Last updated 20 October 2026 · By the PetCloud team · Based on prices listed by sitters on PetCloud
On PetCloud, boarding your dog in a sitter's home typically costs $49 per night in Australia, with prices from $45 to $52. Each sitter sets their own price. Figures are based on 43 listed prices across Australia's capital cities, checked 20 October 2026.
- Long stays of 30 nights or more are often the same price per night or a little cheaper.
- High needs boarding, for dogs on medication or with behaviour or mobility needs, costs about twice the standard rate.
- Book early for Christmas and school holidays, when sitters book out first.
Dog boarding on PetCloud means your dog stays in a sitter's own home instead of a kennel, with one family looking after a small number of pets. Here is what sitters charge per night in each capital city, based on the prices they list.
Dog boarding prices by service
| Service | Typical price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding in a sitter's home (per night) | $49 | $45-$52 |
| Long stay, 30 nights or more (per night) | $49 | $45-$53 |
| High needs boarding (per night) | $109 | $101-$114 |
Dog boarding cost by city
Typical prices per night for dog boarding in each capital city, from prices listed by sitters on PetCloud.
| City | Typical price | Price range | Sitters listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $50 | $45-$54 | 420 |
| Melbourne | $50 | $45-$55 | 455 |
| Brisbane | $50 | $45-$50 | 544 |
| Perth | Not enough listed prices yet. Use the national range. | 147 | |
| Adelaide | $45 | $45-$50 | 88 |
| Canberra | Not enough listed prices yet. Use the national range. | 41 | |
| Hobart | Not enough listed prices yet. Use the national range. | 13 | |
| Darwin | Not enough listed prices yet. Use the national range. | 9 | |
Sydney: Dog boarding in Sydney typically costs $50 per night, with prices of $45-$54, based on 14 sitters' listed prices.
Melbourne: Dog boarding in Melbourne typically costs $50 per night, with prices of $45-$55, based on 9 sitters' listed prices.
Brisbane: Dog boarding in Brisbane typically costs $50 per night, with prices of $45-$50, based on 11 sitters' listed prices.
Adelaide: Dog boarding in Adelaide typically costs $45 per night, with prices of $45-$50, based on 5 sitters' listed prices.
Prices on this page start from $45. Cities show a range only when at least 5 sitters list a price for this service.
What affects the cost of dog boarding?
Number of pets
Most sitters charge per pet, and many offer a lower price for a second pet from the same home. Ask before you book.
Age, size and special needs
Puppies, senior pets, large or reactive dogs and pets on medication take more time and skill. Some sitters add a special needs surcharge, which is listed on their profile.
Peak season
Christmas, Easter and school holidays are the busiest times of year. Some sitters charge more, and good sitters book out early, so book weeks ahead for peak dates.
Location and travel
Prices differ between cities and suburbs. For visits and walks, the sitter's travel time and fuel are built into the price.
Extras
Sitters list add-ons separately, such as walks during a stay, pick up and drop off, trips to the vet, or backyard poo patrol.
How to keep the cost down
- Book early for Christmas and school holidays, before the sitters you like are booked out.
- Ask about a lower rate for a second pet, a long stay or regular repeat bookings. Many sitters offer one.
- Do a meet and greet before you book, so the first booking runs smoothly and you find a sitter you will keep.
- Compare a few sitters' reviews and services, not only the price. A sitter who is a good match saves you a lot of worry.
Please value your sitter's time. A fair price lets pet sitters cover their costs, lodge tax and put money into superannuation, which keeps good sitters in the work.
What to look for in a sitter
Price is only part of the decision. Check these four things before you book:
Frequently asked questions
Is boarding with a sitter better than a kennel?
It suits many dogs better. Your dog stays in a home with fewer animals, keeps a more normal routine and gets more one-on-one attention. Dogs who are anxious, older or not used to other dogs often settle more easily. A meet and greet first lets you and your dog see the home and the sitter before you book.
Who pays if my dog needs a vet while boarding?
You do. As the owner, you are legally and financially responsible for any vet treatment during a stay, and your own pet insurance policy is usually the first place to claim. For minor concerns the sitter can use the on-demand video vet consult; in an emergency they take your dog to the nearest open emergency vet.
Can I cancel a boarding booking?
Each sitter chooses a refund policy, shown on their listing. Depending on the sitter, you need to cancel by midday the day before, 7 days before, or 14 days before the booking for a refund. Change-of-mind cancellations are rarely refunded in peak season, because the sitter has turned away other pet owners to hold your dates.
Who sets the prices on PetCloud?
Each pet sitter on PetCloud is an independent contractor who sets their own prices. That is why prices vary between sitters in the same suburb. Their price covers more than time with your pet: travel, fuel, car costs, clean-up, tax, superannuation and the holiday and sick pay they need to fund themselves.
Are there any extra fees on top of the sitter's price?
The prices in this guide are what sitters list on their profiles. PetCloud adds a booking fee of 10% of the booking, capped at $40. It helps fund the advertising that brings sitters work, and it keeps your payment held securely until after your 24-hour quality check window at the end of the booking.
Related price guides
Pet sitting prices in Australia Price guide
House sitting cost Price guide
Doggy day care cost Price guide
Dog walking cost
Find a sitter who suits your pet and your budget
Compare sitters' prices, reviews and services, then book a meet and greet.
Find dog boarding near you Post a JobHow we worked out these prices
We read the prices listed on sitter profiles on PetCloud for up to 50 of the top-ranked sitters in each capital city (every sitter, where a city has fewer than 50), on 20 October 2026. "Typical price" is the median listed price, and prices on this page start from $45. Prices are set by each sitter and change over time, so check the sitter's profile for their current price. PetCloud's booking fee is not included.
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