Going away and worried about where to leave your pet — start here

Leaving your pet behind while you travel is stressful, and the pressure gets worse when you rush the decision. Many owners end up choosing a boarding option minutes before they leave, settling for whoever has availability rather than who's genuinely right for their animal. The result is a tense trip, a pet that's unsettled or uncomfortable, and regret that you didn't start planning sooner.

The good news is that the pet boarding landscape in South Africa is broad enough that almost every owner can find something suitable — but only if you understand what's actually on offer. The confusion usually starts because "boarding" is a catch-all term that describes several different services, each with different strengths and suitable for different pets, budgets and trip lengths.

Types of boarding: what actually exists and who they suit

The main options are overnight kennels (purpose-built facilities where staff care for multiple pets), in-home pet sitters (someone who stays at your house or visits daily), home boarding (your pet stays in a carer's house), and pet hotels (usually higher-end facilities with more amenities). Each solves a different problem.

Kennels work well for dogs and cats used to socialising and pets whose owners want them in a secure, staffed environment. The trade-off is that your pet shares space with others and follows facility routines. In-home sitters suit anxious pets, those with strict medication schedules, and owners who want their animal to stay in familiar territory. Home boarding (sometimes called foster boarding) bridges the two — your pet gets a home environment but not their own. Pet hotels cater to owners after more luxury or pets needing specialised care.

Your choice depends on three things: how your pet reacts to new environments and people, how much direct supervision they need, and what happens if they get sick or injured while you're away. A confident dog might thrive in a busy kennel for a week. An anxious cat or a pet with health conditions might be miserable there and need the consistency of in-home care instead. An elderly dog on multiple medications needs someone who'll be present if something goes wrong, not someone checking in twice a day.

Getting from "I need something" to "I've booked it"

Start three to four weeks before you travel if possible, longer during peak holiday season. This gives you time to visit facilities, meet staff, or have a consultation call with a sitter — all of which matter far more than choosing quickly.

Make a shortlist by asking yourself what your pet actually needs: are they social or solitary? Do they have health conditions? How long will you be away? Are they destructive or escape-prone? Then search for providers offering that match. Read reviews carefully, looking for specific detail rather than generic praise. A review saying "staff were great" tells you nothing; one saying "my nervous dog was calm on collection and they sent daily photos" tells you plenty.

Once you have a few options, contact them with a list of questions specific to your pet. Ask about their process if your pet gets ill, what their typical day looks like for a pet like yours, their experience with anxiety or special needs, and their cancellation terms. Good providers will ask you plenty of questions back.

Before you book, visit the facility if possible or ask for photos and a video call showing the space. If it's in-home care, meet the person and see where your pet will stay. Trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is.

The hardest part isn't finding options; it's starting the search early enough to feel confident. When you rush, you lose that chance. A verified pet boarding provider on Strove will have reviews, photos, and a clear description of what they offer, so you can rule out poor fits quickly and focus on finding the right match for your pet's needs.