Dog boarding London: your guide to the best pet hotels and kennels

For pet owners planning a holiday, attending a business trip or moving to a new location, finding the right place for your pet to stay is crucial. From the very beginning, London's pet boarding services make both pets and owners feel at ease. London offers an array of high-quality pet boarding options, from boutique dog hotels to trusted kennels, each catering to pets’ comfort and happiness. Every dog deserves a safe, loving and exclusive environment while their owners are away. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious, spa-like setting or a simple, cosy kennel, London has some of the best facilities to care for your furry friend while you’re away.

Here’s a look at some of the top pet boarding services in London, where quality care and a welcoming environment are always the priority. The aim of these services is to ensure every guest leaves healthy, pampered and well-behaved.

Dog boarding in London: what to expect

As a dog owner, ensuring your furry friend receives the highest level of care is always a top priority especially when life takes you away from home. Dog care in London encompasses a wide range of services, from dog boarding and daycare to professional grooming, all designed to keep your pet happy, healthy and safe. Whether you’re searching for a luxury dog hotel in South West London, a reliable sitter in North London or a trusted daycare in West London, there’s a service to suit every need and lifestyle. With so many options available, you can rest assured that your dog’s well-being is in the best hands, allowing you to enjoy a smooth journey or holiday with complete peace of mind. The right care ensures your pet stays comfortable and content, making every absence a little easier for both you and your loyal companion.

Types of dog boarding in London: hotels vs kennels

London’s vibrant pet community means dog owners have access to an impressive range of dog boarding options, each designed to make your furry friend feel right at home. From luxurious dog hotels in South West London to attentive home boarding services in West London and beyond, there’s a solution for every pet and every owner. Many boarding services offer spacious facilities, experienced teams and a variety of activities to keep dogs engaged think daily walks, playtime with other dogs and plenty of exercise to ensure your pet’s happiness and well-being. With locations across the city, including various convenient spots in North and West London, you can easily find a boarding service that fits your schedule and your dog’s needs. Whether you’re heading off on holiday or need a safe place for your pet during a busy weekend, London’s dog boarding services provide a caring, fun and secure environment, so you can relax knowing your dog is enjoying their own little adventure. 

1. Royvon dog hotel and training

Location: Sutton, Greater London

Royvon offers a comprehensive experience for pets, including luxury boarding options combined with professional dog training. The staff put significant effort into ensuring each pet's comfort and well-being, providing attentive care throughout their stay. Guests at Royvon have access to spacious accommodations, daily exercise and interactive play sessions, all under the care of their experienced and dedicated staff. This dog hotel in London also provides tailored training services, making it an ideal option for guests who would benefit from behavioural training while they are boarding. Owners will receive photo and video updates to keep connected with their pets while they are away, ensuring peace of mind at all times.

2. Elmtree pet hotel

Location: Enfield, North London

Elmtree pet hotel is located in Enfield, North London and is one of London’s premier luxury boarding facilities, designed to offer pets an enjoyable stay. Guests here have access to a range of activities, including a sensory garden, hydrotherapy and a small dog village tailored specifically for smaller breeds. The highly-trained team at Elmtree ensures each guest receives personalised attention and daily exercise, helping them feel comfortable and relaxed. This dog hotel in London is an excellent choice for guests that thrive in a structured, enriching environment.

3. The Wag Club

Location: Battersea, South London

The Wag Club in Battersea is well-known for its boarding services that combine social play with top-notch grooming. Pets at The Wag Club participate in structured social activities with other dogs, ensuring they stay active and stimulated. The Wag Club is particularly popular with owners who want their pets to enjoy a balance of grooming and social time, with plenty of interaction in a comfortable setting. Owners receive regular pictures of their pets enjoying their stay, providing peace of mind and updates on their well-being. The facility also offers stylish grooming services, so pets come home looking, feeling and even acting happier.

4. Bruce's Doggy day care and boarding

Location: Multiple locations across London and Surrey

For dogs that thrive in open spaces, Bruce’s Doggy Day Care offers the convenience to easily drop your dog off at the facility, with extensive outdoor areas and a range of enrichment activities to ensure pets remain active and happy during their stay. Bruce’s has locations around London, each providing supervised socialisation, activities and mental stimulation to keep your furry friends engaged. Flexible boarding packages allow owners to tailor the experience to their pet’s needs, making it a versatile choice for furry friends with high energy levels.

5. Home From Home dog boarding agency 

Location: Various locations throughout London

Home from Home Dog Boarding offers a unique option for pets that may feel more comfortable in a home setting, where they are treated as part of the family. This service connects pet owners with vetted, experienced sitters across London who care for pets in their own homes. Pets receive personalised care and one-to-one attention, giving them a calm, familiar environment that can ease any anxiety associated with boarding. Home from Home ensures that each sitter matches your dog's temperament and needs, providing a reliable, caring service.

