You’re venturing away from home for a few days—on holiday, to a weekend wedding, or sorting out your new house—and can’t take your pup with you. What now? Say hello to dog boarding!
Dog boarding is when a dog remains overnight with a sitter or rotating staff members while their owner is away. Dogs can stay in facilities, such as local brick-and-mortar locations, or in a private home with a sitter found through sitter marketplaces like Rover. Your dog will get food, activities, and socialisation opportunities, and at the end of the day, they’ll enjoy a sleepover—sometimes with luxury extras included!
Boarding your dog helps keep them safe and secure when you head somewhere pets aren’t allowed, but it might have some benefits, too. For example, boarding can help ease the stress of a dog who misses their owner and can be especially helpful for active dogs who love human company, according to Dr Mike Dugan, senior veterinarian at Small Door Vet.
But exactly how does dog boarding work, and what type of boarding facility will work best for your pet? Read on to find out!
Reasons to Board Your Dog
While some locations offer both boarding and day care, the use cases are very different.
Boarding your dog is for when you can’t take them with you on your travels, have them tag along to work commitments, or maintain their usual routine for a period of time.
This is different from dog day care, which is where dogs socialise with other dogs and get exercise. For example, people have used dog boarding during wedding events, childbirth, or when moving homes. Knowing that their dog’s exercise, socialisation, and care needs are met even while they are away can bring peace of mind.
Types of Dog Boarding Options
All dog boarding facilities provide food, care, and shelter. However, some facilities may offer extras and special services, like individual training or spa treatments, and the price of boarding can vary significantly.
Traditional boarding kennels
Average price: £30-£50 per night
These are usually purpose-built kennel blocks and require a licence, says Victoria Keating, manager at Animal Magic Family Pet Retreat. “Each kennel will have a small area for the dog to sleep and an enclosed run they can access at any time.”
She says many kennels now offer more home comforts and options for exercise sessions. With most kennels of this kind, the owners live on-site and have cameras in all areas to keep an eye on the dogs. However, even though additional services vary, the Animal Welfare Regulations dictate that a boarding kennels facility needs an Animal Activities Licence (AAL) to operate.
This licence uses regular inspections to ensure that a facility meets your dog’s basic safety, staffing, and hygiene needs, and the star rating (from one to five) can show you how rigorously they meet and exceed these requirements.
Traditional boarding kennels are fairly inexpensive, but they’re not ideal for all dogs.
For example, Keating says they’re not suitable for anxious dogs—boarding an anxious dog in a kennel can increase anxiety, which is very difficult to improve once they get home.
In-home dog boarding
Average price: £30-£50 per night
This type of boarding involves your dog staying at another person’s house, where they may have crates and beds set up to care for multiple pets. This service can be found in your local network or through marketplaces like Rover.
Even though the premises may not be as formalised as kennels, home boarding facilities – and any other premises that host your dog during the day or night – also need a licence to operate, though the requirements differ.
“In-home boarding is a great option for senior dogs and dogs that cannot be socialised,” Davis says.
Day Care and dog boarding kennels
Average price: £25-£30 per day and night
These facilities generally offer a set price for a combination of day care and overnight boarding, Davis says. “Professionally run day care/boarding facilities will be licensed through the local council they operate in and insured,” he adds.
Some facilities of this type offer both kennel and open care options, so you can choose the best fit for your dog. They will also provide exercise, rest, and play sessions throughout the day
“Most day care and kennel facilities will have enough staff to provide 24/7 care,” Davis says. The activities offered during day care sessions make these facilities better suited to sociable, energetic dogs and sometimes puppies.
Luxury dog hotels and resorts
Average price: £22-£75 per night (depending on level of suite and amenities)
A luxury boarding hotel is where your dog will get a resort-like experience while you’re away. Keating says these facilities need a licence to operate, and they have one staff member for every four dogs.
In addition to luxurious settings—think human-style beds, underfloor heating, and beautiful decor—these pet hotels offer playtime and exercise sessions (often one-on-one). They also have additional extras, like grooming and pampering.
A luxury boarding hotel can work for all types and sizes of dogs, but it’s best if your dog is friendly and tolerant of dogs around them, Tryon says.
