Most dogs now stay in a private home rather than a kennel, with a dedicated host family. Find local home boarders on Bark.
Home Boarding vs Kennels UK 2026
| Factor | Home Boarding | Traditional Kennels |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Family home — home from home | Purpose-built kennels |
| Stress level | Low for most dogs | Higher |
| Price | £20–£40/night | £15–£35/night |
| Licence required | ✅ Must be licensed by council | ✅ Licensed |
What to Check Before Booking
- Home boarding licence from local council — mandatory in UK since 2019
- Public liability insurance
- Maximum number of dogs boarded simultaneously
- Exercise routine — how many walks per day?
- Emergency vet protocol
- Update frequency — will they send photos?
💰 Dog Boarding Prices UK 2026
£20–£40
Home boarding per night
£15–£30
Traditional kennels per night
£30–£60
Luxury kennels per night
£15–£30
Doggy day care (daytime)
💡 Pro Tip: Request a trial night before your holiday to ensure your dog settles well with the boarding family. Reputable home boarders always encourage this.
💼 Are You a Dog Boarder?
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Find Dog Boarding on Bark →SentoBot earns a commission from Bark.com if you find a professional or sign up as a seller through our links — this never affects our recommendations. Prices vary by location and provider. Updated May 2026.