How much does home boarding cost vs kennels?

Traditional kennels typically charge £15–30/night but often add extras (medication, exercise, bedding) that push the real cost up. Home boarding on UrPetPals starts from £25/night and includes daily GPS-tracked walks and photo updates — which you'd pay extra for at kennels. When you compare total cost, home boarding is often competitive, or even cheaper.

Will my dog get walked during boarding?

Yes. All UrPetPals boarding includes daily GPS-tracked walks and photo updates. At traditional kennels, exercise is often charged as an extra or limited to a small exercise yard rather than a proper walk.

What if my dog is anxious or nervous?

Home boarding is the single best option for anxious dogs. No barking neighbours, no concrete runs, no strange smells from dozens of animals — just a quiet family home. When booking, you can share your dog's anxiety triggers so the host can prepare. Many UrPetPals hosts specifically specialise in nervous dogs.

Can I meet the host before booking?

Yes. We strongly encourage a meet-and-greet before any boarding stay. You can message any host via the platform, arrange to visit their home, and let your dog meet them on neutral ground. If the fit isn't right, there's no obligation.

🏠 Home Boarding — The Modern Alternative to Kennels

Looking for dog kennels near you?
Your dog deserves better than a concrete run.

Thousands of UK dog owners have switched from kennels to UrPetPals home boarding. Real homes. Real care. Live GPS updates. No cage, no concrete, no neighbours barking all night.

4.9★

Average rating

100%

ID-verified hosts

£25

From per night

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Support available

Find a Home Boarder Near Me →View All Boarding Options

The truth about traditional kennels

Kennels have been the default for decades. That doesn't mean they're right for your dog.

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Elevated stress levels

Research published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science found cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in dogs increase significantly within days of kennel admission — even in dogs with previous kennel experience.

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Constant noise

A busy kennel can have 20–100 dogs. Barking is continuous and stressful — especially for anxious, elderly, or sensitive dogs who have no escape from the noise.

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Kennel cough risk

Kennel cough (Bordetella) spreads rapidly in high-density environments. Even vaccinated dogs can contract strains not covered by the vaccine. It's a known occupational hazard of kennel stays.

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Costs more than it looks

Base kennel rates of £15–25/night often exclude extras: medication administration (£3–5/day), individual exercise runs (£5–10/day), bedding, and special diets. The final bill is rarely the advertised price.

Home boarding vs kennels — the honest comparison

Every factor that matters to your dog.

Factor	🏠UrPetPals Home Boarding	🏗️Traditional Kennels
Sleeping environment	Real home — sofa, bed, or crate in a family home	Concrete or wooden kennel run
Number of dogs around	1–3 dogs max (like a family home)	20–100+ dogs, often bark constantly
Exercise	Daily GPS-tracked walks included	Often a small yard; full walks extra
Photo & video updates	Live updates throughout the day	Rarely — maybe one photo if you ask
1-on-1 attention	Same as any family pet would receive	Staff split across dozens of dogs
Anxiety & stress	Lower — quiet, familiar home environment	Higher — noise, strange smells, no routine
Best for anxious dogs	✅ Strongly recommended	❌ Often makes anxiety worse
Best for senior dogs	✅ Ideal — calm, quiet, monitored	❌ Cold and hard on joints
Medication administration	Included — discuss with host at booking	Usually charged extra
Price (per night)	£25–65 — all inclusive	£15–30 base + extras often £40–50 total
ID verification	✅ All hosts verified	Licence required but varies in quality
Reviews from real owners	✅ Verified reviews on each profile	Reviews rarely dog-specific

Switching from kennels is easier than you think

Four steps. Most people book within 10 minutes.

Enter your postcode

Find verified local hosts near you — see photos of their home, their dogs, and read genuine owner reviews.

Meet the host

We encourage a meet-and-greet before any stay. Your dog meets the host, sees the house, and you decide if the fit is right.

Book securely

Secure payment via Stripe. Your money is protected — you only pay when the booking is confirmed.

Get live updates

Photos, GPS walk maps, and messages throughout the stay. You'll see more than you ever did leaving them at a kennel.

Which dogs benefit most from home boarding?

Spoiler: most of them.

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Anxious dogs

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

If your dog struggles with separation or gets overwhelmed by noise and other animals, a kennel can make things significantly worse. Home boarding — with a calm, experienced host — is the closest thing to being at home.

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Puppies

IDEAL

Young dogs need routine, consistency, and 1-on-1 attention. Kennels provide none of that. Home boarding keeps their routine intact — same feeding times, same sleep schedule, same kind of walks.