House and pet sitting
Average price: £31-£55 for house sitting, £16-£28 for drop-ins
This option involves someone staying at your house while you’re away to keep an eye on your pets and belongings.
“A house sitter often works alone or with a partner and may do other tasks such as cleaning, washing, or gardening,” Keating explains.
While no licence is required for this service, it’s important to establish ground rules—including how long the sitter can leave your dog alone if they need to go out.
You should always make sure your sitter has had extensive training in animal care, handling, and safety, Tryon says. A qualification such as a City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Pet Sitting can demonstrate that they take their responsibilities seriously. She adds that this type of care is a good option if your dog has any major health or mobility issues or experiences separation anxiety.
What Does Dog Boarding Include?
The demand for dog boarding services is growing rapidly: In fact, the worldwide market seems likely to reach over £25.8 billion in the next five years. Dog boarding has also changed over the years, moving away from traditional kennels towards in-home boarding, where care can be customised to meet the needs of dogs with widely different personalities.
1. A temporary space
Dog boarding facilities have come a long way from relying on crate rotations. Places now offer private rooms or shared spaces for siblings.
If your pup doesn’t love social settings, kennels and crate-based facilities can offer a sense of security and comfort, DJ Davis, owner of Animal Kingdom Santa Monica, says. An “open care” boarding facility may be great for social dogs who love to play and explore.
2. Meet & Greets and trial days
Before your dog officially stays over, they should have a Meet & Greet at the home or a practice day at the dog boarding facility you choose. If your dog is a good fit, then you’ll come back on the day of your booking and check them in, bringing all their items (such as food, medical records including proof of required vaccinations like DHPP, and toys).
3. Play, exercise, and socialisation
During the stay, many boarding services offer a routine that includes rest, play, and exercise. Routine is important, since it promotes stability and confidence in a dog, says Davis. Play can be in groups or one-on-one times with a staff member. Well-socialised dogs who regularly interact with other dogs and people are often happier throughout their stay.
If you have a specific routine for your dog, then pet sitting or house sitting may be a better option. With house-sitting services, sitters adhere to your dog’s routine and needs, whereas dog boarding environments require your dog to adapt to the facility’s or home’s schedule. Under-socialised dogs will also prefer in-home boarding to a traditional kennel.
4. Report cards and updates
Some boarding facilities provide daily updates with pictures so you can keep up with your dog. When booking through Rover, pet parents can receive a Rover Card from their sitter as part of their photo updates.
“Pet parents feel at ease and more connected to their animals when we provide these updates in their absence,” Davis says.
5. Special care for food, hygiene, or playtime
Alongside set feeding times, Kim Tryon, veterinary technician and owner of K9 Resorts Mount Pleasant, says many boarding facilities offer various feeding options, including allowing you to bring your dog’s favourite foods from home. “They can closely monitor intake and provide additives if your pet isn’t eating as well as they should be,” she adds.
Other facilities also offer an à la carte menu, allowing you to request solo walks, chew treats, or even a nail trim for an additional fee. Sitters through Rover include most of these services in their boarding fees. (Although bathing and grooming are usually an add-on.)
6. Specific drop-off and pick-up times
When picking up or dropping off your dog, there will be an assigned or agreed-upon time. Missing this window often leads to additional fees, such as extended care costs or the cost of a day care session.
Do Dogs Understand They’re Being Boarded?
Dogs can definitely tell when they’re being boarded, Keating says. Most dogs will experience some stress when boarding for the first time, but that stress can decrease as they become familiar with their caretakers and staff. You can also do some prep work to get your dog ready for boarding.
Feelings of stress and anxiety can show up as:
- Pacing
- Drooling
- Whining
- Barking
- Loose stools
- Tiredness
- Behaviour changes
- Refusing food
If these signs or symptoms are a one-off, L’Huillier says it might simply be that your dog feels a bit overwhelmed or overstimulated.
If these signs persist, however, he suggests having a conversation with the facility or trying something else instead of boarding, like a mix of pet sitting and dog walking.
Speak to your vet if symptoms such as loose stools, tiredness, and loss of appetite persist, as they may also indicate an underlying illness.
