Holiday boarding costs add up fast, and the cheapest option on paper is not always the cheapest in practice. Kennels charge per night per dog, sitters charge per visit or per night, and house sitters charge for staying in your home. Extra dogs, medication, holiday rates, and add-on walks all change the total, which is why a side-by-side comparison before you book is worth the effort.
This calculator compares three common options from the same inputs: nights away, number of dogs, and a nightly rate. It shows a kennel total, a sitter total, and a house-sitting total, with multi-dog adjustments built in. Prices vary a lot by region and season, so enter a rate from a real local quote and treat the result as a comparison, not a booking price.
Kennels are usually the most predictable option. You pay per dog per night, the price often includes feeding and basic care, and the kennel is staffed around the clock. The trade-off is a less home-like environment, set routines, and the need to book early in school holidays. Some kennels charge extra for medication, special diets, or one-to-one play, so ask what is included before you compare.
Pet sitters who visit your home keep your dog in familiar surroundings, which suits anxious dogs and dogs with strict routines. They usually charge per visit or per night, with extra dogs adding a smaller fee. The cost depends on how many visits your dog needs: a young active dog may need three visits a day, while a calm older dog may manage with two. Holiday and weekend rates are often higher.
House sitting, where the sitter stays overnight in your home, gives the most company and the most normal routine. It is often cheaper per dog than a kennel for multi-dog homes, because the sitter charges mainly for their time rather than per dog. The trade-off is having someone in your home, so references, insurance, and a clear written agreement matter more than with a kennel.
Multi-dog homes should compare totals, not nightly rates. A kennel that looks cheap per dog can cost more than a house sitter once you multiply by two or three dogs, while a sitter's per-visit fee may barely rise for a second dog. This calculator shows the totals side by side so the real comparison is visible, and it helps you spot the point where one option becomes cheaper than another.
Hidden extras can change the answer. Ask about medication fees, charges for extra walks, cancellation terms, and what happens if your return is delayed. A kennel that charges for late collection and a sitter who cannot extend may both cost more than a slightly dearer option with flexible terms. Get the full price in writing, including holiday rates, before you decide.
Book early for peak periods, and visit any kennel or meet any sitter before you commit. A clean, calm kennel with space to move and staff who know your dog's name is worth more than a small saving. A sitter who meets your dog first, learns its routine, and leaves clear notes is worth more than the cheapest quote. Your dog's comfort is part of the price, not an extra.
Prepare your dog for boarding whatever you choose. A trial night or a short stay before a long holiday shows how your dog copes and lets the carer learn its habits. Leave written feeding instructions, vet details, and an emergency contact, and pack familiar food and bedding. A dog that has practised boarding settles far faster than one sent away for two weeks with no preparation.
Use the calculator with real local rates, compare the three totals, and then visit or meet your top choice. The right option is the one that fits your budget and your dog's temperament, and a clear comparison makes that choice much easier. Book it early, prepare your dog well, and enjoy your holiday knowing the care is sorted.
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