How much does dog boarding cost in the UK?

Are you fond of holidaying abroad from time to time? If you are from the UK, you are definitely not alone; in 2023, over 86 million visits to other countries were made by Brits. However, if you are a dog owner, one thing you will need to think about before a vacation is your pet’s situation.

If you can’t take them with you on the plane, this article has pointers on choosing your pet’s temporary home. It can also give you an idea of the dog boarding cost you may incur based on several factors.

What are the average costs of dog boarding in the UK?

How much does dog boarding cost? In the table below, you can check out the average cost of dog boarding per night offered by dog sitters in various cities across the UK.

What factors affect the costs of dog boarding?

Here are some of the main factors that affect the average cost of dog boarding per day, per week, or even per month:

Location

A happy Sennenhund enjoying a car ride (Source: iStock)

As seen in the table above, one’s location is a major determining factor when it comes to the price for dog boarding. Dog sitters in places with a high cost of living will naturally charge more than those in other areas. For instance, dog boarding prices in London are higher than in Birmingham since the former is the eighth most expensive city in the world in 2024.

Another way location can affect dog boarding costs in the UK is in terms of accessibility. Expect to pay more for services in a prime area that is easily within reach.

Dog size and breed

How much does it cost to board a large dog? Big dogs—such as Mastiffs and Bloodhounds—need more space and resources than small dogs like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus. This is why the average dog boarding cost for both large male and female dogs is usually higher.

How much does it cost to board a dog of a certain breed? Dog boarding prices may also increase for some high-maintenance breeds that can be challenging to care for.

Additional services

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel getting its nails clipped (Source: iStock)

Similar to dog daycare costs, the cost of dog boarding can climb if you also want to have dog walking, training, grooming, and other services for your pet. Moreover, if your dog requires special attention—like if they have to take certain medications at specific times—you may be asked to pay more for the additional service.

Other inclusions

It is wise to pack your pet’s food and toys with them during their home boarding stay so that they can retain some parts of their daily routine and feel at home, especially if they have separation anxiety. However, if you are unable to do so, you may have to pay an additional fee for the food they will consume and the toys they will play with.

Duration

A Boxer Pitbull resting its head on a stuffed animal (Source: iStock)

The average cost of dog boarding for a week will be, as one might expect, significantly higher than the price of an overnight stay. But do know that many service providers offer reduced rates if your pet will be staying with them for a longer period.

What are some ways to save on dog boarding?

The average cost of boarding a dog can be steep, so it is important not to immediately go with the first dog sitter or dog boarding facility you see; before making a decision, check out more options that may offer lower prices for the same quality of care.

Additionally, don’t book dog boarding services at the last minute. The more you delay, the fewer choices you’ll have since the affordable options get booked more easily, especially during peak travel times.

What should you look for in a dog boarding service?

It is essential to pick a good dog boarder for your pet’s well-being and safety, as well as for your peace of mind. Therefore, make sure that the answer to the following questions is a resounding yes before committing to a dog sitter or a dog boarding facility:

• Are they experienced in giving proper and adequate care for your dog?

• Do they have the necessary dog boarding licence?

• Are they fully insured?

• Is the place clean, comfortable, and safe?

• Do they have a track record of excellent service, as shown through customer reviews?

Keep your dog safe and sound with Airtasker

A Corgi relaxing beside its kennel (Source: iStock)

In need of dog boarding services for your pet? You can search for pet sitters who provide overnight services through Airtasker.

All you need to do is post a task on the website with all the necessary details, such as your location, budget, and the duration of your pet’s stay with a home boarder. You can then comb through the offers you receive and choose the one that best fits your and your pet’s needs.