The short answer
Boarding means your dog stays somewhere else, usually alongside other dogs, and Victorian boarding kennels must see proof of vaccination. An in-home sitter cares for your dog in their own home, so their routine, bed and smells stay the same. Many owners choose a sitter for anxious, older or routine-loving dogs.
What’s the difference?
Dog boarding means your dog is cared for away from home, at a boarding kennel or similar facility. In Victoria, boarding establishments must follow the Code of Practice for the Operation of Boarding Establishments.
With an in-home pet sitter, the care comes to you. Your dog stays in their own home, and the sitter visits or stays overnight.
What Victorian boarding kennels require
Under the Victorian Code, dogs going into a boarding establishment must be vaccinated against:
- Canine distemper
- Canine hepatitis
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine cough (parainfluenza and Bordetella)
Proof of vaccination from within the last 12 months is needed. If your dog’s boosters are due, book a vet visit well before your trip.
The Code covers boarding establishments, so it doesn’t set rules for a sitter caring for your dog in your own home. Keeping vaccinations up to date is still good practice, and your vet is the best guide.
Side by side
| Boarding | In-home sitter | |
|---|---|---|
| Where your dog sleeps | At the boarding facility | In their own bed at home |
| Routine | The facility’s timetable | Their usual meals, walks and bedtime |
| Other dogs | Usually shares the facility with other dogs | Only your own pets |
| Vaccinations | Proof required under the Victorian Code | Not set by the Code; follow your vet’s advice |
| Your home | Empty while you’re away | Looks lived-in, with mail collected and plants watered |
| Getting there | You drop off and pick up | Nothing to transport |
Which is right for your dog?
An in-home sitter often suits dogs who:
- Get anxious in new places
- Are older or on medication
- Thrive on routine
- Live with other pets at home
Boarding can suit dogs who love the company of other dogs and settle easily in new places, or times when nobody can come to your home.
Dog sitting means your dog stays in their own home, where they feel safe and comfortable. Many owners prefer dog sitting because it reduces stress, especially for pets who thrive on routine.
Sources
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, speak to your vet.