How much does dog boarding cost in the UK?

Dog boarding in the UK typically costs between £20 and £50 per night for boarding kennels, and £25 to £60 per night for home boarding. Prices vary significantly by location, with London and the South East being most expensive.

Do more expensive dog boarding operators provide better care?

Not necessarily. Council star ratings (1-5) reflect inspection outcomes and are a more reliable indicator than price. A 5-star kennel can be cheaper than a 3-star one.

Cost of Dog Boarding UK 2025 — What to Expect to Pay

Q: How much does dog boarding cost per day?

Dog day care (daytime only) typically costs between £15 and £35 per dog per day in the UK. Overnight boarding costs more — typically £25 to £50 per night.

Q: Is dog boarding cheaper than a dog sitter?

Boarding kennels are often cheaper than in-home dog sitters. Home boarding (where your dog stays in someone else's home) sits in the middle price-wise. All three options require different licences and carry different trade-offs.

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.

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 town: Our price index shows median prices for every town we cover.
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.

Price ranges on this page are illustrative — derived from published rates on operator websites. See our methodology for how data is collected. Ranges will narrow as our dataset grows.