Is It Cheaper to Find Dog Boarding Yourself? Breaking Down the True Costs

If you’re planning a holiday or work trip, one of your first worries as a dog owner is who will look after your furry mate. In places like Camden and the rest of London, choices range from posh dog hotels to staying with a neighbour. It’s natural to think you might save money by sorting everything yourself, but is that really the case? Let’s have a proper look at what it actually costs to go it alone.

The Basics: Comparing Upfront Prices

The first thing most dog owners check is the price tag. Local professional boarding facilities in Camden usually charge anywhere from £25 to £50 a night for a standard dog suite. If you go outside of central London say, to areas like Reading, Luton or Wolverhampton prices drop a bit, with some places offering boarding from £18–£30 a night. On the flip side, finding an independent carer yourself (maybe through word of mouth or a local noticeboard) might look cheaper, sometimes starting at £15–£25 a night.

Here’s a quick comparison to give you an idea:

At first glance, doing it yourself seems like a winner for your bank balance. But let’s look at what those prices really get you.

The Extras: Hidden Costs and Surprises

When you book a professional dog boarding suite in Camden, the price covers nearly everything. Think daily group activities, staff always on hand (often at a 1:8 staff to dog ratio or better), private or semi-private sleeping areas, and sometimes even photo updates to show your pooch is happy.

With a friend or someone local you’ve found yourself, you could save a few quid, but there are often things you have to cover on top:

• Supplying all your own dog food – professionals often provide this
• Paying extra for daily walks or play
• Sorting out insurance or paying more if something goes wrong
• Potential costs for last-minute cancellations

If your sitter gets sick or can’t make it, you might be left with a mad scramble to find someone else, sometimes at premium last-minute rates.

Peace of Mind: What Are You Really Paying For?

It’s worth thinking about why some dog hotels and boarders charge more than Auntie Sue down the street. In places like Camden, Chelsea, or even bustling Manchester and Birmingham, professional facilities tend to come with:

• CCTV and secure entry for every furry guest
• Vetted, trained staff with canine first aid certificates
• Emergency vet access 24/7
• Regular updates so you can relax on your holiday

If you’re new to dog boarding or your pup has never stayed away from home before, professional places usually have set routines (like walkies at 8 am, play at 10, naps at lunchtime), which some dogs find comforting. Compare that with the varied and sometimes unpredictable days at a friend’s house, and you start to see what ‘extra’ means.

So, Does DIY Really Save You Money?

In the short term, finding a dog sitter on your own in Camden might save you a tenner here or there. But think of what’s not included possible added costs if things don’t go to plan, and the peace of mind that trained professionals bring. For anything other than a quick overnight or if your dog has tricky needs (like medication or anxiety issues), paying a little more can help you relax while you’re away.

Of course, every dog and owner is different. If you’re in Sheffield, Leeds or Newcastle and have a trusted family mate who loves your pooch, maybe that’s all you need! If you want a worry-free experience or are new to the world of pet boarding, professional facilities in Camden and nearby London boroughs may be well worth the investment. Don’t forget, we’ve got guides comparing options in other spots too from Brighton and Hove to Bristol and Sunderland so have a look and find what suits you and your best friend best.