addition, a pet sitter's knowledge of giving medication may only cover oral and topical medications. If your pet needs subcutaneous fluids to support the health of their kidneys, for example, they may not know how to do this or may injure your pet with the needle if they struggle.

Additionally, your pet may be anxious, shy, or even aggressive towards the pet sitter, which could make medicating them nearly impossible for just one person. It could also result in lost doses of medication if your pet struggles while the pet sitter attempts to administer it. This could potentially mean there isn't enough medication left to dose your pet every day you're gone.

Pet boarding companies usually have veterinarians on-site or are attached to a veterinary clinic, making them the pros at giving medication of every kind to pets. Even if your pet is anxious or scared, vets have experienced medicating pets every single day and know how to handle nervous animals. In addition, if any of the medication is lost, they'll be able to provide the extra doses.

Pet Illness Expertise

Even a pet sitter who has plenty of experience with pets may not know anything about your pet's condition. If your pet's health begins to decline or they start to have abnormal symptoms, a pet sitter may not recognize the signs until it's too late. Symptoms like lethargy and excessive sleeping may be overlooked, despite the fact that it could be a sign of worsening heart disease. Others, like vomiting or diarrhea, may occur while the pet sitter isn't around. These could potentially go unnoticed for hours or even days if your pet left the mess in a secluded corner.

When you drop your pet off with a pet boarder, you should let them know about your pet's condition, give them any veterinary paperwork you have documenting the disorder, and inform them of your pet's symptoms (if any). This will allow the professionals to recognize any abnormal symptoms that are associated with your pet's condition right away.

Monitoring

Another vital aspect of keeping your pet safe and well when they have a pre-existing condition is to make sure they get the attention they need. Pets at boarding centers have staff on-site all day and night, so any abnormal behavior, symptoms or other problems can be recognized and taken care of right away.

Unfortunately, most pet sitters only visit once or twice a day, and only spend about 20 minutes with your pet on average per visit, leaving your pet alone for many hours of the day and night. If your pet developed any problems during the hours the sitter was away, no one would be there to help them.

Though many pet parents think that keeping your pet comfortable is the most important thing, ultimately their health and well-being should come first. A pet boarding company, such as Abraxas Pet Resort, gives your pet the professional attention they need and immediate emergency care should anything come up.