During my time working in a boarding facility, we had a handful of regular clients who would entrust their pets to us for extended periods, sometimes a month or more.

These were often the beloved companions of successful retirees who embarked on lengthy trips and safaris. One particular favorite of mine was an audacious 18-year-old cat with a unique meow that resembled a frog’s croak. Her owners would often anticipate her passing during their absence, but she defied the odds and lived until the ripe age of 21.

Another client, a businessman, spent half the year abroad, leaving his two poodles in our care for three-month stretches. These adorable pups had specific medical needs that required attentive care, which they trusted us with more than a regular pet sitter.

Occasionally, we would have a cat boarding with us indefinitely due to conflicts with other pets in their household. One stunning stray ragdoll cat, in particular, became the unofficial “mayor” of our cat ward after residing with us for a year. Eventually, I decided to adopt him from the woman who had initially found him.

On two occasions, we encountered individuals who left their dogs with us and then inexplicably disappeared, never to return. We took on the responsibility of caring for these dogs for months, even dipping into our own pockets to provide for their needs, until we eventually found them new loving homes.

For cats, the longer they stayed in boarding, the more they adjusted and became comfortable. It was the process of transitioning in and out of the facility that often caused stress. Outgoing cats adapted well, but many others would enter a sort of hibernation mode until they returned to their familiar surroundings.

Dogs, on the other hand, could become a bit restless after just a week without their owners. While we provided excellent care, I would be greeted every morning by the enthusiastic barking of a dozen dogs longing for attention. They craved more social interaction than we could typically offer, unfortunately.

In most cases, hiring a pet sitter proves to be a preferable choice for the well-being of pets in need of extended care.