Petsitting Definitions: From Pet Taxis to Doggy Hotels

Need a little help figuring out what these pet terms mean? The signs aren't always so clear.

To clear up some of the confusion that surrounds many pet care terms - What's the difference between a dog walker and a petsitter? Does boarding always refer to a kennel? What in the world is a "doggy hotel?" - we have clear definitions along with rate information and pay structures for each relevant term.

BOARDING

Boarding is the act of taking your pet out of your home to stay at a kennel or similar facility such as a vet's office overnight (at least one night) while you are away or out of town. It's like the boarding school concept, but without the preppy uniforms and archaic ruler-happy discipline. The pet remains the responsibility of the kennel until you return to take him home. Boarding rates vary, but according to the American Boarding Kennel Association, the national average price of boarding one dog in 2004 was $19.05 per day. Now, a few years later, pet owners are looking at an average daily rate that hovers around $23 per pet.

DOG WALKER

This is a person who comes to your home and takes your dog outside for a walk (as if you couldn't deduce that from the title...). Most dog walking services are aimed at injured owners, the elderly, working professionals and busy pet owners who simply don't have time to walk their dogs during the workweek. Some dog walkers will walk more than one dog at a time, setting up that classic movie moment where the leashes get tangled and physical comedy ensues; others will only walk one dog at a time. Dog walking rates vary, but often fall in the $10-15/hour range.

DOGGY HOTEL

Often marketed towards the pampered pet (see below), a doggy hotel is the Ritz-Carlton of the boarding world. Forget sharing cages and standard mealtime grub. This goes way beyond that. At a doggy hotel, Fido is treated like a king, enjoying private suites or villas, indoor courtyards and tons of televisions while a personal play pal may tend to his every need, book his spa services and splash with him in a wading pool. The cost? A mere $30-85+ per day, depending on the unique services offered by the individual hotel. Hope your pockets run deeper than that wading pool!

KENNEL

A kennel is a facility where pet owners board their dogs while they are out of town. At a kennel, your pet is surrounded by other pets almost all of the time, which has its benefits (socialization) and drawbacks (disease, the kennel "bully"). Staff at the kennel feed, play with and monitor your dog along with the others, though certain "extras" such as additional treats, walks, personal attention and pampering are not a part of the standard treatment. Kennels typically charge per pet, per day.

PAMPERED PET

Does the pet have nicer accessories than yours? Is he being carted around in a stroller? Is it almost time for his massage? If so, you're in the presence of a pampered pet! These lucky little creatures experience much of the same pampering and indulgences enjoyed by their luxury-loving human counterparts, and it's become a huge trend in the pet care world. From doggy hotels to crystal-studded collars to Louis Vuitton carrying cases, pampered pets are on the rise, probably prancing into a neighborhood near you.

PET TAXI

A pet taxi is a transportation service that will drive Fido to any local destination you choose. You can have a pet taxi take him over to Grandma's house, to the veterinarian, airport, doggy day care - you name it. Of course, individual pet taxi providers have different limitations, so don't get too enthralled with the possibility of a pet-friendly joy ride. Some pet taxi services include emergency transportation and specialists who know how to handle injured or ill animals. Pet taxis are especially great for car-less pet owners who live in large cities and can never seem to find a pet-friendly cabbie.

PETSITTER

A petsitter is a person, possibly a professional, who comes into your home to care for your pet while you are away, taking over the feedings, walks, exercise, playtime, medication schedule and more. As with babysitters, you'll want to follow the Sittercity four-step screening process before you let a total stranger into your home (you don't want them giving literal meaning to the phrase "cat burglar."). What petsitters charge varies widely. Some follow the same pay structure as kennels and charge per pet, per day. Some offer a discount for each additional pet in the home. Others may prefer to charge a flat fee for each week you're gone.

SPECIAL NEEDS PETSITTER

A special needs petsitter can cover a wide variety of needs that extend beyond the realm of basic pet care. Whether your pet is elderly, on medication, disabled, recovering from injury, ill or, uh, behaviorally challenged, a special needs petsitter has the experience and training to care for critters who just happen to need extra care.