🏠 Home boarding — not kennels

Dog Boarding Near You.
Like Home, Not a Kennel.

Your dog stays in a real local home with a trusted, verified host. Daily walks included. Photo updates all day. Zero kennel stress.

🐾 From £25/night · Walks included · Photo updates every day

4.9★
Average host rating
100%
ID-verified hosts
£25
Starting from / night
24/7
In-app support

Why home boarding?

Kennels were the only option. Now there's a better one.

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A real home, not a cage

Your dog sleeps on a sofa, plays in a garden, and follows a normal routine — not confined to a small kennel run surrounded by 40 barking strangers.

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Photos and updates all day

Your host sends photos throughout the day. You'll know exactly how your dog is getting on — without having to wonder all holiday.

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Daily GPS walks included

Every stay includes at least one walk per day. You get a GPS route map, distance, and photos emailed to you automatically after each walk.

Verified and reviewed hosts

Every host is ID verified. Read real reviews from pet owners who've boarded their dogs with that specific host before you commit.

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Far less stress

Studies show dogs in traditional kennels experience significantly higher cortisol (stress) levels. Home boarding is especially better for anxious dogs, seniors, and puppies.

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Full handover briefing

Tell your host everything — feeding schedule, sleeping preferences, medication, favourite toys. They follow your routine exactly, so your dog doesn't even notice you're gone.

Dog boarding prices

All prices per dog, per night. Walks and photo updates included.

1 night

Trial/settle-in night — ideal first time

£25–45

Weekend (2–3 nights)

Short break cover

£50–130

Week (7 nights)

Holiday cover — often discounted

£175–300

Fortnight (14 nights)

Extended holiday — best value per night

£320–550

Large breed surcharge

Dogs over 25kg (varies by host)

+£5–10/night

Second dog (same booking)

Keeping siblings together

+£15–25/night

Prices vary by location and host. See live prices from hosts near you once you post your job.

Home boarding vs kennels

Kennels exist because nothing better did. Here's why home boarding wins on almost every measure.

Home BoardingKennels
Sleeps in a real home❌ Kennel run
1-on-1 attention❌ Shared with 20–50 dogs
Daily photo updates❌ Rarely
GPS walks included⚠️ Usually extra
Familiar routine kept
Suitable for anxious dogs❌ Often worse
Lower stress levels❌ Elevated cortisol
Owner reviews visible⚠️ Sometimes
Booking in minutes⚠️ Call ahead
Medication handled⚠️ Extra charge

How dog boarding works

1
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Post your job

Tell us your dates, your dog's breed, age, and any special needs. Takes 30 seconds.

2
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Hosts respond

Local, verified hosts message you with their availability and prices. Read their reviews.

3
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Meet and greet

Arrange a quick meet-and-greet so your dog and the host can get comfortable with each other.

4
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Drop off & relax

Drop your dog off and enjoy your trip. Photo updates all day. GPS walks. Peace of mind.

What's included in every boarding stay

At least 1 GPS-tracked walk per day
Photo updates throughout the day
Feeding and fresh water as instructed
Medication administered if needed
Personalised handover briefing
In-app messaging with your host
GPS walk report emailed after each walk
Post-stay review and rating

Frequently asked questions

How much does dog boarding cost in the UK?

Dog home boarding typically costs £25–45/night for smaller dogs and £35–65/night for larger breeds. Prices vary by location — London and South East are typically higher. Peak periods (Christmas, school holidays, bank holiday weekends) can be 10–20% more. Kennels are often cheaper at £15–30/night but offer significantly less personalised care and attention.

Is home boarding better than kennels?

For most dogs, yes. Your dog sleeps in a real home, gets 1-on-1 attention, follows a normal daily routine, and is never surrounded by dozens of stressed, barking dogs. Research shows kennelled dogs experience significantly elevated cortisol levels. Home boarding is particularly better for anxious dogs, puppies, senior dogs, or any dog that doesn't cope well in loud, unfamiliar environments.

Are UrPetPals boarding hosts verified?

Every UrPetPals boarding host goes through identity verification and profile review before accepting bookings. You can read verified reviews from real pet owners, see photos of the host's home setup, and message them directly before committing. You're never flying blind.

Will my dog get walked during boarding?

Yes — daily walks are included in every boarding stay. Your host will take your dog out at least once per day, and you'll receive a GPS walk report with the route, distance, and walk photos emailed to you automatically after each one.

What if my dog has special needs or takes medication?

Include all special requirements when posting your boarding job — dietary restrictions, medication schedules, allergies, behavioural notes, preferred sleeping arrangements. Hosts see this upfront and only respond if they're confident they can handle everything. You're always matched with someone who knows what they're signing up for.

Can I do a trial night before a longer stay?

Absolutely — and we strongly recommend it. A one-night trial (often called a 'settle-in night') lets your dog get familiar with the host's home, their other pets, and their routine before a longer holiday stay. Most hosts are happy to arrange a meet-and-greet first too.

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Want to earn money boarding dogs?

Host dogs in your home and earn £25–65/night. Keep 82% of every booking — far more than Rover. No experience needed. Apply free.

Become a boarding host →

Find dog boarding near you

Post your job in 30 seconds. Local, verified hosts respond instantly with their prices.

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