How much does dog boarding cost in the UK?
Dog boarding in the UK costs a median of £26 per night for kennel boarding, based on 2,174 council-licensed operators across 70 UK areas. Home boarding is typically £5–£15 per night more, and day care £15–£35 per day. Prices vary most by location — see the real cost for 53 areas below. Every figure is sourced from operators’ own websites — no estimates, no commission.
- National median
- £26/night
- Operators tracked
- 2,174
- Areas covered
- 70
- Lowest published
- £10/night
Where dog boarding is cheapest — and most expensive
Median kennel rate per night, among the 20 areas where we hold the most published prices. Tap an area for its full cost guide.
Most affordable
- Boston£20/night
- North Lincolnshire£23/night
- Horsham£24/night
- Cornwall£24/night
- West Lancashire£24/night
- Derby£24/night
Most expensive
- Woking£49/night
- Pembrokeshire£35/night
- Mid Devon£33/night
- West Northamptonshire£30/night
- Arun£30/night
- Chelmsford£29/night
Cost of dog boarding by area
Real medians, ranges and sample sizes for 53 areas with at least three council-licensed operators publishing prices.
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Number shown is the count of operators in that area with a published, approved price.
How much does dog boarding cost?
Dog boarding costs in the UK vary by service type, location, and the operator's council star rating. Here's what to expect:
| Service type | Typical price range | Pricing unit |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding kennels | £20 – £50 | Per dog, per night |
| Home boarding | £25 – £60 | Per dog, per night |
| Dog day care | £15 – £35 | Per dog, per day |
These ranges are illustrative. Actual prices vary significantly by town — London and the South East tend to be 30–50% higher than the national median. Our State of UK Dog Boarding 2026 study breaks down the full national picture.
What affects dog boarding costs?
Location
Location is the biggest factor. Operators in London, Surrey, and other high-cost areas charge significantly more than those in the Midlands or the North. Use our price index by town to compare your area.
Star rating
All licensed dog boarding operators are given a star rating (1–5) by their local council. Some operators charge a premium for their rating, though this is not universal — many 5-star operators are priced in line with the local median.
Dog size
Many kennels price by dog size: small, medium, and large. The price difference between a small and large dog can be £5–£15 per night with some operators.
Time of year
School holiday periods — especially Easter, summer, and the two weeks over Christmas — often see higher prices or minimum booking lengths. Book early to avoid paying a peak premium.
Additional services
Some operators charge extras for: grooming, training sessions, solo exercise (rather than group), longer walks, or dedicated one-to-one care. These can add £5–£20 per day to the base rate.
Is dog boarding worth it?
Whether dog boarding is worth it depends on your dog's temperament, your holiday length, and the alternative. For dogs that socialise well, kennels offer a cost-effective option with consistent routines. For dogs that are anxious or elderly, home boarding may be worth the higher cost.
How to find affordable dog boarding
- Compare prices by area: Use the cost guides above to see the real median and range for your town before you call round.
- Check the star rating: A 4-star operator nearby may be cheaper than a 5-star operator further away.
- Book directly: Operators often have better rates on their own website than through booking platforms, which charge the operator a commission.
- Ask about discounts: Many operators offer discounts for multiple dogs or extended stays.
Frequently asked questions
How much does dog boarding cost per day?
Dog day care (daytime, no overnight stay) typically costs £15–£35 per dog per day. Overnight boarding — in kennels or home boarding — typically costs £20–£60 per night.
Is dog boarding cheaper than a dog sitter?
Boarding kennels are usually the cheapest option. Home boarding (your dog stays in someone else's home) tends to cost slightly more. In-home pet sitting (someone comes to your home) is typically the most expensive. However, for dogs that are anxious or elderly, a higher-cost option may be worth it for their wellbeing.
Do I need to pay more for a 5-star operator?
Not necessarily. Star ratings reflect council inspection outcomes — not how much an operator charges. In many towns, 5-star operators are priced similarly to 3-star ones. The star rating is a measure of compliance and welfare standards, not a luxury tier.
Compare prices near you
Browse the national price index or read the State of UK Dog Boarding 2026 report for the full data picture.
Price ranges in the prose above are illustrative; the per-area medians are derived from published rates on operator websites. See our methodology for how data is collected. Ranges will narrow as our dataset grows.