Daycare, Boarding, or Pet Sitter? How to Choose What’s Best for Your Dog
Every dog is different. Some thrive in a busy daycare setting, others prefer quiet time at home, and some do a little of both. At Dirty Dog, our goal isn’t to squeeze every pup into daycare or boarding—it’s to help you figure out what environment makes your dog happiest and healthiest.
That’s why we work closely with Austin’s pet sitters and dog walkers. Sometimes they’re the best fit for your dog’s daily routine, and sometimes they’re the bridge that helps your pup get to and from our doors.
When Daycare and Boarding Are a Great Fit
Many dogs love the stimulation and structure of group play and enrichment:
The social butterflies: Dogs who light up around other dogs and enjoy making friends.
The anxious ones: Pups who hate being left alone but feel comforted when surrounded by people and play.
The high-energy crowd: Dogs who need lots of activity to burn off steam (and save your shoes).
For these dogs, daycare and boarding provide safe, supervised play, a chance to build confidence, and plenty of outlets for energy.
When a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker Makes More Sense
Not all dogs are wired for group settings, and that’s okay. Some are happier sticking to their home turf:
The “leave me alone” types: Dogs who don’t enjoy other dogs—or people outside their circle.
The seniors: Older pups who move slowly and prefer the comfort of home.
The easily stressed: Dogs who get anxious in new environments, even in roomy kennels that feel more like little suites than cages.
For these pups, two or three visits a day from a sitter can be far less stressful than a day away from home.
The Dog Taxi Bonus
Here’s where things get fun: many sitters and walkers also act as a “dog taxi.” If daycare or boarding is the right fit for your dog, but your schedule makes drop-off impossible, your sitter can step in. They’ll pick up your pup, bring them to Dirty Dog, and even handle pick-up when the day is done. It’s the best of both worlds—your dog gets enrichment and play, and you don’t have to rearrange your whole day.
One of our favorite local partners is Mary’s Buddies, a trusted Austin pet-sitting team who many of our customers already know and love. They offer both drop-in care and reliable transportation, making them a perfect fit for dogs who sometimes need home visits and other times want a full day at Dirty Dog.
Working Together for Your Dog’s Best Day
We see sitters, walkers, and Dirty Dog as partners, not competitors. Some families use sitters full-time, some use daycare full-time, and many use a mix depending on their dog’s needs. The common thread? Your pup gets the right balance of care, comfort, and enrichment.
Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just keeping your dog busy—it’s helping them thrive in a way that truly fits their personality.