Sometimes your beloved pooch just can’t come with you. Maybe it's a work trip, a weekend away, a house move or a stretch of life admin that makes boarding the easiest option for everyone. Knowing your dog boarding cost ahead of time makes it easier to work it into the budget whenever you need to, or plan ahead so every family member gets a break worth yapping about.
In 2026, dog boarding in Australian capital cities generally sits between $60–$120 per night, with premium stays and peak-season bookings jumping higher. The final figure will depend on where you live, the type of dog boarding you choose, and what’s included once your pup checks in. But before we start throwing dollar signs around, let’s make sure you’re looking at the right kind of care. A sleepover and a day trip aren’t quite the same thing, so check out how dog boarding and daycare differ first.
Like human hotels, dog boarding prices in Australia can stretch considerably depending on the digs. A simple kennel-style stay sits at one end, while pet resorts with roomier accommodation, more play and extra creature comforts push the nightly rate up.
We’ve fetched the latest dog boarding costs around Australia for 2026, with a deep dive into what each price tier tends to include and where your extra dollars go.
2026 pricing by city and facility type
Dog boarding prices in Australia can jump around a bit depending on postcode, setup and how plush your pup's staycation is. Sydney tends to sit at the pricier end, regional stays can be gentler on the wallet, and
| City | Standard Boarding (per day) | Premium boarding (per day) | Typical peak season surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $60–$100 | $100–$150+ | Approx. 15–30% |
| Melbourne | $60–$90 | $90–$160+ | Approx. 15–30% |
| Brisbane | $55–$90 | $90–$140+ | Approx. 15–30% |
| Perth | $40–$70 | $85–$140+ | Approx. 15–25% |
| Adelaide | $50–$85 | $85–$140+ | Approx. 15–25% |
| Canberra | $55–$90 | $90–$145+ | Approx. 15–30% |
| Regional Australia | $40–$75 | $75–$120+ | Approx. 15–25% |
Aside from location, the nightly rate for dog boarding usually comes down to the style of stay and how much is packed into it. Room size, play and exercise, enrichment, one-on-one care and even your pup’s size can move the number up or down.
Christmas, Easter and school holidays are all hot tickets on the boarding calendar, too. Rates rise with demand, and Christmas/New Year can fetch the biggest premium of the lot. If your planned away dates fall in peak season, getting the booking locked in early is a very smart move.
What's included at each price tier
The nightly rate tells you the dog kennel cost, but what it doesn’t tell you is what is included. Two facilities can charge similar prices and package very different things into the stay, so it's worth looking at what your dog is getting for your dollars before you compare apples with tennis balls.
Budget boarding: around $40–$60 per night
At the lower end of the scale, you’ll typically find traditional kennel-style accommodation with the essentials covered: a secure place to sleep, meals once or twice a day and scheduled outdoor or exercise time. The setup tends to be no-frills, with fewer enrichment sessions, extras or owner updates bundled into the base rate.
That can suit doggos who are happy with a straightforward situation and owners who mainly need safe, reliable accommodation. It’s a smart idea to check the fine print so you know exactly how much exercise, social time and individual attention are included, though. Medication, walks and play sessions can also sit outside the base price, so a cheaper nightly rate may not be as appealing once the add-ons start trotting in.
Standard boarding: around $60–$90 per night.
This is where most established boarding facilities and pet resorts sit for dog boarding prices in Australia. Accommodation is generally roomier, with structured play, exercise or enrichment built into the day and standard food options included in the rate.
You may also find photo or video updates offered during the stay, depending on the facility, along with more time out of the sleeping space and a broader daily routine. These facilities are usually a good balance of comfort, activity and care.
Standard boarding is usually a strong fit for social, active pups who enjoy a bit of structure and stimulation through the day but don’t need lots of one-on-one care or a highly tailored setup. If your dog is happy joining in, settles well after activity and generally rolls with a routine, this tier can be the sweet spot.
Premium boarding: around $90–$140+ per night
At the top end, the doggy digs get fancier. Private suites or cottage-style rooms, more one-on-one time, extra enrichment and temperature-controlled indoor spaces designed to keep your VIP comfortable through hot days and chilly nights.
Premium boarding can also mean a more tailored stay. Dogs who prefer extra solo attention, need more exercise or simply enjoy spreading themselves across a room with a little more real estate may get value from the added space and time.
Some facilities may also fold in upgraded bedding, extra walks, grooming or more frequent photo and video updates. Others keep those as add-ons, so check the inclusions before you book. At this price point, you’ll want to know exactly what’s behind the bigger number, whether that’s more space, more staff time or a complete five-star pup paw-radise.
Once you've picked the digs, there's still one little thing left to tackle: getting your dog ready for their stay. A bit of preparation can go a long way, so here's everything you need to know before boarding your dog.
Book at Kip
Your dog boarding cost should buy your precious pooch more than a bed for the night. It should buy you the confidence that they are comfy, cared for, happy and in the hands of people who genuinely love dogs.
Kip dog boarding gives pups space to stretch out, plenty of activity and a whole crew of dog people dedicated to keeping tails wagging. Pricing varies by location and service. Find your nearest Kip to give your pup a stay that’s a real treat, whatever your boarding budget