Dog Boarding Risks and How to Avoid Them
The pros and cons of dog boarding depend on your dog’s personality, the care provider, and the environment. We recommend researching and evaluating your sitter or facility carefully to lower the following risks:
- Increased disease
- Worsened underlying health issues
- Environmental stress
- Decreased quality of care
The AAL goes some way towards ensuring that disease, discomfort, stress, and care quality are all what your dog needs. However, here are steps you can take to mitigate the risks even further.
1. Make sure your boarding option requires more than just the essential vaccinations
Facilities require all dogs to have had their DHPP jabs at least two weeks before their stay. Most facilities also require up-to-date kennel cough vaccinations and proof of recent deworming before accepting them, although the regulations don’t require these. Requiring these jabs is a much more reliable way of keeping infection and infestation at bay.
Just like people, dogs have a higher risk of picking up germs and developing infections after time in group settings. “Disease risk is always present when dogs mix,” Jamie L’Huillier, co-owner of Kuri City Doggy Day Care in Christchurch, says.
2. Keep your dog on their preventative schedule
Sticking to your dog’s flea and worm prevention schedule before you board them will help prevent parasites, according to Keating. As above, most facilities will ask to see proof that they’ve recently had deworming.
3. Match the environment to your dog’s preferences
While some dogs thrive in group environments, even while away from their families, others find it more challenging. Dogs who feel stressed may bark excessively.
Dr Dugan says it’s important to consider whether your dog has any underlying health conditions that an incompatible boarding stay could exacerbate. “This would include things like stress-induced colitis and hormonal deficiencies,” he says. “[These] can be made worse by stress.”
4. Opt for luxury or in-home boarding
“High-anxiety dogs, dogs with a history of aggression, or dogs that don’t cope well with change may struggle,” L’Huillier says. Some dog hotels or facilities have enough space for your dog to acclimate.
Finding an option that allows Meet & Greets or trial days for dogs will help set expectations. If your dog doesn’t do well in group settings, in-home dog boarding may be a better fit.
5. Acclimate your dog to being separated
To help your dog settle at a boarding facility, Keating and Tryon share a few tips:
- Don’t let your dog watch you leave. Wait until they’re distracted by play or exercise.
- Take care how you react when you leave your dog. If you feel anxious or upset, they’ll often pick up on those emotions.
- Socialise your dog as much as possible beforehand to help them get used to new people, scents, and sounds. If possible, visit the facility to let your dog “sniff it out.”
- Try not to let your dog sleep in your bedroom before their boarding stay.
How To Research Your Dog Boarding Options
Deciding where to board your dog is a big decision. After all, you want to make sure your dog gets the care they deserve! And that can look different for puppies, anxious dogs, seniors, and reactive pups.
Our experts share some important questions to ask any facility you’re considering, along with a few points to think about as you make your decision.
1. Ask about the environment
- Can I have a tour of your facility and meet your staff members?
- Can I see a copy of your facility licence, AAL star rating, and public liability insurance certificate?
- What is your staff-to-dog ratio?
- How are dogs monitored when nobody is around?
- Do you have webcams?
- What rooms and spaces are available for boarding dogs?
- How often do you clean your facility?
- Is your perimeter and outdoor area secure?
Choosing a clean, well-ventilated facility where staff communicate honestly and openly can help reduce your dog’s risk of disease, according to L’Huillier.
2. Ask about qualifications
- What communication approaches do you take with dogs?
- Do you use positive reinforcement training?
- Are you or your staff certified in any elements of dog care? Do they have Ofqual or nationally recognised accreditation?
- Do you have experience with special needs, anxiety, or medication administration?
- How long have you been caring for dogs, and do you have any experience with my dog’s breed?
3. Ask about health requirements
- Do you screen dogs for any health issues upon arrival?
- What vaccinations do you require dogs to have before they can board with you?
4. Ask about routine
- Can you describe a typical day and night at your facility?
- What exercise-based activities do you offer for dogs boarding with you?
5. Ask about emergency protocol
- What happens if a dog becomes ill or injured in your care?
- How soon will you contact me if there is an issue or concern?
- Can I leave an authorisation for you to contact insurers or veterinary providers on my behalf?
“A good facility will welcome questions, encourage tours where possible, and have clear policies for illness and behaviour issues,” L’Huillier says.
