Rabbit sitting vs rabbit boarding near me

It’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole when it comes to deciding on vacation pet care, especially with our pocket pets. While some can be low maintenance in comparison to animals like dogs, they still require daily care, cuddles, and entertainment. So, what do you do when you need to be away from your bunny bouncers?

Let’s look at the different pros and cons of both bunny boarding and pet sitting for rabbits. While we may be a little, tiny, weeny bit biased, at the end of the day you need to do what’s best for your fur family and your situation. But, to give you something to chew over, here are some more gnaw-worthy facts about rabbit boarding vs rabbit sitting.

What is rabbit boarding?

The world is a wonderful place and humans are creative creatures! Without the beautiful minds of pet people, ideas like the rabbit pet hotel wouldn’t exist. Yes, there are hotels specifically for rabbits and no they don’t have their own room service phone.

Bunny boarding and rabbit daycare have been around for a couple of decades and have increased in popularity over the last few years. These are professionally run places designed to care for your floppy-eared family while you’re away on vacation or busy during long periods of the day. Often, they’ll supply their own cages and runs for your rabbit to settle into, along with maintaining regular feeding, socialization, and cleaning throughout the day. Vet care can be available onsite or nearby, should your bunny baby need it.

What is pet sitting for rabbits?

Well, in TrustedHousesitter terms, pet sitting or rabbit sitting allows an animal-loving carer into your home to provide round-the-clock care for your pets and home. In exchange, they have a free place to stay while being in the company of pets. Sitters will stick to their routine, provide cuddles and strokes throughout the day, and allow them to exercise and stretch their legs. They can send regular updates directly to you and be there in case anything should happen.

Bunny boarding near me vs a rabbit sitter

Bunny boarding pros

A rabbit pet hotel will be run by animal-living professionals who will know how to care for your bunny while you’re away. Many places will have years of bunny background care under their belts alongside top-notch facilities to keep bunnies safe, happy, and entertained. Regular playtime and socialization will be part of your bunny’s boarding experience, as well as daily feeding, nourishment, and cleaning. Some places will have a small vet surgery onsite, others will have direct contact with a vet practice should something happen.

Bunny boarding cons

There are two big cons to bunny boarding. Firstly, rabbits are sensitive souls that can easily become stressed. This can easily be triggered when they’re removed from their home hutch and environment. While the professionals at a rabbit daycare will know how best to handle and care for your bunny, they won’t be as happy as they could be at home. Stressed bunnies can be unpredictable and can cause harm to themselves if panicked.

Secondly, there is the risk of catching a disease. Again, pet hotels for rabbits are very well maintained, cleaned several times a day, and won’t take guests who haven’t had their vaccinations, however, certain sicknesses can be very sneaky and hard to kill. The risk will never be 0.

Bunny sitting pros

Pets are happiest at home, and vets agree. If you’re a Trusted member you know we use this line all the time. Why? Because it’s true and happy pets are the healthiest pets. Finding a trusted, pet-loving in-home sitter will mean your bouncy babies will have the comforts of home around them, with no change to their routine, and someone around to check in and care for them until you’re back. Plus, with a TrustedHousesitters membership, you have unlimited access to free in-home bunny care as part of your plan.

Bunny sitting cons

Connecting and finding a sitter has so many paw-some benefits, but it does require a lot of trust. Particularly for pet parents new to pet sitting, you’re allowing someone you may not know that well into your home with the promise to protect and care for it along with your precious pets. It’s nerve-wracking for some and can seem risky. While all our trusted sitters are verified before they even create a profile, we still ask parents to do their own interviews and chats to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible with the experience.

Do what’s best for your bunny

As their pet parents, you’ll know what’s best for your bunny and how to make it work to suit your situation. There’s never a right or wrong answer when it comes to bunny boarding vs pet sitting, just do what you know your furry family will be happiest and most comfortable with.

Unsure whether to choose bunny boarding or pet sitting for your bouncing babies? Head to our Community Forum to connect with other pet parents and find out what’s worked best for them. If we have your nose twitching towards finding a rabbit sitter, check out all the bunny sitters currently available near you - find the paw-fet pet person to care for and love for your furry family while you’re away.