Costs for dog care and boarding: What dog owners need to know

Imagine you're planning a long-awaited trip or you're very busy at work, but your four-legged friend is smiling at you with his faithful gaze and wondering who will look after him. The answer lies in reliable dog care or dog boarding! Whether you're a globetrotter or a professional jetsetter, the cost of dog care and boarding is an essential aspect of dog ownership that should be planned for in advance. In this article, we'll look at the basics of dog daycare and boarding, analyse their costs and provide helpful tips to ensure your four-legged friend is well looked after.

Choosing the right care: dog sitter vs. boarding kennel

Before we take a closer look at the cost of dog care and boarding, it's important to understand the alternatives. There are two primary popular options: A dog sitter who looks after your dog at home, or a boarding kennel where your pet lives for a set period of time.

Dog sitter: A dog sitter will either come to your home or take your pet with them so that they stay in a familiar environment. This option is ideal for dogs that like little change.

• + Advantages: Personalised care, less stressful environment for the dog, flexibility.
• - Disadvantages: More expensive than kennels, availability can be a problem.

Boarding kennels: In a kennel, your dog will be looked after together with other dogs. This is often a good option for well-socialised animals that enjoy interacting with other dogs of their own species.

• + Advantages: socialisation with other dogs, often cheaper.
• - Disadvantages: Change of environment, possible separation anxiety.

Factors that influence costs

The cost of dog care and boarding can vary greatly depending on several factors. Here are the main influencing factors:

1. Location: In large cities such as Berlin, Munich or Hamburg, the costs are generally higher than in rural areas.
2. Duration of care: Short stays are of course cheaper than a stay of several weeks.
3. Breed and size of the dog: Larger dogs or special breeds can be more expensive to look after as they require more space and possibly more attention.
4. Special needs: Does your dog have special medical requirements or need separate training? These extras come at an additional cost.

Typical costs per region and form of childcare

Now that we know the influencing factors, it's time to look at the numbers. Here is a rough overview of how the costs for dog care and boarding can vary:

Dog sitter costs

• In rural areas: 10 to 20 euros per day.
• In smaller towns: 15 to 30 euros per day.
• In large cities: 25 to 50 euros per day.

Dog boarding costs

• In rural areas: 15 to 25 euros per day.
• In smaller towns: 20 to 35 euros per day.
• In large cities: 30 to 60 euros per day.

However, please note: These prices are general guidelines and can vary greatly depending on the establishment. Some boarding kennels offer discounts for longer stays or for multiple dogs.

Practical tips for saving costs

Saving money while ensuring the best possible care for your dog doesn't have to be a contradiction in terms. Here are some tips that can help you keep the costs of dog care and boarding low:

• Book early: Popular facilities book up quickly, especially during the holiday season. Booking early can ensure that you get better prices.
• Search for local recommendations: Local recommendations are often more attractive in terms of price than online portals. Friends, family or other dog owners are often the best contacts here.
• Check extras carefully: Think carefully about which additional services you really need. If, for example, daily walks are charged extra, it helps to check whether you can do without them.
• Negotiate: It doesn't hurt to negotiate on prices, especially if you'll be using the same services regularly.

Special options for frequent travellers and professionals

Travelling a lot for work or constantly on the road? Then alternative solutions such as dog day care centres or a dog exchange programme could be exciting for you.

Dog day care centres: These offer all-day care and activities, similar to a daycare centre for children. Ideal for keeping your dog company in your absence.

Dog exchange programmes: This innovative idea allows you to connect with other dog owners and take care of each other's dogs - a considerable cost saving!

Why childcare costs should not be underestimated

Finding the perfect care for your dog is more than just a question of price. It's about finding a reliable, loving and professional partner who values your pet as much as you do. Ultimately, the cost of dog care and boarding is an investment in the welfare of your faithful companion when you can't be by their side yourself. And that, according to dog experts, is worth every cent!

With this in mind, we hope that your furry friend is in the best of hands while you're away - and that you can enjoy your adventure without a care in the world!

FAQs on dog care and boarding

How much should you charge for dog care?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question: dog sitter prices vary greatly. On average, between 5 and 20 euros are charged per hour. This rate depends on the work involved, the size of the group and optional additional services.

What do dog sitters charge per day?

The daily flat rate varies, but is usually between 10 and 15 euros. For all-day care or overnight stays, the costs are usually around 15 to 30 euros per day.

How much does a good kennel cost per day?

Standard dog boarding facilities offer basic care, including feeding, walking and a place to sleep. Prices vary depending on the region, facilities and availability, but are usually between 20 and 40 euros per day.

What influence does the size of the dog have on the childcare costs?

The size of the dog can affect the cost, as larger dogs require more food and may be considered more unpredictable despite their docile nature. As such, prices vary according to breed and weight class, often with an additional premium for larger breeds.

Are there ways to save on the cost of dog care?

Yes, there are some ways to reduce costs. Early booking discounts or discounts for longer stays are often offered by boarding kennels. Personal recommendations and local dog care groups can also offer cheaper alternatives. Dog exchange programmes are also a creative solution to save costs.