The cost of using licenced boarding kennels, dog sitting and home boarding

In this guide, we will take you through the costs of using a licenced boarding kennel in the UK, using a dog sitting or dog sitting service and of home boarders. We'll take you through each your options, what they means and the pros and cons of each. Our key concern is that you pick the right option for you an your dog. The right option for one person won't be right for another.

In this guide:

• How much does it cost to board a dog in the UK?

• How much does dog home boarding cost in the UK?

• How much does it cost to hire a dog sitter in the UK?

 

Having someone else look after your dog: the basics

There's essentially four ways that you can have your dog looked affter when you're away: through a licenced kennel, through a dog sitting service, a home boarder or having a friend or family member look after your dog.

How much does it cost to board a dog in the UK?

The key difference between a dog boarding kennel and a home boarder is that the home boarder will look after your pet in their own home. The plus side to this is that your dog stays in a loving home and you don't have anyone in your own home, as you would with pet sitting. You will need to consider how many dogs are in their care (i.e will your dog get the attention it deserves), their experience of looking after different types of dogs, whether they're licenced and whether they're insured. As a minimum you should ensure that you choose a dog home boarder who is licenced by a local authority.

Length of boarding kennel stay						Cost to board one dog
One night in a dog boarding kennel						£15
One week in a dog boarding kennel						£120
A fortnight in a dog boarding kennel						£225

 

The area where you live, and more specifically, the number of kennels in your local area will have some influence over the cost that you should expect to pay for a kennel for your pet. For example if there is only one kennel in the area there will be no competition and so prices may be higher as a result. You should also expect to pay more if land/property prices are higher in your area as the kennel owner will need to cover their own costs. However, for a licensed kennel you should expect to pay around £17 for one night stay, £125 for a week’s stay and £250 for a fortnight’s stay.

How much difference does the standard of kennel that you choose?

Even though licences have to be issued by the local council. The licence is granted on the basis of how the kennel or home boarder meets the Animal Welfare Regulations introduced in 2018 and take into account the suitability of the accommodation and whether the animals are well fed, exercised and protected from disease and fire as well as other factors including risk. A kennel may be quite basic and still be granted a licence if it is deemed as safe and suitable for the number of animals it is housing. Other kennels may be more luxurious and charge a higher price as a result. The ratings introduced by the Animal Welfare Regulations in 2018 should help to guide you as to the standard of kennel to expect.

Many kennels offer different classes of room this can include a more spacious room or more luxurious bedding materials. You may be asked to indicate which standard of accommodation is required, or you may need to book purely based on what is available.

Can I get a discount for a longer kennel stay?

Some kennels offer discounts for long term stays (longer than a fortnight) or for returning guests. The Good Kennel Guide includes all of these on our website so you should have full knowledge of the costs and optional extras before you book.

Many kennels offer a range of optional extras such as spa treatments, grooming, washing and web cams so that you can keep an eye on your pet. Some Kennels will charge for additional time spent with your pet, additional play time or additional walks/exercise, other kennels may include this as standard in the price. The Good Kennel Guide includes all of these on our website so you should have full knowledge of the costs and optional extras before you book.

Do I need to pay a deposit when I book a kennel for dog boarding?

Each kennel has its own policy about whether a deposit is required and whether the deposit is refundable or not. They also have their own rules about cancellation period. The Good Kennel Guide includes all of these on our website so you should have full knowledge of cancellation policy before you book. You should also keep an eye out for optional free night/s trials and you should try to visit the kennel prior to a stay - some kennels will offer this as a trial to see if your pet is comfortable there. Others encourage customers to visit to the kennel to take a look around themselves either by appointment or without an appointment.  

How much does dog home boarding cost in the UK?

This is generally a lower cost option to boarding kennels where you pay for someone to come to your house and take care of your dog, including feeding them, changing their water, playing with them and taking them for a walk. The benefit of this approach is that most dogs will feel less anxious if they stay in their own home and you don't have the hassle of taking a dog (or dogs) to a kennel and picking them again. It's not without it's issues. This is generally an approach if you're not going to be around for a short period of time - it isn't well suited to longer times away. Plus you need to find someone you trust, as you will be lettting them into your home, with everything that comes with that.

Length of home boarding						Cost to home board one dog
One night of home boarding						£15
One week home boarding						£100
A fortnight home boarding						£200

 

How much does dog sitting cost in the UK?

This is generally a lower cost option to boarding kennels where you pay for someone to come to your house and take care of your dog, including feeding them, changing their water, playing with them and taking them for a walk. The benefit of this approach is that most dogs will feel less anxious if they stay in their own home and you don't have the hassle of taking a dog (or dogs) to a kennel and picking them again. It's not without it's issues. This is generally an approach if you're not going to be around for a short period of time - it isn't well suited to longer times away. Plus you need to find someone you trust, as you will be lettting them into your home, with everything that comes with that.

Length of pet sitting						Cost to dog sit one dog
One night of dog sitting						£15
One week of dog sitting						£100
A fortnight of dog sitting						£200

 

See also:

• COVID-19: How our dogs saved us during lockdown

• How to keep your dog cool during a heatwave

• Separation anxiety: Leaving your dog at home after lockdown

• Click to sart your search now for a good kennel near you

 

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