The choice between dog sitting and dog boarding depends on your dog's temperament, age, health needs, and your budget. Both have distinct advantages for different situations.
Dog Sitting: In-Home Personalized Care
Cost: $50–$100/night in Chicago. Best for: Anxious dogs, seniors, puppies, dogs with medical needs, pets who prefer routine. Sitters stay in your home or visit multiple times daily, maintaining your dog's regular schedule in familiar surroundings. Dogs receive one-on-one attention without exposure to other animals.
Pros: Familiar environment reduces stress, personalized attention, medication administration, home security included. Cons: Requires trusting someone in your home, sitter availability may be limited during peak periods, no 24/7 facility supervision.
Dog Boarding: Professional Facility Care
Cost: $50–$85/night in Chicago. Best for: Social dogs who love playtime, high-energy breeds needing exercise, owners uncomfortable with home access. Dogs stay in kennels or suites with structured schedules, play groups, and 24/7 staff supervision.
Pros: Supervised socialization, 24/7 staffing, structured routine, no home access required. Cons: Stressful for anxious dogs, exposure to illness (kennel cough), less flexible scheduling, holiday surcharges can be steep (25–50%).
Making the Decision
Choose dog sitting if your dog has separation anxiety, is elderly, requires medications, or dislikes other dogs. Choose boarding if your dog is social, energetic, and thrives in group play environments. Many Chicago pet owners try both to see which their dog prefers.
Find Chicago dog sitters or browse boarding facilities. See our complete pet care service comparison.