Going away and need someone to care for your dog or cat? This calculator compares the four usual options for your trip: a boarding kennel or cattery, drop-in visits, an overnight sitter at your home and a live-in house-sitter. Enter your nights away, number of pets and state, and it shows the total for each and which is cheapest.
Prices come from our dog boarding, cat boarding and pet sitting guides.
Going Away? Boarding vs Pet Sitter Cost Calculator
Compare a kennel or cattery, drop-in visits, an overnight sitter and a house-sitter for your trip.
Based on state averages from our dog boarding, cat boarding and pet sitting guides (2026). Long-stay discounts of 5% (7+ nights) and 10% (14+ nights) are applied to boarding. Extra pets add about $10 per visit or night with a sitter. Christmas and school holidays cost more and book out early.
How this calculator works
How each option is priced:
- Kennel or cattery: the state average nightly rate, with long-stay discounts of 5% from 7 nights and 10% from 14 nights. Premium suites cost about 60% more. Extra pets sharing are charged at about 85%.
- Drop-in visits: two visits a day for dogs and one for cats, at about $35 a visit adjusted for your state.
- Overnight sitter: about $75 a night for someone to sleep at your place.
- House-sitter: about $55 a night for someone living in while you travel.
Extra pets add about $10 per visit or night with sitters. Peak periods like Christmas and school holidays usually cost more and book out months ahead.
Where the numbers come from
Every figure in this calculator comes from our own researched guides, which list their sources and are re-checked against current Australian prices. The main one is Dog boarding cost in Australia. Related guides:
Prices last checked 13 October 2026. See how we research our prices.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to board a dog or get a pet sitter?
For one dog, a standard kennel is usually cheapest. For two or more pets, or for cats, sitters and house-sitters often work out cheaper because they charge per visit or night, not per animal.
How much does dog boarding cost per night in Australia?
Standard kennels average about $45 to $55 a night, mid-range facilities $50 to $75 and premium suites $75 to $110 or more.
Are drop-in visits enough for a dog?
For a night or two with a calm adult dog, sometimes. For longer trips most dogs do better with an overnight sitter or boarding, because they should not spend long stretches alone.
How far ahead should I book boarding for Christmas?
Good kennels and sitters in capital cities often book out two to three months ahead for Christmas and school holidays. Book as early as you can.