You’ve finally booked that week away, sorted the travel insurance, and then the familiar question lands: what about the dog? In Ireland, kennel rates typically start at €25 per night for one dog, pushing €50 for two sharing. This guide pulls together published Irish kennel prices, safety benchmarks, and the key trade-offs between boarding and pet sitting so you can decide what works for your dog — and your budget.

4 related posts

Average nightly cost (Ireland): €25–€40 ·
Two-dog sharing rate: €30–€50 per night ·
Trial day: €15 (offered by some kennels) ·
Pet sitting alternative: recommended by RSPCA

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact uniform pricing across all Irish kennels — rates are set individually.
  • Whether long-term stays (over 3 weeks) need veterinary clearance; no national guideline exists.
  • The effectiveness of the 3-3-3 rule specifically in a kennel context is unverified.
3Timeline signal
  • Many kennels apply an extra day fee if dogs are collected after a certain time — e.g. Happy Hounds charges a full additional day for pick-ups after 1.00 pm (Happy Hounds boarding service).
  • Reception may be closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays (Happy Campers Pet Hotel).
4What’s next
  • Consider a paid trial day before booking a full stay to see how your dog adapts.
  • Compare home pet sitting — the RSPCA suggests this as a less stressful alternative (£15‑25 per visit).

Six cost‑related facts from Irish kennels, one pattern: prices are not fixed — they depend on kennel location, number of dogs, and extra services like grooming or medication.

Category Details
Average nightly cost (Ireland) €25–€40 (based on multiple Irish kennel rate cards)
Typical stay length 7–14 days (common holiday period)
Number of Dublin kennels in top organic results 5
Service options Boarding, daycare, cat boarding
Key alternative Pet sitting (recommended by RSPCA)
Single‑dog per‑night range €20 (Happy Tails) to €28 (Deutsche Boarding Kennels)

What is the average price to put a dog in kennels?

How much are dog kennels in Ireland?

Irish kennel rates vary, but a clear pricing pattern emerges from published fee cards. Happy Hounds in Meath/Dublin charges €25 per night for any size dog in 2025 (Happy Hounds boarding service). Deutsche Boarding Kennels near Dublin lists €28 per dog per night and €50 for two dogs sharing (Deutsche Boarding Kennels & Cattery). Happy Campers Pet Hotel posts €28 for a single dog for 24 hours and €196 for a full week (Happy Campers Pet Hotel). At the lower end, Happy Tails Boarding Kennels lists €20 per dog per night (Happy Tails Boarding Kennels).

The upshot

Prices cluster between €20 and €28 for a single dog — extras like late‑collection fees or additional‑dog surcharges push the real cost higher.

Factors that influence boarding prices

  • Number of dogs: Happy Hounds charges €38–€46 for two dogs depending on size; Deutsche charges €50 for two sharing.
  • Extra services: Grooming, medication, or special feeding add €5–€15 per night.
  • Seasonal demand: Summer and Christmas holidays often see a 20–30% premium.

Rover (pet boarding marketplace) confirms that location and service type are the two biggest price drivers (Rover pet boarding cost analysis).

The catch

Published rates rarely include pickup/drop‑off windows — missing the 1 pm cut‑off can cost you a full extra day fee.

How Long Can a Pet Stay in Boarding Safely?

Will my dog be ok in kennels for 2 weeks?

Most Irish kennels accept stays of 7–21 days. The key variable is the dog’s personality and the kennel’s enrichment programme. The RSPCA advises that dogs in unfamiliar environments can develop separation anxiety, but a facility with structured walks and playtime reduces that risk. No Irish regulation mandates a maximum stay, but kennels like Happy Campers require a trial day before longer bookings (Happy Campers Pet Hotel trial day policy).

Signs of stress during long stays

  • Excessive barking or whining.
  • Loss of appetite or lethargy.
  • Changes in toileting behaviour.

Riverbank Animal Hospital (veterinary clinic) notes that dogs adapt best when the kennel maintains a consistent daily routine (Riverbank Animal Hospital veterinary guidance). If stress signs appear, consider shortening the stay or switching to a home sitter.

What to watch

After 14 days, a dog’s cortisol levels may stay elevated — a veterinary check is wise for stays beyond two weeks.

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

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

Two main options: kennel boarding or a pet sitter at home. The RSPCA recommends assessing your dog’s temperament — confident dogs often handle kennels well, while anxious ones do better with a home sitter (RSPCA pet boarding advice).

Pros and cons of pet sitters vs kennels

Three dimensions, one table: cost, stress, supervision.

