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Pet boarding services: VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding vs. Rover

Quick Verdict

Both VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding and Rover offer comprehensive pet care services, but they cater to slightly different needs. VCA is ideal for pet owners who prioritize on-site veterinary care and have pets with medical conditions. Rover is a strong choice for those seeking a broader range of services, including transportation, and value the added safety measures and sitter transparency.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeVCA Animal Hospitals Pet BoardingRover
Services OfferedDog Boarding, Cat Boarding, Small Animal Boarding, Overnight Stays, Daycare Services, Grooming Services, Training ServicesDog Boarding, Cat Boarding, Small Animal Boarding, Daycare Services, Overnight Stays, Grooming Services, Training Services, Transportation Services
Veterinary CareOn-site veterinary care, some locations with 24/7 veterinary supervisionSome Rover cat boarding services are adjacent to veterinary hospitals
SupervisionSome locations provide 24/7 monitoring and care24/7 Supervision
Play AreasIndoor and Outdoor Play AreasIndoor and Outdoor Play Areas
Special Needs AccommodationAccommodates pets with special needs, including medication administration and dietary requirementsFlexibility for pets with special needs, including medication administration and dietary accommodations
Emergency ProtocolsVeterinary staff on-site to handle medical issues; will attempt to contact the owner in case of a medical issue and provide necessary treatmentEmergency protocols, including a 24/7 customer support team, a network of local veterinarians and pet hospitals, and insurance coverage for medical emergencies
Safety and SecuritySafe and secure kennels, some locations have monitored alarm systemsBackground checks for sitters, safety protocols to protect pets, detailed profiles and reviews for sitters
Behavioral IssuesCan accommodate moderate behavioral issues; calming medications may be prescribedTraining programs are available for dogs with anxiety, fear, or reactivity; desensitization training, medication, and appropriate exercise may be used to treat separation anxiety
GroomingGrooming services available at many locationsGrooming services available, including baths, haircuts, and nail trims
TrainingTraining services available at some locationsDog training programs available
TransportationIt is not clear if transportation services are widely offeredPick-up and delivery of pets
PriceNot availableNot available
RatingsNot availableNot available

Overall Comparison

VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding: On-site veterinary care; Rover: Broader service range and safety measures

Pros and Cons

VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding

Pros:
  • On-site veterinary care
  • Accommodates pets with special needs, including medication administration and dietary requirements
  • Kennels are cleaned and disinfected daily
  • Safe and secure kennels
  • Some locations have monitored alarm systems
  • Typical daily schedule includes morning outdoor time, kennel cleaning, walks, supervised time, dinner, and an evening walk
  • Veterinary staff on-site to handle medical issues
  • Will attempt to contact the owner in case of a medical issue and provide necessary treatment
  • Can accommodate moderate behavioral issues
  • Calming medications may be prescribed
Cons:
  • Transportation services availability is unclear
  • Cancellation policy and early pick-up fees may vary by location
  • Group play policies vary by location; some do not offer group play
  • Staff-to-pet ratios during peak and off-peak hours may vary

Rover

Pros:
  • Wide range of services including boarding, daycare, grooming, and training
  • Emergency protocols and insurance coverage for medical emergencies
  • Safety measures including background checks for sitters
  • Detailed profiles and reviews for sitters
  • Flexibility for pets with special needs, including medication administration and dietary accommodations
  • Options for addressing behavioral issues like separation anxiety
Cons:
  • Specific services and policies may vary by location or provider
  • Information on staff-to-pet ratios is not available
  • Cancellation policy and fees for early pick-up are not available

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