Dog Holiday Boarding Budget Calculator
Estimate the cost of boarding your dog while you’re away — kennels, home boarding, doggy daycare, and professional pet sitters — by dog size, duration, and UK location.
Calculate your dog boarding cost
Select your boarding type, enter your dog’s details and trip length, and get an instant cost estimate with a full breakdown — based on current UK rates.
Your boarding details
Fill in the fields below for an instant estimate
Additional dogs are usually charged at 50–80% of the first dog’s rate.
Enter the number of nights you need boarding.
Your Cost Estimate
Based on 2024/25 UK boarding rates
Select a boarding type, fill in your dog’s details, and click Calculate to get an instant cost estimate with full breakdown.
Which boarding option is right for you?
Every dog is different. Here’s a plain-English guide to the five most common dog boarding options in the UK, and when to use each.
Boarding Kennels
Licensed facilities where dogs stay in individual runs or suites. Staff are present during the day. A reliable option with transparent pricing — look for UKAS or local council-licensed kennels.
£15 – £55/nightHome Boarding
Your dog stays in a licensed host’s home, usually as part of the family. Ideal for social dogs who struggle in kennels. Hosts must hold a Council Animal Activity Licence (AAL).
£20 – £50/nightDoggy Daycare
Drop off in the morning, collect in the evening. Great for keeping your dog socialised and stimulated during shorter breaks or working days. Not suitable alone for multi-night holidays.
£15 – £40/dayPet Sitter (visits)
A sitter visits your home 1–4 times per day — feeding, walking, and giving company. Least disruptive for anxious dogs. Works best alongside dog walking for longer holidays.
£10 – £25/visitHouse Sitter (live-in)
A sitter lives in your home while you’re away, providing round-the-clock care. The most homelike environment — ideal for multiple pets, anxious dogs, or extended holidays.
£30 – £80/nightUK dog boarding costs by type & size
Typical nightly or daily cost ranges by boarding type and dog size (2024/25). London and South East add approximately 20–35%.
| Boarding type | Small dog | Large dog | What drives the cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding kennels | £15–£30/night | £25–£55/night | Dog size, kennel tier, location, duration |
| Home boarding | £20–£35/night | £30–£50/night | Host experience, location, dog size, extras |
| Doggy daycare | £15–£25/day | £20–£40/day | Duration, location, facilities offered |
| Pet sitter (visits) | £10–£18/visit | £12–£25/visit | Visits per day, location, dog needs |
| House sitter | £30–£55/night | £40–£80/night | Number of pets, location, stay duration |
| Grooming add-on | £25–£35 | £45–£75 | Breed, coat type, salon vs mobile |
What affects boarding costs?
Dog boarding prices vary widely. These are the main factors that influence how much you’ll pay.
Location
London and South East England typically cost 20–35% more than the national average. Rural locations are often cheaper, though choice may be more limited.
Dog size
Larger dogs require more space, food, and handling effort. Extra-large breeds can cost 40–60% more to board than a small dog at the same facility.
Season & demand
School holidays and peak summer (July–August) can push boarding costs up by 15–30%. Book early in these periods — popular places fill up months in advance.
Quality tier
Budget kennels offer basic care; luxury facilities include private suites, webcams, and enrichment activities. Premium tiers often cost 2–3× more than budget options.
Duration
Many kennels and home boarders offer discounts for stays of 2 weeks or more. A 10–15% discount for longer stays is common, especially with regular clients.
Special needs
Dogs needing medication, special diets, anxiety management, or extra walks will cost more to board. Always disclose any health or behaviour needs upfront.
Estimates based on real UK rates
Our dog boarding calculator is built on current 2024/25 market data from UK kennel directories, pet sitting platforms, and published consumer cost benchmarks — not guesswork.
We factor in dog size, boarding type, duration, location, quality tier, and add-on services to give you a realistic budget estimate before you start searching.
- ✓Based on 2024/25 UK boarding market rates
- ✓Location uplift applied for London & South East
- ✓Dog size and quality tier correctly applied
- ✓Extras: grooming, medication, insurance included
- ✓No data stored — runs entirely in your browser
- ✓Always verify your provider is council-licensed (AAL)
Dog boarding FAQs
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