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Pet Sitter vs Kennel: Which Is Better for Your Dog in the UK?

Deciding between a pet sitter and a boarding kennel is one of the most common dilemmas UK dog owners face when travelling. Both options have genuine advantages, and the right choice depends on your dog's temperament, health needs, and your budget.

What Is a Licensed Boarding Kennel?

A boarding kennel is a licensed facility where dogs stay while their owners are away. In England, Wales, and Scotland, boarding kennels must be licensed by the local council under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 and equivalent devolved legislation. These regulations set minimum standards for space, ventilation, exercise, feeding, and veterinary access.

Licensed kennels are inspected by council officers, and their star ratings (one to five) are published. Five-star kennels typically offer larger individual runs, more exercise, enrichment activities, and better facilities. Always choose a licensed kennel and check its current rating on the local authority register.

Kennel costs in the UK typically range from £20 to £50 per dog per night, depending on the region, the kennel's rating, and the size of the dog. School holidays and peak season dates — particularly August and Christmas — should be booked weeks or months in advance.

What Is a Pet Sitter?

A pet sitter either comes to your home to care for your dog while you are away (home-sitting) or takes your dog into their own home (home-boarding). Those offering home-boarding for more than one dog at a time must be licensed under the same council regulations. Individual home-sitters caring for a single dog in your home are not required to be licensed but should carry appropriate insurance.

Platforms such as Rover, Pawshake, and Trusted Housesitters connect pet owners with local sitters. Most sitters have profiles with reviews from previous clients. Costs typically range from £25 to £60 per night for home-boarding, and £20–£50 per day for home-sitting.

For the cost of an overnight home-sitter who stays at your property, you are typically paying £30–£70 per night — this option gives your dog minimal disruption, staying in their familiar environment with one-to-one attention.

Pros and Cons: Kennels

Kennels offer structure, professional oversight, and social interaction with staff. For dogs with multiple health conditions requiring medication, a well-run kennel with an established veterinary relationship can be safer than an inexperienced home-sitter. Kennels with on-call vet arrangements give additional peace of mind.

On the other hand, the kennel environment — particularly the noise of multiple dogs — can be highly stressful for anxious dogs, older dogs, or those not used to being around other dogs. Boarding stress can suppress the immune system and some dogs lose weight or develop digestive upset during kennel stays.

Kennels also require up-to-date vaccinations including bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine, usually administered at least two weeks before boarding. The kennel cough vaccine costs approximately £25–£40.

Pros and Cons: Pet Sitters

The main advantage of a pet sitter — particularly a home-sitter in your own house — is minimal disruption to your dog's routine. Your dog sleeps in their own bed, eats their own food, and follows their normal schedule. This is significantly less stressful for most dogs, especially older dogs, anxious dogs, or those with medical conditions.

Home-boarding is a middle ground — your dog receives one-to-one attention in a home environment rather than a kennel, though it is still a new place. Home-boarding is unsuitable for dogs that do not get along with other pets, as most home-boarders also have their own animals.

The main risk with a pet sitter is the variable quality and experience. Always meet the sitter with your dog before booking, check reviews carefully, confirm they hold appropriate insurance, and ensure they know your vet's details and are authorised to seek emergency care. For dogs on medication, ensure the sitter is confident administering it.

Find a Vet Near You

Whichever option you choose, ensure your dog's carer knows your vet's contact details and the address of the nearest emergency vet. CompareMyVet helps you find and compare vet practices near you and near your carer's location. Visit [app.comparemyvet.uk](https://app.comparemyvet.uk) to search for local practices and share the details with whoever is looking after your dog.