Pet parents know planning an out-of-town trip is never as easy as booking a hotel and packing your bags. If you have a dog, you have to make a plan for them, too. But how much does dog boarding cost, and what does it entail? The short answer? It depends!
On average, dog boarding costs between £30 and £40 a night or day. But where you live and the type of boarding you choose will significantly impact the cost. For instance, on the lower end of boarding prices, you’ll find traditional kennels, veterinary boarding, and boarding with a sitter who takes in other dogs. If your dog requires more individualised attention (and pricier services), you’ll also find overnight doggy day care and private pet sitters who can board your dog in your home or theirs.
In this deep dive into dog boarding, we’ll examine the cost and care at different kinds of facilities, average prices in a range of locations, and the pros and cons of each type of boarding so you can find the best fit for you and your pup.
Cost of Dog Boarding by Service Type
Here, we’ve worked out the range of dog boarding prices for a single dog. However, these prices will vary drastically if you board more than one dog or require additional services. They may also differ depending on whether you’re boarding during peak season or on the size of the dog.
Also consider that providers may or may not charge overnight day care fees on top of the day care fee itself.
| Costs | Boarding with a sitter | Home boarding | Kennels | Overnight day care |
| Per day/night | £30 – £58 | £29 – £81 | £14 – £37 | £30 – £55 |
| Per week | £210 – £406 | £204 – £567 | £98 – £259 | £140 – £385 |
| Per 2-weeks | £420 – £810 | £406 – £1,134 | £196 – £518 | £280 – £770 |
| Per month | £840 – £1,620 | £812 – £2,268 | £392 – £1,032 | £560 – £1,520 |
Dog kennels
Dog kennels are the most basic type of dog boarding and, as such, tend to be the most affordable option. It typically costs pet parents between £14 and £37 per night to put a dog in a kennel. Many kennel facilities also offer discounts for dogs boarded for a week or more, helping pet parents save money on extended stays.
At a traditional kennel, you can expect your dog’s basic needs to be met, like feeding, water, daily walks or outside time, and maybe some interaction with other dogs. The sleeping space is usually a mat or cot inside a kennel or cage, but some kennels include small outdoor runs in each animal’s enclosure.
While dog kennels aren’t usually known for their frills, they may have add-on services like extra walks or playtime to make it more enjoyable for your dog. These extras, however, will cost you.
Overnight dog day care
Doggy day cares generally operate during daily working hours, but some also offer boarding options at their facilities. This type of boarding is usually a step up from dog kennels, offering more individualised stays and more comfortable accommodations, like private, climate-controlled rooms with blankets and cots.
With the personalised detail comes a higher price than kennels, though. Overnight day care averages around £30-£55 a night. Like the options above, however, some day cares will offer a discount for extended stays or multiple dogs sharing a room.
This boarding option is often a great choice if you have a social or energetic dog. It gives the dog playtime with their friends, regular check-ins, and TLC from the staff.
Antonio_Diaz via iStock
Overnight boarding with a sitter
In this type of boarding, a private sitter keeps your dog at their home. The cost of overnight boarding with a sitter has a broad range compared to other dog boarding options, costing about £30-£58 a night. It’s easy to find a sitter who’s cheaper than overnight day care while providing your dog with more dedicated time and space.
The perks of overnight boarding are that sitters offer a comfortable environment and often treat your dog like their own pet. Think: full access to roam, allowed on furniture, and belly rubs on the regular. It’s also a great option for anyone who wants to avoid their dog catching illnesses from other dogs in a kennel.
Overnight boarding in your home
Another option is to have the sitter watch your dog at your home instead.
While boarding at home is about the same price as boarding at a sitter’s house, on average, it can be more affordable than overnight day care, averaging around £40 a night. House sitter prices vary so much that you can usually find an option that suits your budget and your dog’s needs.
The biggest perk of this boarding option is that your dog can stick to their schedule in the comfort of their own home. The trade-off is that you’ll have a stranger in your home, but you can remedy this by doing a few meetups and trial runs before their stay.
Factors That Increase Dog Boarding Costs
The cost of boarding a dog can also increase if you have a high-needs pup or a dog that needs constant care. Here’s a breakdown of various special-needs groups and other factors that can increase the cost of boarding.
Puppies
It’s a good thing puppies are so cute, because they require a lot of work. There’s the teething, the potty training, the razor-sharp teeth. That’s why it’s best to board them with a sitter in your home or theirs who is well-versed in the trials and triumphs of puppyhood and can give them the special care they need.
These options are also better suited for young puppies who haven’t had all their vaccination rounds yet, as most dog kennels and many day care kennels require dogs to be at least four months old and have all their adult shots.