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Senior dogs

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Older dogs feel the stress of kennels more than younger ones — and cold, hard kennel floors can be genuinely painful for arthritic dogs. A sofa, a warm bed, and a quiet home is what they need.

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Dogs on medication

INCLUDED

Kennels charge extra for administering medication, and consistency is variable. UrPetPals hosts are briefed fully on your dog's medication schedule and it's included in the price.

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Only dogs

GREAT FIT

Dogs who have never lived with other dogs can find kennels overwhelming. Home boarding allows for careful introductions — or for a host who has no other dogs during your stay.

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High-energy breeds

MUCH BETTER

Spaniels, Huskies, Vizslas — breeds that need real exercise can't thrive in a small kennel run. Home boarding includes GPS-tracked walks and active, engaged hosts.

What does home boarding actually cost?

Often less than kennels once you add the extras — and everything is included.

Solo stay

From £25/night

Single dog, includes 1 GPS walk + photo updates

Best for anxious dogs who prefer no other pets

Standard stay

From £30/night

Any dog, any size — 2 GPS walks + daily updates

Most popular option — replaces a kennel stay directly

Extended stay

From £35/night

7+ night holidays — 3 walks + daily video update

Discounts available for 2-week+ stays

💡 Compare carefully: A typical kennel charges £20/night base + £5/day medication + £8/day individual exercise + £3/day bedding = £36/day total. UrPetPals home boarding starts at £30/night — with everything included.

What owners say after switching from kennels

★★★★★

Switched after 6 years of kennels

“We used the same kennels for 6 years. Max always came back stressed and quiet for days. First stay with UrPetPals and he came back tail wagging. Never going back to kennels.”

Sarah M.

Labrador, 5 years old · Manchester

★★★★★

Anxious rescue dog — transformed

“Poppy is a rescue with serious anxiety. Kennels were completely out of the question for us. The home boarder was incredible — sent photos every few hours. Poppy was actually happy.”

James T.

Rescue Greyhound, 3 years · Liverpool

★★★★★

Elderly dog + medication included

“Our old boy is 12 with arthritis. The kennels we tried couldn't give him the care he needs. His UrPetPals host even did his medication and sent a video every evening.”

Rachel K.

Golden Retriever, 12 years · Warrington

Everything that's included — no hidden extras

No surprise bills at the end. No “extras” that turn out not to be optional.

✓Daily GPS-tracked walks

✓Live photo & video updates

✓Feeding to your schedule

✓Medication administration

✓Bedding and sleeping area sorted

✓Meet-and-greet before booking

✓Messaging with your host throughout

✓Secure Stripe payment (money protected)

✓Emergency support 24/7

✓Verified host profile with real reviews

Find Home Boarding Near Me →

No booking fees. Secure Stripe payment.

Common questions

Is home boarding better than kennels for dogs?+

For most dogs, yes. Research shows cortisol levels increase significantly in kennel environments — even in dogs with prior kennel experience. Home boarding means your dog sleeps in a real house, gets 1-on-1 attention, and follows a normal daily routine. It's especially beneficial for anxious, elderly, or sensitive dogs.

How much does home boarding cost compared to kennels?+

Traditional kennels typically charge £15–30/night base rate — but medication administration, individual exercise, bedding and special diets are usually charged as extras. Most owners end up paying £35–50/night total. UrPetPals home boarding starts from £25/night and includes daily GPS walks, photo updates, and medication. The total cost is often comparable, sometimes cheaper, with significantly better care.

Are UrPetPals boarding hosts verified?+

Yes. Every host goes through identity verification and profile review before accepting bookings. You can read verified reviews from real dog owners, message hosts directly, and arrange a meet-and-greet before committing to a booking.

Will my dog get proper walks — not just a kennel exercise run?+

Yes. All UrPetPals home boarding includes daily GPS-tracked walks. You'll receive the map after every walk so you can see exactly where your dog went and for how long. Traditional kennels often offer only exercise yards, with proper walks charged as an expensive extra.

What if my dog is anxious or has never been in kennels?+

Home boarding is the best option for anxious dogs. No barking from dozens of other dogs, no unfamiliar smells from dozens of animals, no concrete runs. A home boarder can match your dog's existing routine exactly. When booking, share your dog's triggers and preferences so the host can prepare.

Can I meet the boarding host before I leave my dog?+

Yes, and we strongly encourage it. Message any host via the platform, arrange a visit to their home, and let your dog meet them first. If the fit isn't right, there's no obligation — and no payment has been taken. You book only when you're confident.