Dog Kennels Near Me: 2026 Costs & Sitting Options (Ireland)

You’ve booked the flights, sorted the accommodation, and then it hits you: who will look after the dog? This guide breaks down the real costs of dog kennels in Ireland, compares them with pet sitting alternatives, and gives you expert-backed tips to make the best choice for your dog — and your peace of mind.

Average daily kennel cost in Ireland: €25–€45 ·
Average cost for 2-week stay: €350–€630 ·
Pet sitter hourly rate (Ireland): €12–€20 ·
Kennel occupancy rate increase since 2020: 15–25% ·
RSPCA-recommended kennel check items: 5

Here are the key numbers every dog owner should know before booking.

What is the average cost to keep a dog in a kennel?

Average daily rates in Ireland

Boarding kennel prices across Ireland typically fall between €25 and €45 per dog per night. Happy Campers Pet Hotel Ireland (a licensed boarding facility) lists a 24-hour sleepover at €28 for one dog, €50 for two dogs, and €70 for three. A 1.5-day stay runs €48, while a full week comes to €196. These published rates give you a concrete benchmark for what dedicated kennels charge.

According to Rover (global pet-sitting marketplace), kennel boarding averages $25 to $55 per night in the US — a range that aligns closely with Irish prices when converted, though local factors like location and season pull the numbers one way or the other.

Factors affecting price (location, season, extra services)

• Location: Dublin kennels command a premium of about 20% over rural facilities, according to Pet Sitters Ireland’s comparison page.
• Season: Summer school holidays and Christmas boost occupancy rates by 15–25%, and many kennels raise rates during those periods.
• Extras: Walks, medication administration, and grooming add €5–€15 per day.

How much does a kennel cost for 2 weeks?

A two-week stay averages between €350 and €630. Using Happy Campers’ weekly rate of €196, two weeks come to €392 before extras. Many facilities offer discounts for stays of 14 days or more, so always ask about long-stay rates. Pet Sitters Ireland notes that in-home boarding — where a carer takes the dog into their own home — often runs slightly higher than traditional kennels, but can be cheaper for multiple pets.

Where can I put my dog if I go on holiday?

Boarding kennels

Professional boarding kennels provide 24/7 supervision in purpose-built facilities. Pet Sitters Ireland (Irish pet-sitting directory) distinguishes between traditional kennels — where dogs stay in individual runs — and in-home boarding, where the dog lives in a carer’s house. The RSPCA recommends checking that the kennel is licensed, clean, and that staff handle dogs gently.

Professional pet sitters

Pet sitters visit your home or stay overnight, with hourly rates between €12 and €20 in Ireland. An overnight stay typically costs €50–€80. The main upside is that your dog stays in a familiar environment, which can reduce stress. Rover reports that home boarding through sitters averages $40–$50 per night, comparable to kennel rates when you factor in the one-on-one attention.

Leaving dog with friends/family

Relying on friends or family is often the cheapest option — usually free or the cost of a thank-you dinner. The trade-off: they may lack experience handling emergencies or specialised care. The RSPCA (animal welfare charity) recommends that anyone caring for your dog knows the vet’s contact details and your dog’s routine.

Home alone with check-ins

Leaving a dog alone for more than four hours is not recommended by the ISPCA (Irish animal welfare organisation). For short absences, a midday check-in from a neighbour or paid sitter can work, but for holidays, boarding or full-time sitting is safer.

Is it better to leave a dog at home or board?

Here’s how the three main options stack up against each other.

Pros and cons of boarding kennels

Pros and cons of leaving dog at home

Which option suits anxious dogs?

A veterinary behaviourist consulted by the RSPCA notes that dogs with separation anxiety often deteriorate in kennels because the unfamiliar environment compounds their stress. Home care — whether a sitter or friend — is usually recommended for these dogs, provided the carer follows the dog’s normal routine.

Cost comparison

For a one-week holiday, boarding a dog in Ireland costs roughly €175–€315, while a live-in pet sitter charges €350–€560 (based on €50–€80 per night). For two weeks, boarding (€350–€630) undercuts a sitter (€700–€1,120), making kennels the more economical choice for longer trips.

The trade-off: money versus peace of mind. A kennel costs less but may test an anxious dog’s resilience. Home care costs more but preserves routine. There is no universal right answer — only the right answer for your dog.

Will my dog be ok in kennels for 2 weeks?

Adjustment period for extended stays

The RSPCA (leading animal welfare charity) states that most dogs adjust to kennel life within 2–3 days. During the first 48 hours, some dogs may eat less or appear withdrawn — this is normal. By day 3, most settle into the routine of feeding times, walks, and rest periods. Facilities like Happy Campers Pet Hotel offer trial days (€15) precisely to help dogs acclimatise before a long stay.

Signs of stress to watch for

• Refusing food for more than 24 hours
• Excessive drooling or panting
• Hiding at the back of the kennel when staff approach
• Continuous barking or whining

The ISPCA (Irish animal welfare organisation) advises owners to ask the kennel for daily updates, especially during the first three days. If stress signs persist beyond 72 hours, consider an early pickup.

Preparation tips (familiar items, routine)

• Bring your dog’s favourite bed or blanket to provide familiar scent.
• Stick to the same feeding schedule as at home.
• Leave a piece of clothing with your scent — it can be calming.
• Do a trial overnight stay before a longer booking. Happy Campers charges €15 for a trial day, making it easy to test the waters.

Do dogs miss their owners when in kennels?

Yes — dogs form attachments and will miss their owners, especially in the first couple of days. However, RSPCA behaviour specialists explain that dogs are also highly adaptable. Once the kennel routine kicks in — walks at set times, meals on schedule, play with other dogs — most redirect their attention to the new environment. The key is to make the transition as smooth as possible with familiar items.

What is the 3-3-3 rule with dogs?

What is the 3-3-3 rule?

The 3-3-3 rule is a widely used adjustment guideline in the rescue community. It describes three phases: 3 days to decompress from the stress of transition, 3 weeks to settle into a new routine, and 3 months to build a full bond with a new owner. Originally developed for rescue dogs, it also helps predict how a dog might adjust to a kennel stay. Dogs Trust Ireland (rescue & rehoming charity) uses a similar phased approach in their settling-in guidance.

How does it apply to kennels?

For a boarding stay, the first 3 days are the hardest: the dog is learning the new space, staff, and schedule. By the end of the first week (roughly 3 weeks in rule terms, but accelerated), most dogs have settled. The RSPCA confirms that the adjustment period usually falls within 2–3 days, aligning with the first “decompress” stage.

What is the 7-7-7 rule for dogs?

The 7-7-7 rule is a less common variation used by some boarding facilities: 7 hours of assessment, 7 days to settle, 7 weeks to feel at home. The Pet Sitters Ireland article mentions that some in-home boarders use this framework to evaluate a dog’s compatibility with their home environment. It’s not as scientifically robust as the 3-3-3 model, but it offers a structured timeline.

The pattern: adjustment frameworks like 3-3-3 and 7-7-7 give owners a mental model for what to expect. They are not gospel, but they beat guessing — especially for first-time boarders.