Pet Sitting & Boarding in Canberra

Doggy daycare is a per-day rate, kennel/boarding is per night, and in-home overnight sitting costs the most because the sitter stays with or visits your pet. Prices rise for larger dogs, multiple pets, holidays and special-needs animals.

In Canberra, ask your vet and local pet groups, check platform reviews, then do a meet-and-greet and a short trial stay before a long booking. Insurance, references and a calm rapport with your pet matter more than the lowest nightly rate.

A professional sitter or boarder has your vet's details, written authority to seek treatment up to an agreed limit, insurance, and an emergency contact plan. Confirm all of this in writing before you travel — verbal assurances aren't enough.

It's less stressful for many pets and keeps them in a familiar environment, but 'safer' depends on the person — an insured, referenced in-home sitter beats a poor kennel, and a well-run licensed kennel beats an unvetted stranger. Judge the individual, not just the format.

Reputable boarders require up-to-date core vaccinations and usually kennel cough (bordetella) for dogs, with proof before arrival. If a facility doesn't ask for vaccination records, that's a red flag about the health of the other animals there.

Kennel boarding typically runs AUD 40-85 a night, in-home overnight sitting AUD 60-150, and daycare AUD 35-70 a day, with holiday premiums.