What is the cost of dog boarding, dog sitting, and kenneling?

While many dog owners enjoy being the sole carer for their pet, there are times when a helping hand is needed. Vacations, travel for work, and even longer days at the office all require finding someone to look after your dog while you’re away, and it’s good to know the different options available and the costs involved. Read on if you’ve ever wondered:

• What kinds of services look after your pets?
• What are the typical costs of each service?
• What kind of care is best for your dog?
• What factors affect dog boarding?
• Are there alternatives to dog boarding?

There are a variety of different services that provide care for your pet while you’re away, and the cost of each differs. Dog sitting, dog boarding, and kenneling your dog can range from CAD $14 to CAD $86 a day, depending on the service you choose. Find the service that best suits your pet’s needs.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to who looks after your dog when you aren’t able to, and your choice depends on your dog’s needs and personality, as well as your budget.

At-home boarding

Having your dog looked after in another home is an attractive option. At-home boarding works well for dogs who enjoy constant companionship, as well as younger dogs who need more time and attention by default.

Some people who board dogs do not have other pets, which is ideal for under-socialized dogs or dogs who are aggressive with other animals. However, many of those who offer at-home boarding have other pets or board multiple dogs at the same time. If being around other animals stresses your dog, you might consider another option.

The average cost of at-home boarding: CAD $57-CAD $86 per day

Boarding kennels

Boarding kennels are less personal, as dogs are kept separately in kennels and are taken out for play time and exercise a few times a day. This environment can be stressful for dogs with separation anxiety,  but some dogs enjoy time away from home and limited interaction with new people.

Most kennels offer to kennel two dogs together, which is perfect if you have more than one dog. Being with a friend can make your dog’s experience much more pleasant.

Ensure the kennel is licensed by the local authority and has good reviews. Kennel staff are generally happy to let you tour the facility as well, and most kennels send regular “pupdates” and pictures.

The average cost of kenneling: CAD $29-CAD $50 per day

Dog Sitters

Dog sitting involves  a sitter coming to your home to look after your dog. Sitters may stay in your home while you’re away, or you can schedule daily visits. You can also arrange an itinerary with them and decide how often they walk your dog. Most owners who only book sitters for a few hours a day use doggy cameras to monitor their dogs when the sitter isn’t there.

It’s important that your dog gets along with the sitter, and you can arrange a meetup or walk before you go away.

Sitters can be found by asking people you know for recommendations. It’s especially useful to ask around in local dog parks or at your vet. You can also use established apps like Wag! or Rover, where sitters are verified and reviewed.

The average cost of dog sitting: Hourly rate of CAD $14-CAD $29 or day rate of CAD $43-CAD $72

Typical costs for one week away

At-home boarding: CAD $402-CAD $602

Kennels: CAD $201-CAD $351

Dog sitters: CAD $301-CAD $502

Each service comes with different benefits and also certain drawbacks.

In-home boarding is perfect for anxious dogs who like routine, and it also works well for older canines with dementia who struggle in new environments.

Dog kennels are often a good choice for adult dogs who are independent and do not need constant human companionship. However, some dogs find kennel environments stressful, and there is a risk of infectious disease whenever a number of dogs are kept in close proximity.

Dog sitters are an excellent in-between option for dogs who don’t need constant companionship but also get anxious when not at home.

Choosing the right service depends on your dog’s needs and temperament. Consider whether your dog gets along well with other animals, whether they stress easily in new environments, and whether your dog needs human companionship. The differences between each service give you the opportunity to find the perfect kennel or sitter for your dog.

Can you board dogs with medical issues?

If your dog has medical issues and needs daily medication, you may be reluctant to leave them in the care of others. However, larger kennels are used to dealing with most chronic medical conditions and may even have a working relationship with the local vet. Some vets offer kennelling service as well, and many vet nurses are dog sitters on the side. Ask your local clinic if they provide any kennelling or dog sitting services.

If you’re not sure which option is best for your beloved dog, you can book an appointment online with a vet who can talk you through the options in more detail and help you make a decision based on your dog’s individual needs. Discussing the available services with a vet is especially useful if your dog has underlying behavioural issues or anxiety.

Dog boarding costs vary depending on a number of factors, such as:

Location

The general price of dog boarding is determined by your local market and supply and demand. Larger cities tend to mean higher prices, though occasionally competition can drive costs down.

Length of stay

The longer your dog stays in the care of others, the higher the bill. If you need to board your dog for a very long time, it is worth asking if a discount is possible, and kennels or dog sitters you use regularly are more likely to be open to negotiating the price.

Number of animals

Boarding more than one dog can sometimes earn you a discount. For example, some kennels offer 10%-20% off when two dogs from the same household are kennelled together.

Size of your dog

You may find yourself paying a supplemental charge if your dog is very large due to the extra space required to kennel them, their higher exercise requirements, and their larger diet.

Temperment of your dog

If your dog has behavioural issues such as separation anxiety or aggression, you might face a higher bill that reflects any extra time and work required to properly care for your dog. Similarly, if your dog has to be kennelled alone or can’t stay in a home alongside other pets due to their temperment, the cost may increase.

Peak season

The price of having your dog looked after varies throughout the year because of the surge of demand that occurs around the holiday season and the summer.

Having someone you know look after your dog is typically the most affordable option, and if you can return the favor, there may be no fee involved.

Alternatively, if you’re boarding your dog, consider supplying their food for the duration of their stay. Providing your dog with food from home can cut costs and ensure their diet remains the same, which also helps your dog avoid an upset stomach due to new foods.

As most services charge from the moment your dog is dropped off to the moment they’re picked up, organizing  your time away around drop-off and pick-up can also lessen some of the cost. Schedule changes as simple as leaving on a later flight or returning home before midday can save you two full days of fees.

There are lots of apps and websites where you can find profiles of dog sitters offering solutions. Sites like Borrow My Doggy, based in the UK, match people with doggy “borrowers” who do not charge for looking after your dog. They simply want to spend time with a dog and do not seek any compensation.

Dog borrowing is no doubt a very affordable solution. While you don’t pay for the service, you may pay a fee of about $50 to set up a profile and access the site’s insurance.

Sometimes, a dog may become unwell after staying in a kennel. The stress of being away from home can weaken their immune system and leave them open to infection, which is especially unhealthy when they are mixing with other dogs. Some dogs may present with symptoms such as lack of appetite, vomiting, or coughing after leaving a kennel.

It’s best to discuss any concerns with a vet, and you can reach out to an online vet at any time. A Vetster veterinarian can assess the situation and talk you through your options, which may include caring for your dog at home, heading to a vet clinic as soon as possible, or holding off on a clinic visit until the next day.

The cost of dog boarding depends on which service you choose as well as other factors, such as the duration of your dog’s stay and the number of pets you board. Each boarding option is priced differently due to the range of individual services provided, and while budget is a consideration when deciding whether to board your dog or hire a sitter, ultimately the best choice is what’s most comfortable for your pet.