Factor Kennel boarding Pet sitter
Cost per night €20–€40 €15–€25 (typically per visit)
Environment Unfamiliar, social Familiar, one‑to‑one
Supervision 24/7 on‑site staff Periodic visits or live‑in

The pattern: kennels offer non‑stop human presence, but a sitter keeps the dog’s home routine intact. For a short trip (2–3 days) a sitter often wins on stress; for longer trips with no reliable sitter, a well‑chosen kennel may be safer.

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

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The 3‑3‑3 rule describes a dog’s adjustment timeline in a new environment: 3 days of decompression, 3 weeks of settling in, 3 months of bonding. The 7‑7‑7 rule stretches that — 7 days decompression, 7 weeks training, 7 months consistency. Rea Road Animal Hospital (veterinary practice) explains that both frameworks help owners understand adaptation phases (Rea Road Animal Hospital 7-7-7 rule guide).

Applying adjustment rules to kennel stays

When you drop your dog at a kennel, the first 72 hours are the hardest. A trial day mimics the “3 days” decompression — it lets the dog sniff the space and meet staff without a full‑stay commitment. Happy Hounds recommends a short initial stay to gauge comfort (Happy Hounds boarding services). The implication: a dog needs at least a few days to show its true demeanour in a kennel.

How much to charge for a 2 hour dog walk?

Average dog walking rates in the UK and Ireland

Dog walking is a separate service from boarding. In 2025, professional dog walkers charge £10–£20 per hour in the UK and €12–€20 in Ireland. Pet Sitters Ireland (pet‑care platform) lists typical prices for Dublin at €15–€18 per 30‑minute walk (Pet Sitters Ireland Dublin dog kennel comparisons).

How walking costs compare to boarding fees

A two‑hour walk at €18 per hour equals €36 — roughly the same as a night in a mid‑price kennel. If you are on a budget, consider combining a few days of boarding with a dog walker for shorter trips.

How do I prepare my dog for a stay in kennels?

Vaccination and health requirements

Every Irish kennel requires proof of current vaccinations: DHPP, leptospirosis, and kennel cough (Bordetella). The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) guidance for Northern Ireland notes that kennels must have isolation facilities for infectious disease, a standard that most Irish kennels follow (Regulation of Dog Rescue DAERA licensing standards).

What to pack for a kennel stay

  • Familiar bed and blanket.
  • Enough of your dog’s regular food (some kennels supply own food, but a sudden change can upset stomachs).
  • Favourite toy or chew.
  • Medication instructions if needed.
  • Vaccination card.

Happy Tails Boarding Kennels (“fully insured for guests”) advises owners to bring a lead and collar with ID tag (Happy Tails Boarding Kennels insurance and policies).

Bottom line: For Irish dog owners, the choice comes down to two things: whether your dog thrives on routine and whether you can find a sitter you trust. If you board, use the trial day, pack familiar items, and book early. If you stay home, interview sitters thoroughly. At €20–€40 a night, kennels represent solid value for supervised care — but never at the cost of your dog’s comfort.

Related reading: Can Dogs Eat Green Beans? · Closest Beach to Me in Ireland

Additional sources

petbusinessinsurance.ie, northsidedoggies.ie, kilkennycoco.ie, irps.ie, ibkca.ie

For a detailed breakdown of 2026 costs and sitting options in Ireland, including how pet sitting compares to traditional kennels, this guide offers real-world pricing and alternatives.

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Frequently asked questions

Do kennels provide food for my dog?

Most kennels supply standard dry food, but many strongly recommend you bring your own food to avoid digestive upset.

What vaccinations are required for boarding?

All reputable kennels require current DHPP, leptospirosis, and kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccinations. Bring proof at drop‑off.

Can I visit my dog during their stay?

Policy varies. Some kennels welcome visits during opening hours; others discourage it to avoid disturbing the dogs. Ask in advance.

How far in advance should I book a kennel?

During peak seasons (summer, Christmas) book at least 2–4 weeks ahead. Off‑peak, a week’s notice is often enough.

What is the cancellation policy at most kennels?

Many require 48–72 hours’ notice for a full refund. Some offer a credit for future stays.

Are there age limits for dogs in kennels?

Most require puppies to be at least 12 weeks old and fully vaccinated. Senior dogs may need a vet’s note for stays longer than a week.

For Irish dog owners, the choice between kennels and a pet sitter comes down to two things: whether your dog thrives on routine and whether you can find a sitter you trust. If you board, use the trial day, pack familiar items, and book early. If you stay home care, interview sitters thoroughly. At €20–€40 a night, kennels represent solid value for supervised care — but never at the cost of your dog’s comfort.