How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost?
Boarding is priced per night, per dog. Kennels, home boarding, daycare and in-home pet sitters all charge differently, and prices rise around school and public holidays. Enter the nightly rate you have actually been quoted.
Dog Boarding Cost Per Night and Per Week
Multiply the nightly rate by the number of nights, then add any holiday surcharge, collection fee or extras. A week away is seven nights at the quoted rate, and some providers charge extra for medication or longer walks.
Dog Boarding Cost Per Year
Add up every trip you expect to take. The calculator totals all nights across the year and shows a monthly average so boarding can sit in your regular dog budget instead of arriving as a surprise before each holiday.
Kennel, Daycare or Pet Sitter?
Kennels are often cheaper per night and require up-to-date vaccinations. Sitters give one-to-one care at home and suit anxious or older dogs. Daycare covers working days rather than nights away. Compare the three by entering each provider's rate.
How the calculator works
- 1
Choose the type of care
Kennels, an in-home pet sitter or daycare. Each is priced differently: kennels and sitters by the night, daycare by the day.
- 2
Enter the rate you have been quoted
Use a real quote where you have one, including peak-season surcharges. Rates differ substantially by region and by the size of the dog.
- 3
Count trips, not just nights
Two holidays, a wedding and a work trip add up. The calculator multiplies cost per trip by the number of trips a year, plus any extra fees.
- 4
Look at the monthly average
Spreading the annual figure across twelve months turns a large lump into a manageable monthly amount to set aside.
What costs are included
Nightly or daily rate
The headline price of care. Ask what is included: food, walks, medication administration and collection are often charged separately.
Length of stay
Nights per trip, or days per week for daycare. Drop-off and collection times can add an extra day to a booking.
Trips per year
Holidays, family visits, weddings and work travel. Most people count two and find four.
Extra fees
Collection and delivery, holiday surcharges, medication administration, trial days required before a first booking, and peak-date pricing.
Factors that affect the cost
Season
School holidays and public holiday periods are priced at a premium and booked months ahead. Mid-year travel is usually cheaper.
Region
Boarding near a major city costs more than rural boarding, and demand is tighter.
Size and temperament of the dog
Large dogs, dogs that cannot mix with others, or dogs needing medication may need a premium space or one-to-one care.
Booking type
A sitter staying in your home costs more per night but may save on multiple dogs. Kennels often charge per dog, with a discount for two from the same household.
Example: two weeks of kennels and a long weekend
An illustrative example using example booking patterns and example prices.
| Kennel rate | $42 per night |
|---|---|
| Trip 1 — 14 nights | $588 |
| Trip 2 — 3 nights | $126 |
| Collection and holiday surcharges | $50 |
| Total nights away | 17 |
| Estimated annual boarding cost | $764 · monthly average $64 |
Your figure will follow your travel patterns more than anything else. Add a trip if you expect one and the annual total changes immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to board a dog for a week?
Multiply the nightly rate by seven and add any booking, collection or holiday surcharges. The calculator shows cost per trip and then repeats it across all your trips in a year.
Is a pet sitter more expensive than kennels?
Per night, usually yes. Sitters give one-to-one care in the dog's own home, which suits anxious dogs, older dogs and multi-dog households. Kennels are often cheaper per dog but charge per animal and require vaccinations.
How far in advance should I book?
For peak holiday periods, as early as you can — popular facilities fill months ahead and many require a trial stay before a first booking. Off-peak is far more flexible.
Does daycare cost the same as boarding?
No. Daycare is charged per day and the dog comes home at night. Multiply the daily rate by the days per week you expect to use it and add that to the annual figure if it applies to you.
Does where I live change what pet ownership costs?
Yes, and often by more than people expect. Rent, boarding, grooming and veterinary fees all vary between regions and between city and rural practices. The country selector changes the currency and the suggested starting figures, but your own postcode is the single biggest influence on the numbers you should type in. If you have a real quote from a local vet, groomer or kennel, use that instead of a suggested figure.
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