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Pet boarding services: Fetch! Pet Care Overnight Services vs. PetSmart PetsHotel

Quick Verdict

PetSmart PetsHotel is a more budget-friendly option with standardized facility-based care and 24/7 support. Fetch! Pet Care is better for owners seeking personalized in-home care or boarding with experienced sitters, and those with pets other than cats and dogs. The best choice depends on individual needs and budget.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeFetch! Pet Care Overnight ServicesPetSmart PetsHotel
Overnight care optionsIn-home overnight care, "Almost" overnight care, Boarding at a pet sitter's homeFacility-based care in standard guest rooms, private suites, and kitty cottages
Types of pets acceptedDogs, cats, birds, and other small caged animals. Some locations also mention experience with exotic pets and reptiles.Dogs and cats. Breed restrictions and pet acceptance are at the sole discretion of PetSmart.
Boarding facility cleanliness and sanitation protocolsFetch Pet Resort locations emphasize advanced cleaning procedures, pet-safe cleaning products, and air filtration systems. K9 grass is washed and sanitized daily.Rooms are cleaned and sanitized daily. All facilities meet or exceed industry standards for cleaning and sanitation. Clean Air Technology with PetAirapy UV air purification systems is used.
Staff qualifications and experience with pet careSitters undergo background checks and an interview process. They are often bonded and insured. Many have experience caring for various types of pets. Some receive "fear-free" certification. Some staff may have formal training in animal behavior, pet first aid, or be certified dog trainers.Staff is safety-certified and trained in pet care. Pet care specialists provide round-the-clock care.
Daily exercise and playtime opportunitiesIn-home care includes walks and playtime. Boarding facilities often offer open play environments with supervised playtime. Some locations have indoor and outdoor play areas. Hiking may be offered as an add-on service.Dogs get group or individual playtime. Cats get individual TLC time daily with staff. Additional "Active Pup" packages can be purchased for more playtime.
Feeding schedule and dietary accommodationsSitters follow the pet's specified feeding schedule. Clients are generally asked to provide their pet's food to avoid dietary upset.Pet parents can bring their pet's regular food. If PetSmart food is used, there may be an extra charge.
Medication administration servicesFetch! Pet Care offers pet medical administration, including pills and injections.Medications are administered if needed, provided they are in their original, labeled containers. Over-the-counter medications require a vet's dosage recommendation. Injections are not administered.
Emergency veterinary care availabilityIn medical emergencies, Fetch! Pet Care will attempt to contact the client. If the client can't be reached, the company is authorized to seek veterinary care at the client's expense.24/7 staffing and access to an on-call veterinarian. PetSmart can seek veterinary care if they cannot reach the owner in an emergency.
Grooming services offeredSome Fetch! locations offer full-service grooming.Bathing and grooming services are available for dogs. Cat bathing and grooming are available at select locations.
Training services offeredSome locations offer dog training services, sometimes as an add-on to boarding.Personalized one-on-one training sessions are available for PetsHotel guests.
Price per night/day for different pet typesOvernight care can range from $65 to $100+ per night, but this varies greatly by location and service type. Additional pet fees and holiday surcharges may apply. "Almost Overnight" care may start around $65. Dog boarding can start around $75 per night, with additional fees for extra dogs.Overnight stays start at $15 and can cost up to $41 per night, but this varies by location, suite type, size/number of pets, and add-ons. Cats: Starting around $20/night.
Customer service responsiveness and communicationFetch! Pet Care uses a mobile app for scheduling, communication, and updates. Clients typically receive updates, photos, and videos of their pets. A Client Concierge Center may match clients with qualified pet care providers.Detailed records are kept of each pet's stay. Personalized "Pawgress Report" is provided at checkout. Pet parents can call to check on their pet.

Overall Comparison

Fetch! Pet Care: Overnight care $65 - $100+ per night. PetSmart PetsHotel: Overnight stays start at $15 per night.

Pros and Cons

Fetch! Pet Care Overnight Services

Pros:
  • Advanced cleaning procedures at Fetch Pet Resort locations
  • Pet-safe cleaning products and air filtration systems
  • K9 grass washed and sanitized daily
  • Sitters undergo background checks and an interview process
  • Sitters are often bonded and insured
  • Many sitters have experience caring for various types of pets
  • Some sitters receive "fear-free" certification
  • Some staff have formal training in animal behavior, pet first aid, or are certified dog trainers
  • In-home care includes walks and playtime
  • Boarding facilities often offer open play environments with supervised playtime
  • Some locations have indoor and outdoor play areas
  • Clients receive regular updates, photos, and videos of their pets through a mobile app
  • Separate play areas for different sizes or temperaments of dogs
  • Pets can bring their own bedding and toys (location dependent)
Cons:
  • Services, policies, and pricing can vary by location
  • Cancellation policies vary by location
  • Cancellation fees may apply (50% or 100%)
  • Holiday bookings often have stricter cancellation policies
  • Some locations may ask that you not bring personal beds or blankets

PetSmart PetsHotel

Pros:
  • Clean and well-maintained facilities
  • Safety-certified and trained staff
  • Daily playtime opportunities for dogs and TLC for cats
  • Accommodations for special dietary needs and medication administration
  • 24/7 staffing and on-call vet access for emergencies
  • Grooming and training services available
  • Detailed records and personalized Pawgress Report provided
  • Option to bring own bedding and toys
Cons:
  • Breed restrictions and pet acceptance at PetSmart's discretion
  • Extra charge for PetSmart food
  • Injections are not administered
  • No outdoor time for pets
  • Potential limited overnight staffing at some locations
  • Vaccination and age restrictions apply
  • Cancellation policy requires 2-day notice

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