How much does dog boarding cost in the UK?

There is no official price list for dog boarding. Councils license kennels and home boarders but do not set or publish their prices. So the honest answer is "it depends", but there are some published figures you can use as a starting point.

What published research says

The most widely reported recent figures come from research by the pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters, published in January 2025. It gave these UK national averages:

The same research found big differences between cities, with kennel prices in Oxford reported at £80.11 per night. It also estimated that owners spend an average of £918.50 a year on holiday pet care.

Two cautions. First, TrustedHousesitters runs a house-and-pet-sitting service, so it is not a neutral party when comparing sitting with kennels. Second, a national average hides a wide spread. Use it to sense-check quotes, not as a price you should expect to pay.

We have not found any official or government source for home boarding or day care prices, so we do not quote a figure for those here. The quickest way to get a real figure is to ask three or four licensed businesses near you for their current rates.

What makes boarding cost more

Where you live

Land, wages and demand differ hugely around the country, so a kennel in the South East will usually charge more than one in a rural area further north.

When you travel

Every licence sets a maximum number of animals, so capacity is fixed. In school holidays, at Christmas and over bank holidays, many businesses add peak-season supplements, set minimum stays or require deposits. Book early for these dates.

Your dog

Larger dogs often cost more. Dogs that need medication, a special diet or extra handling may cost more too. Two dogs from the same household sharing a kennel are often cheaper than two separate places.

Type of care

Home boarders look after only a handful of dogs in their own home, which limits how many paying guests they can take. That tends to make home boarding cost more per dog than a large kennel, though not always. Day care is priced per day rather than per night. Our comparison guide explains the differences.

Extras

Look out for charges for collection and drop-off, extra walks, grooming, giving medication, bank holiday surcharges and cancellation fees.

Does a higher star rating mean a higher price?

Not necessarily. In England, councils award 1 to 5 stars based on welfare standards and risk, not price or luxury. A business meeting the higher welfare standards may well charge more because it provides more space or staff time, but plenty of reasonably priced kennels hold 5 stars. See what kennel star ratings mean.

Hidden costs owners forget

• Vaccinations. Most kennels and home boarders require up-to-date vaccinations, and many ask about kennel cough vaccination too. Check how far in advance it must be given before the stay.
• Flea and worming treatment. Many businesses ask for proof this is up to date.
• Vet bills while you are away. Ask what happens if your dog becomes ill and who pays. Check what your own pet insurance covers.
• Trial stays. Home boarders often want a short paid trial visit before a longer booking, especially for nervous dogs.

How to keep the cost down safely

1. Book early for peak dates, when prices and availability are least in your favour.
2. Compare several licensed businesses in your area. Search by postcode or town.
3. Ask about multi-dog and long-stay discounts.
4. Check what is included so you compare like with like.
5. Never trade safety for price. A cheap "boarder" who cannot show a council licence is operating illegally, and you have far less protection if something goes wrong. Here is how to check a licence.

Find a licensed boarder near you: search by postcode or town or browse by council.

Last reviewed 27 October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check with your council.