There are quite a #number of choices when choosing the care for your pet.
We created this brief comparison to help educate you on the differences to consider when choosing someone to care for your pets. Even if you do not choose Daytime Dogs as your service, we hope that this helps you choose the right professional for your needs.
Service Comparison
- Trust & Professionalism
- Sitter Availability
and Backups - Keys & Personal / Pet Info
- Health & Safety
- Personal Attention
- Convenience
and Pet Stress - Special Needs
and Seniors - Puppy Care
- Experience
and Training - Hiring
- Insurance Protection
- Scheduling

- DTD&F is a locally owned and operated company and #1 recommended by Veterinarians in and around Gainesville. You and your pet will always be treated with the utmost of care and respect.
- 24/7 365 days a year; you will always have a primary and a backup handler. Once a client, we can accommodate you in most situations. DTD&F works as a team so if someone is not available there is always a backup; Manager knows client and team
- DTD responsible for keys & pet information / assignment
- All staff is certified in Pet CPR with American Red Cross. We do not mix dogs from other homes on walks; Pets stay in their own home and do not interact with other pets
- Pets receive one-on-one attention from our caring team
- No Stress. We take care of your pet(s) in your home with their own bedding & supplies - no need for transportation; pet is waiting for you upon your return
- Ideal for dogs that would not be a candidate for boarding; we can handle special dietary, exercise, medication, or other individual needs
- We care for puppies and include basic obedience, consistency, and routines. We even have a special puppy package!
- DTD&F has been in business since 2008; Average team member has been with DTD for 5 years. Formal training program & rules that includes shadowing another team member for 3-4 weeks
- In-person personal interview. Each applicant is required to undergo a national criminal background check prior to being considered. Reference checks conducted.
- All team members are covered under General Liability & Bonding insurance maintained by DTD. Provides you with security & piece of mind. A copy our of Insurance certificates are provided to every client at initial orientation.
- Easy online scheduling once you are an established client

- Each sitter works independently so their background is unknown. Level of professionalism will vary.
- Availability varies by the person the client contacts. Client is responsible for finding a replacement if primary sitter not available; Support not familiar with local area or sitters
- Client responsible for keys and making sure pet info gets passed on to backup sitters
- Unknown
- Varies by sitter
- Varies
- Varies
- May not be consistent and not responsible for basic obedience
- This is a hobby for most; majority are experienced. No formal training program
- Online interview / review of profile submitted; no reference check
- Not bonded; it's up to the individual sitter to bond themselves; requires a claim of more than $250 and must be paid by pet owner
- Client contacts sitter through site

- Trusted because you know them and have a relationship. Level of professionalism will vary.
- Limited availability and based on their schedule; most likely not available 365 days because they make get sick, go on vacation, have school, or other obligations, etc Most likely no-one to cover in case of illness, injury, etc and if they do have a backup what are their qualifications
- Client / Friend / Neighbor responsible for keys
- Unknown
- Pets received one-on-one attention
- No Stress. Take care of your pet in your home - maintain routine.
- Could handle but if your friend is not available then it's difficult to trust a backup to meet the same needs
- May not be consistent and not responsible for basic obedience
- Varies
- No background check
- Unlikely to be bonded or insured; individual can sue if injured in the home
- Varies

- Depends on how long the facility has been in operation, etc. Professionalism will varies depending on facility.
- Facility has set hours of operation.
- N/A
- Dogs can pass illnesses to each other due to group interaction; Group dog play can lead to injury
- Several people responsible for all dogs cumulatively; one-on-one attention is billed additionally
- Pet must be picked up / dropped off during open hours; vaccine requirements and some require flea / deworming packages; facility supplies bedding and toys
- Senior dogs may not do as well due to energy levels and other age related issues; Dogs with special dietary, medical needs will probably be kept separate from other dogs or not accepted at all
- Usually a minimum age limit for puppies
- Varies depending on facility and personnel
- Varies depending on facility
- Unknown
- Varies - some offer online reservations