How much does dog boarding and kennels cost in Australia?
On PetGuides.au, standard dog boarding typically runs A$35–$85 per night, a premium suite A$75–$170, and cat boarding A$25–$65 per night. Peak holiday periods, suite type and any medication or special care drive the price most.
By PetGuides Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-06-13. Ranges are typical Australian figures from our listings sample and public price lists — always confirm the quote with the provider before booking.
Typical pet boarding costs in Australia
| Service | Typical low | Typical mid | Typical high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard boarding (per night) | A$35 | A$55 | A$85 |
| Premium suite | A$75 | A$110 | A$170 |
| Cat boarding | A$25 | A$40 | A$65 |
| Daycare day rate | A$35 | A$55 | A$80 |
| Multi-pet discount typical | 5% | 10% | 15% |
What drives the price of boarding
Boarding is priced per night, and the range is wide because “a night” means very different things:
- Accommodation type: a standard run (A$35–$85/night) is the base; a premium suite with more space, bedding or a webcam runs A$75–$170. Cat boarding is usually cheaper (A$25–$65) as cats need less space and handling.
- Peak season: Christmas, Easter and school holidays book out fast and often carry a surcharge or a minimum-stay. Booking early is both cheaper and safer.
- Size and number of pets: bigger dogs and multi-dog families cost more, though many kennels offer a multi-pet discount (often around 5–15%) for pets sharing.
- Extras and care: medication administration, special diets, extra play sessions, grooming on pickup and vet-attention plans are usually billed on top.
- Vaccination requirement: reputable kennels require current vaccination (including kennel cough) — factor that vet cost in before you board.
How to get an accurate boarding quote
Boarding quotes hinge on the dates and the dog, so be specific:
- Give exact drop-off and pickup dates and times — some kennels charge the pickup day, others don’t, and holiday rates differ.
- Ask what the nightly rate includes: feeding, exercise, how many play or walk sessions, and whether bedding is provided or you bring your own.
- Declare any medication, special diet, anxiety or health needs — these change both the price and whether the kennel can take your pet.
- Confirm the vaccination requirements and the cancellation/peak-season deposit policy before you commit.
How to keep boarding costs down
Boarding savings come from planning and from matching the service to the pet:
- Book early for holidays to dodge surcharges, minimum-stays and sold-out dates.
- Choose the accommodation tier your dog actually needs — a settled dog may be perfectly happy in a standard run rather than a premium suite.
- Ask about multi-pet discounts if you’re boarding more than one, and whether off-peak weekday rates are lower.
- Weigh boarding against an in-home pet sitter for some pets; for anxious dogs or multi-pet homes, a sitter can be comparable in price and less stressful. Compare local kennels on PetGuides.au first.
Pet boarding costs by city
Choose your city for local ranges, listing counts and nearby providers.
Pet boarding cost questions
How much does it cost to board a dog over Christmas?
Expect the standard A$35–$85 per night to sit at the higher end, often with a peak-season surcharge and a minimum-stay over the Christmas–New Year and school-holiday periods. These dates book out weeks ahead, so booking early is both cheaper and the only way to guarantee a spot. Premium suites (A$75–$170/night) fill first.
What vaccinations does my dog need to go into kennels?
Reputable kennels require your dog’s core vaccinations to be current plus protection against kennel cough, and they’ll usually ask to see the certificate before boarding. Organise this with your vet well ahead — some vaccines need time to take effect. Factor that vet cost into the boarding budget, and check each kennel’s exact requirements when you book.
Is a pet sitter cheaper than a kennel?
It varies. A kennel charges per pet per night (A$35–$85 standard), while an in-home sitter often charges per visit or per day regardless of how many pets, which can work out cheaper for multi-pet homes and less stressful for anxious dogs. A single dog in peak season may be cheaper to board. Compare both options for your situation on PetGuides.au.
Do kennels charge for the pickup day?
It depends on the kennel — some charge per night and don’t bill the final pickup day, others charge per calendar day including pickup, and many have a “collect by” time after which an extra day applies. Always confirm exactly which days are billed and the latest pickup time when you book, especially over holidays when rates are higher.
How we build these ranges
Figures are typical Australian ranges drawn from PetGuides.au listings and public price lists, rounded for guidance. They are decision support, not a quote — your final cost depends on the service, your pet and the provider.
- RSPCA Australia — Pet care and cost advice
- Australian Veterinary Association — Veterinary fees and animal health
See also our vet bill estimator and sources page.