6. Pet Pavilion 

Location: Multiple locations in London, including Chelsea and Kensington

Pet Pavilion’s boutique boarding services, located in multiple areas of London, focus on luxury and wellness, offering pets a relaxing, spa-like experience. In addition to comfortable boarding accommodations, Pet Pavilion provides grooming services and wellness products to keep each pet's well-being a top priority while they are away. With multiple locations around London, Pet Pavilion is a convenient choice for short stays or weekends away, making it ideal for pet owners in search of a stylish, high-quality boarding option.

London also offers unique experiences designed especially for dogs, from interactive play spaces to even cinema screenings tailored for pets. If you're curious about how dogs can enjoy the big screen, explore our guide to dog-friendly cinema experiences.

Choosing dog boarding London: what to look for

When deciding where to board your pet, consider their personality, daily routine and any special requirements you may have. Choosing a local boarding service can offer added convenience and peace of mind, as local providers are often more accessible and trusted within the community.

Many of London’s pet boarding services welcome tours, allowing you to see the facilities, meet the staff and understand the type of care your pet will receive. Look for boarding options that provide updates through photos or videos, as well as any added services that suit your pet’s needs, like grooming or training. Be sure to check for positive reviews from other pet owners to ensure a trustworthy and high-quality experience.

How Pickfords can help with pet shipping and boarding

At Pickfords', we understand that your pet’s wellbeing is a priority, especially when travel and relocation is involved. As one of the UK’s leading pet shipping services,  we ensure that pets have a safe, smooth journey when moving to a new destination. Whether it’s short holiday or an international relocation, our team can handle every aspect of pet shipping, from transportation logistics to handling customs and health regulations, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home. We also offer a pet taxi service if your pets need transporting within the UK.

For owners planning a move abroad, finding a suitable boarding service in London can be an important first step in preparing pets for their journey ahead. Many of London’s top pet boarding facilities also provide additional services, such as training and grooming, helping pets prepare and get used to new routines and environments. Some facilities offer a London collection and drop off service for added convenience, making it easier for pet owners to access comprehensive care.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your pet’s travel needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best dog boarding in London?

The best dog boarding in London depends on your needs and budget. For luxury experiences, Royvon Dog Hotel in Sutton and Elmtree Pet Hotel in Enfield offer premium facilities with training and hydrotherapy. The Wag Club in Battersea combines boarding with grooming services. For home-like environments, Home from Home connects you with vetted sitters. Prices range from £25 to £60 per night depending on services.

2. How much does dog boarding cost in London?

Dog boarding in London typically ranges from £25 to £60 per night depending on facility type and services. Standard boarding kennels in London charge £25 to £40 per night for basic care. Mid-range facilities with enrichment activities cost £35 to £50 per night. Luxury dog hotels in London offering premium services, grooming and specialised care charge £45 to £60 per night. Additional services like training, hydrotherapy or one-to-one care incur extra charges. Home boarding through services like Home from Home typically costs £30 to £45 per night.

3. What is a dog hotel in London?

A dog hotel in London is a premium pet boarding facility offering luxury services beyond basic kennels. Dog hotels provide spacious accommodations, enrichment activities, grooming, hydrotherapy and personalised care. Examples include Royvon Dog Hotel in Sutton with professional training, Elmtree Pet Hotel in Enfield with sensory gardens and Pet Pavilion with spa-like wellness services. Dog hotels typically charge £40 to £60 per night and often provide photo updates, one-to-one attention and specialised dietary care.

4. Where can I find dog kennels in London?

Dog kennels in London are available across the city, from North London ( Elmtree Pet Hotel in Enfield) to South London (The Wag Club in Battersea). Bruce's Doggy Day Care has multiple locations across London and Surrey. Traditional kennels typically offer safe, comfortable accommodation at £25 to £40 per night, whilst luxury dog hotels provide premium services at £40 to £60 per night. Most facilities welcome advance visits to view the premises.

5. What is the difference between a dog hotel and a kennel?

A dog hotel usually offers premium services such as spa treatments, grooming and enrichment activities in a luxury setting, while kennels provide safe and comfortable accommodation with essential care at a lower cost.

6. Are dog boarding services safe in London?

Yes, most boarding services in London are licensed and follow strict safety standards. It’s best to choose facilities with trained staff, secure environments and positive reviews from other pet owners. Even nervous owners have found comfort in the caring and professional approach of the staff, which helps ease any initial worries.

7. Can I visit a dog boarding facility before booking?

Many pet boarding services in London welcome tours, allowing you to meet staff, see the facilities and ensure the environment is suitable for your pet before confirming a booking.

8. Do dog boarding services in London provide updates?

Yes, several facilities provide photo or video updates during your pet’s stay, giving you peace of mind while you’re away. Some also offer live-stream cameras for real-time check-ins.

9. Do boarding services cater for pets with special needs?

Many boarding facilities in London can accommodate pets with medical conditions, dietary needs or behavioural requirements. It’s important to discuss your pet’s needs with the provider in advance.

10. How far in advance should I book dog boarding in London?

It’s recommended to book at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer holidays and Christmas, when demand for dog boarding is highest.

8. Can Pickfords help with pet relocation?

Yes, Pickfords offers dedicated pet shipping and relocation services, ensuring your pet’s journey is safe and stress-free whether you’re moving within the UK or abroad.