29/08/2026
I've recently been asked why my 5 ⭐ home boarding costs £40 per 24 hours, with the suggestion that it's "too expensive" and kennels are less so…
Rather than replying to just one person, we thought I'd explain exactly what that price covers. 💕
For comparison our local 3⭐ kennels now charge around £34.50 per night. Another local kennels also offers day care/kennel stays for £60 for a spaniel. Yes you read that correctly folks £60!
The difference isn't about one being better than the other—it's about offering two very different types of care. Every owner chooses what they feel is best for their dog, and I completely respect that. ❤️
One of the biggest differences is what happens overnight….
When I contacted a couple of local kennels, I was told that dogs are generally settled into their kennels from around 5pm and aren't taken out again until the following morning. That means no evening comfort breaks and no overnight companionship. This isn't a criticism of kennels—it's simply how those businesses operate, and one of the reasons home boarding and kennel boarding are very different services.
My guest dogs stay in my home, becoming part of the family while they're with me. They enjoy home comforts, companionship, enrichment and plenty of individual attention.
Some people imagine boarding means dogs settle down for the night and I do too. The reality is often very different! 🫣
Some dogs need a few days to settle. They may wake during the night, bark, whine, pace around or simply need reassurance, which can mean several nights of broken sleep for me.
Others (who shall remain nameless! 😂) will only eat their dinner if it's served and supervised 121. That's the level of personalised care I'm happy to provide.
When you break it down, £40 for 24 hours works out at just £1.67 per hour before any business expenses are deducted.
From that, I still cover:
🐾 Cleaning products and endless laundry
🐾 Professional cleaning
🐾 Heating, electricity, water and home maintenance
🐾 Garden and fencing upkeep
🐾 Fuel, transport, vehicle valeting, travel crates and car insurance
🐾 Secure dog park visits
🐾 Business insurance
🐾 Licensing, training and ongoing business costs
🐾 Wear and tear on my home
🐾 Tax and National Insurance
But the biggest part of what you're paying for can't be listed on an invoice...
❤️ Responsibility for your dog throughout their entire stay
❤️ A safe, loving home-from-home environment
❤️ Individual care tailored to your dog's needs
❤️ Patience, reassurance and plenty of cuddles
❤️ Treating every dog as if they were one of my own
I absolutely love what I do, and wouldn't change it for the world. 🥰
So when you see £40 for 5 ⭐ home from home boarding, you're not simply paying for somewhere for your dog to sleep.
You're investing in peace of mind, knowing your dog is staying in a loving home environment, receiving personalised care and attention, and being treated like part of the family until it's time to go home.
Home boarding isn't for everyone, and neither are kennels. Both have their place, and every owner should choose the option that best suits their dog.
My pricing simply reflects the level of care, responsibility and personalised service I proudly provide.
Thank you to every family who trusts me with their precious dogs. It truly means the world to me 🐶💕