When hiring a sitter for your puppy, expect an additional £2-£7 each night. This can significantly increase prices for longer stays. For example, a two-week stay with a sitter might cost £335–£600 instead of £235–£420.
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High-energy dogs
Some breeds and dogs are like the Energizer Bunny; they never stop.
If you have a highly active dog, boarding them at an overnight day care with specialised add-ons can help fulfil their high-energy needs while you’re away.
In addition to playgroups with their buddies, activities might include swimming pools, agility equipment, puzzle toys, training, nature hikes, and even running on treadmills. If opting for these extra services for your canine athlete, expect to pay an additional £7 for each activity (but this varies from facility to facility).
If you opt for one extra activity per day, that might bring a two-week stay from £515–£750 to £710–£985.
Anxious and reactive dogs
If you have an anxious pup or one that doesn’t get along with other dogs, some kennels and overnight day cares, cater to their special needs, offering services like a quiet room, private walks, enrichment activities, and solo time with a trained staff member. These specific options for anxious and reactive dogs tend to cost an extra £7 a night.
Hiring a sitter is also ideal for fearful and reactive dogs who struggle with routine changes, interacting with other dogs, or being in a new (and busier) environment. One thing to watch out for, though, especially if you have a dog-reactive dog, is that sitters may also have their own pups at home. Some will also board other pups at the same time as yours.
Hiring a sitter to stay at your house or only take one client at a time may cost more a night than boarding at a sitter’s home with other dogs. However, this can vary based on the individual sitter, as a broad spectrum of fees is available on Rover.
Seniors and dogs with medical needs
Older dogs and pups with medical needs require constant care from a sitter or trained staff, such as managing an ongoing diet, administering daily pills, or tending to a slow-moving senior.
This ongoing attention warrants more individualised care. Pet sitters with experience can be a great option, but they may charge more per night.
Drop-offs and tips
Then there are the not-so-little extras. If your dog needs a lift to or from a boarding facility or a sitter’s house, this can cost an extra £5-£15 per drop-off. However, some sitters do this for free or don’t offer it at all.
There’s also the “after-hours” care or the extra time you may need that doesn’t align perfectly with a 24-hour period. This extended care can add 50% to the beginning or end of your dog’s boarding stay. For example, some boarding kennels may not charge for the day if you pick up your dog by 9 am, but may charge for a full day if you arrive after 9 am or apply a surcharge for late pickups.
And don’t forget about the tip! If you feel your dog received exceptional care or you would like to express your appreciation, you can add a 10-20% tip to the boarding fee (depending on your discretion, budget, and the service received).
Lyndon Stratford via iStock
What Does Boarding Cost Near Me?
| City | Cost per night |
| Wandsworth | £33 |
| City of Edinburgh | £30 |
| City of Bristol | £30 |
| Manchester | £28 |
| Glasgow City | £29 |
While dog boarding typically costs an average of £40 per night in the UK, this amount can vary depending on where you live.
Factors like cost of living, competition, and local market demand can significantly vary costs and services between cities. For instance, boarding expenses are higher in more populated cities because rent and demand are also higher. Because competition is also higher, dog boarding facilities in major cities also tend to offer a wider range of services like grooming and training.
On the other hand, smaller cities and rural areas may cost less because they have lower operating expenses and less competition. But on the flip side, they might have fewer amenities and specialised care options. Mid-size cities, as expected, fall right in the middle of the two with prices and offerings, providing a good mix of boarding facilities and amenities for a mid-range price.
Is Boarding Worth It?
Now that we know how much boarding a dog costs, is it worth it? Maybe! It all boils down to your budget and your specific dog.
For instance, if you have an easygoing, social dog who adjusts to new situations easily and doesn’t require a lot to meet their needs, you’ll be able to access more low-cost boarding options. That might include low-frills boarding kennels and overnight daycare or sitters who board more than one dog at a time.
On the other hand, if you have a high-needs dog who is nervous, reactive, high-energy, or requires extra medical attention, paying more for more expensive, personalised solutions (if within your budget) can provide peace of mind.
Alternatives to dog boarding
If boarding isn’t a good fit for your dog or you don’t have the budget, don’t worry! There are still ways you can make your holiday plans happen. Call in favours from friends, family, or neighbours to see if they’ll watch your dog while you’re away.
(Boarding hack: Sometimes, the cost of flying in a friend or family member available to stay at your home is cheaper than actual boarding, especially for longer stays. Plus, you can use or build your credit card points.)
While casual drop-ins might work in a pinch, it’s best not to leave your dog alone for more than six or eight hours or unattended overnight. Even the most anxious and awkward dogs are social creatures who need constant company and care.
And if all else fails, consider taking your dog with you if possible. Sometimes, the best adventures are the last-minute ones with our pups.
