Boarding is a great option for a lot of dogs when you go on vacation or travel for work. But some dogs just don’t settle in away from home, and that’s where in-home pet sitting comes in. I run a pet sitting company, not a kennel, so I’ll be upfront: both can be the right choice. It depends on your dog.

Looking for prices? An older version of this post compared 2015 boarding and pet sitting rates. Those numbers were out of date, so we’ve removed them. Our current rates are always on our Services & Pricing page.

Health is the other thing I’d think about. Kennel cough (canine infectious respiratory disease) is highly contagious and spreads wherever lots of dogs are together, like kennels, shelters and daycare, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most cases are mild and dogs usually recover in 7 to 10 days, but puppies and older dogs with other health problems can get much sicker. That’s why many boarding facilities require certain vaccines.

In Connecticut, a “commercial kennel” is a place kept for boarding or grooming dogs or cats, and it needs a license from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Under state law (CGS § 22-344), a licensed kennel that advertises must show its license number in the ad. (People who board three or fewer dogs or cats in their own home are exempt.)

1. What’s your state license number? It should be on the kennel’s ads.
2. Which vaccines do you require? Ask early, since your vet may need time to update them.
3. Is someone on site overnight? And who calls you, or your vet, if something comes up?
4. How much time will my dog spend outside the run? Ask about walks, play groups and quiet time.
5. Can my dog keep their own food and medication schedule?
6. Can I tour the space first? A quick visit tells you a lot.
7. What does it cost, and what’s included? Ask whether walks, play time or giving medications cost extra.

With pet sitting, your dog stays home and we come to them. Our team offers:

• Pet sitting visits for meals, fresh water, medications, potty breaks, walks and play, with a visit report and photos
• Overnight pet sitting, where a sitter stays at your home overnight, for dogs who don’t like being alone at night
• Weekday dog walks if you’re just gone for long workdays. Comparing that with dog daycare in Southington or Cheshire? See day care vs. dog walks.

We care for dogs, cats and small pets, so the rest of your crew can stay on their routine too. For dogs, our policy requires at least two visits a day when you’re away overnight (see our Policies & Procedures).

We’re based in Cheshire and have been caring for pets here since 2008. I worked as a veterinary technician before I started the company. We also serve Southington, Wallingford, Hamden, North Haven, Meriden and New Haven.

Sources (checked Oct. 24, 2026): CT Department of Agriculture: Kennel, Commercial License; Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 435, § 22-344; AVMA: Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (Kennel Cough). Sarah’s Pet Sitting isn’t affiliated with any boarding kennel or with the AVMA. This article is general information, not legal or veterinary advice.