Neighbor, Friend, Relative, or Dog Sitter?
Choosing the Right Care for Your Pup
When it’s time to travel or take a long day away, one of the biggest questions on a dog parent’s mind is: Who’s going to care for my pup while I’m gone?
For many, the first instinct is to ask a trusted neighbor, family member, or friend. And while it’s always comforting to leave your dog with someone familiar, there’s more to pet care than a friendly face and a spare set of keys.
At Wag Society Brooklyn, we understand that every dog—and every home—is different. Choosing the right care comes down to more than convenience. It’s about consistency, training, and peace of mind.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what’s best for your pup.
Experience & Training
Neighbor, Friend or Relative
While well-meaning, most non-professional caregivers don’t have hands-on experience managing different dog temperaments, reading canine body language, or responding to medical issues. That could mean missed warning signs or unintentionally reinforcing bad behavior.
Professional Sitter (like Wag Society Brooklyn)
Trained sitters understand how to handle everything from nervous rescue pups to senior dogs with special needs. We know how to de-escalate stressful situations, administer meds, and maintain structure during your dog’s day.
Reliability & Availability
Neighbor, Friend or Relative
Life happens. People run late, forget a visit, or overestimate how available they’ll be. And when it’s not their job, they may not prioritize your dog’s routine the same way you do.
Professional Sitter
We’re scheduled, accountable, and fully committed. With tools like GPS-tracked walks and detailed visit reports, you’ll never have to guess if your pup was cared for—because we’ll show you.
Routines & Boundaries
Neighbor, Friend or Relative
It’s easy for boundaries to blur when someone’s doing you a favor. Maybe they bring their own dog along or bend your house rules without realizing it.
Professional Sitter
We stick to your instructions—every time. Whether it’s feeding schedules, leash rules, or crate training, we reinforce the structure your dog thrives on.
Emergencies & Back-Up Plans
Neighbor, Friend or Relative
If something unexpected comes up—sickness, an emergency, or a last-minute cancellation—you’re likely scrambling to find a backup.
Professional Sitter
Wag Society Brooklyn is part of a team. If your primary sitter can’t make it, we have trained backups ready to step in without missing a beat.
Comfort & Peace of Mind
Neighbor, Friend or Relative
You might get a text update. Or you might spend your entire trip wondering how things are going back home.
Professional Sitter
From regular updates and check-ins to photos and end-of-day summaries, we keep you in the loop—so you can relax knowing your dog is in expert hands.
So—What’s Right for You?
If you have a neighbor who’s dog-savvy and available, or a relative your pup knows well, those can be great options for short stays or emergency coverage. But if your dog has medical needs, specific routines, or just deserves the gold standard in care, a professional sitter brings consistency, training, and trust you can count on.
At Wag Society Brooklyn, we’re not just stopping by—we’re showing up with intention. Every visit is tailored, every walk is structured, and every dog gets the kind of care we’d give our own.