How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost in 2025? Complete Price Guide

Planning a holiday or a work trip and wondering what you'll pay to have your dog looked after? You're not alone — dog boarding costs are one of the most frequently searched pet care topics, and for good reason. Prices vary enormously depending on where you live, what type of care you choose, and whether your dog has special requirements.

This guide breaks down average dog boarding costs across Australia, the UK, the USA, and Europe. We compare home boarding with traditional kennels, highlight hidden fees to watch for, and share practical tips for getting the best value without compromising on your dog's comfort and safety.

TL;DR

Home boarding typically costs $40–$80 per night (AUD), £25–£50 (GBP), $30–$75 (USD), or €25–€60 (EUR). Kennels are generally 20–40% cheaper but offer a different experience. Prices vary by location, dog size, holiday periods, and special needs.

Average Dog Boarding Costs by Country

Australia

Major city prices in Melbourne and Sydney tend to run 20–30% higher than regional areas. If you're in a capital city, expect to pay at the upper end of these ranges — especially during school holidays and the Christmas period.

United Kingdom

London and the South East are predictably more expensive. Northern England, Scotland, and Wales generally sit at the lower end. Home boarding has grown significantly in popularity across the UK over the past five years, with many dog owners preferring a family environment over a kennel setting.

United States

Prices vary widely by state. Major metro areas like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles can exceed the upper ranges here. Rural areas and smaller towns are often significantly cheaper. Some luxury facilities in the US offer webcam access, private suites, and even swimming pools — which is reflected in the price.

Europe (Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain)

The Netherlands and Germany tend to be at the higher end of European pricing, while Spain and parts of France can be more affordable. Regulations around dog boarding vary by country, so always check that your chosen provider meets local licensing requirements.

What Affects the Price?

Not all boarding is priced equally. Here are the main factors that influence what you'll pay:

• Location: Urban areas almost always cost more than rural ones. A home boarder in central Melbourne will charge more than one in a regional Victorian town.
• Dog size and breed: Some providers charge more for large or giant breeds due to space and food requirements. Breeds with specific needs (e.g., brachycephalic dogs that need temperature monitoring) may also attract a premium.
• Number of dogs: Bringing two or more dogs? Most boarders offer a discount for additional dogs from the same household — typically 10–25% off the second dog.
• Holiday and peak periods: Christmas, Easter, summer holidays, and long weekends can see prices jump by 25–50%. Some providers also enforce minimum stay requirements during peak seasons.
• Special needs: Dogs requiring medication, very young puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with behavioural challenges may incur a surcharge of $5–$20 per night.
• Additional services: Extras like extra walks, grooming, one-on-one playtime, or photo and video updates can add to the base price.

Home Boarding vs Kennels: Cost Comparison

Home boarding tends to cost more, but many owners feel the extra investment is worth it for the personalised care and reduced stress on their dog. Kennels can be an excellent option too — particularly well-run facilities with experienced staff and good enrichment programmes.

How to Save on Dog Boarding

You don't have to break the bank to get great care for your dog. Here are practical ways to reduce costs:

1. Book in advance — especially for holiday periods. Last-minute bookings often cost more, and the best sitters fill up quickly. Aim for at least 2–4 weeks ahead, or 2–3 months for Christmas and summer.
2. Ask about multi-night discounts — many sitters and kennels offer reduced nightly rates for stays of 5 nights or more.
3. Consider mid-week stays — weekend boarding is in higher demand. If your schedule is flexible, mid-week stays can be cheaper.
4. Look for per-household pricing — some sitters charge per household rather than per dog, which is a significant saving if you have two or more dogs.
5. Build a relationship with a regular sitter — a sitter who knows your dog well may offer loyalty discounts and is more likely to accommodate last-minute requests.
6. Choose platforms without commission fees — traditional pet sitting platforms take 15–25% from the sitter, which often gets passed on to you in higher prices. Platforms like The Pet Sitter allow direct booking between owners and sitters with zero commission, meaning sitters can offer more competitive rates.

What Should Be Included in the Price?

Before you book, make sure you understand what's included in the nightly rate. A good boarding experience should cover:

• Meals: Most boarders expect you to provide your dog's food (to avoid dietary upset), but the preparation and feeding should be included.
• Exercise: At least one or two walks per day, plus garden or yard access.
• Sleeping arrangements: A comfortable, clean sleeping area. Ask whether your dog will sleep inside or outside, and whether they can bring their own bed or blanket.
• Updates and photos: Regular photo or video updates so you can see how your dog is doing. Many sitters send daily updates via text or through their platform.
• Medication administration: Basic medication (e.g., daily tablets, eye drops) should usually be included at no extra charge. Complex medical needs may attract a small surcharge.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Dog boarding can come with unexpected extras. Keep an eye out for:

• Platform booking fees: Some platforms add a service fee of 10–20% on top of the sitter's rate. Always check the total price before confirming.
• Pick-up and drop-off charges: If the sitter or kennel offers transport, there may be a per-kilometre or flat-rate charge.
• Holiday surcharges: Even if the base rate looks reasonable, many providers add a surcharge for public holidays and peak periods.
• Additional dog fees: If you're boarding more than one dog, check whether the quoted price is per dog or per booking.
• Last-minute cancellation fees: Many providers have a cancellation policy — often requiring 48–72 hours' notice for a full refund. Some non-refundable deposits are common for peak-period bookings.
• Late pick-up fees: Collecting your dog after the agreed time can result in an extra half-day or full-day charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dog boarding tax deductible?

Generally, no — dog boarding for personal pets is not tax deductible in most countries. However, if your dog is a certified working dog (e.g., a farm dog, service dog, or guard dog used for business purposes), you may be able to claim boarding as a business expense. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Should I tip my dog boarder?

Tipping is not expected in the pet sitting industry, but it's always appreciated. If your sitter has gone above and beyond, a small cash tip, a gift card, or even a heartfelt thank-you note goes a long way. Leaving a positive review on their profile is also one of the best things you can do — it helps them attract future clients.

How far in advance should I book?

As a general rule, book at least 2–4 weeks in advance for standard periods. For peak seasons like Christmas, Easter, and summer school holidays, aim for 2–3 months ahead. Popular sitters fill up fast, so don't leave it to the last minute.

Is home boarding safer than kennels?

Both options can be perfectly safe when run by responsible, experienced carers. The key is to do your due diligence: read reviews, ask for references, ensure the provider is licensed or insured (where applicable), and always do a meet-and-greet before committing. Trust your instincts — if something feels off during the visit, keep looking.

Do most boarders charge extra for puppies?

Many boarders charge a small premium — typically $5–$15 per night — for puppies under 12 months. Puppies require extra supervision, more frequent toilet breaks, and careful management to prevent destructive chewing or separation anxiety. Some sitters specialise in puppies and are well worth the extra cost for the peace of mind.

Finding the Right Boarding at the Right Price

The cost of dog boarding is an important consideration, but it shouldn't be the only factor in your decision. The cheapest option isn't always the best, and the most expensive doesn't guarantee the highest quality of care. Focus on finding a carer who genuinely loves dogs, communicates well, has good reviews, and provides an environment where your dog will feel comfortable and safe.

If you're looking for trusted, affordable home boarding, The Pet Sitter connects dog owners with verified local sitters — with zero commission fees, so you get better value and sitters keep more of what they earn. Browse sitters in your area and book directly today.