Kennel prices: how much do boarding kennels cost?

Boarding kennels almost always charge per dog, per day (some quote per night). The headline daily rate is only part of the cost, though. How days are counted, deposits and extras can change what you pay.

What a kennel price usually covers

At the kennels we’ve checked, the daily rate typically includes:

• A kennel of their own (or shared with dogs from the same household)
• Food, unless your dog needs a special diet you supply
• Bedding, and daily exercise
• Supervision and access to a vet if needed

What changes the price

• Shared kennels. Two dogs from the same household sharing a kennel usually cost less per dog than two separate kennels. In Warrington, for example, one kennel publishes £20 a day for one dog and £36 a day for two sharing.
• Kennel size. Some kennels offer larger rooms for big dogs or for extra comfort at a higher rate.
• Arrival and departure days. Many kennels charge for both the drop-off day and the pick-up day, so a 7-night holiday can mean 8 days’ boarding.
• Peak season. Summer holidays, October half-term and Christmas fill up early, and some kennels ask for a deposit only at busy times.

Extra costs to ask about

• Non-refundable deposits, and cancellation charges
• Giving medication
• Grooming or a bath before collection
• Collection and delivery
• Bank holiday or Christmas Day surcharges

How to compare quotes fairly

1. Ask for the total price for your dates, not just the daily rate.
2. Check whether both arrival and departure days are charged.
3. Ask what happens if you need to cancel or change dates.
4. Compare the council star rating alongside the price. See what star ratings mean.

Prices near you

We show published prices for every kennel in each town we cover, with the date we checked them. Where a kennel doesn’t publish prices, owner-submitted prices help fill the gap.

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