Leaving your dog behind when you travel or work long hours isn’t just stressful for you-it’s hard on your pup too. In London, where space is tight and schedules are packed, finding a reliable dog daycare or boarding spot isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. And with dozens of options flooding the market, how do you pick one that actually cares? Not every place with a fancy logo and Instagram photos is safe or sane. We’ve visited 27 kennels and creches across the city-some in basement flats, others in converted barns-and found the ones that truly put dogs first.
What to Look for in a Dog Daycare or Boarding Spot
Before you book, ask yourself: Would I leave my kid here? If the answer isn’t a clear yes, keep looking. Good dog care isn’t about fluffy beds or branded treats. It’s about safety, staff training, and real attention.
Start with staff-to-dog ratios. Anything above 1:8 is a red flag. At the best places, you’ll see one handler for every 5-6 dogs. That means someone’s actually watching your pup during playtime-not scrolling on their phone. Check if staff are trained in canine body language. Dogs don’t always bark when they’re stressed. A tucked tail, lip licking, or sudden stillness can mean trouble. Staff who notice those signs? That’s your kind of place.
Ask about their health policy. No reputable kennel will let a dog in without up-to-date vaccinations. Ask if they require Bordetella (kennel cough) shots. If they say it’s optional, walk out. Also, check if they have a vet on call. One place we visited had a vet partner just five minutes away. That’s the kind of detail that matters when your dog suddenly stops eating or starts limping.
Top Dog Daycare Spots in London (2025)
Canine Commons (Camden) is the go-to for city-dwellers who want a true daycare experience. Open Monday to Friday, 7am-7pm, they run small, supervised playgroups based on size and energy level. No giant mixed groups here. Their indoor playroom has rubber flooring, air filtration, and soundproofing. You can watch live feeds from your phone. Owners report their dogs come home exhausted-in a good way. Prices start at £28 per day.
Paws & Play (Richmond) stands out for their outdoor space. While most London daycares are stuck in flats, Paws & Play has a full acre of secure, grassy fields with digging zones, water sprinklers, and shaded rest areas. They don’t do group play all day. Instead, they mix active play with quiet time. Dogs get a nap schedule. They even offer doggy yoga sessions on weekends. It’s pricier at £35/day, but if your dog loves to run, it’s worth every pound.
Wagging Tails (Hackney) is the most affordable option without cutting corners. They’re a nonprofit run by certified animal behaviorists. Their model is simple: small groups, daily enrichment activities, and no cages. Dogs sleep in cozy, labeled cubbies with blankets. They accept dogs as young as 12 weeks and as old as 14. Their monthly membership plan (unlimited drop-ins for £180) is perfect for remote workers who need midday breaks for their pups.
Best Boarding Kennels for Overnight Stays
Boarding is different from daycare. Your dog will be there for days, sometimes weeks. They need more than a bed and a bowl.
The Dog House (Hampstead) is the only kennel in London with private suites. Each room is 8x10 feet, heated, and has a window with a view of trees. Dogs get two walks a day, plus one-on-one cuddle time. They don’t use kennels with metal bars-everything is solid-walled for calmness. They even offer a “no-bark guarantee”: if your dog barks more than 10 minutes total in 24 hours, you get a free night. Their rates start at £45/night.
Home from Home Boarding (Ealing) is run by a former vet tech who turned her home into a boarding setup. Only six dogs stay at a time. Each dog sleeps in a room with a human-yes, you read that right. The owner’s own dog sleeps in the same room. They feed home-cooked meals (you bring your dog’s food) and do bedtime stories. It’s not a kennel. It’s a sleepover. Prices are £50/night, but if you’re nervous about your dog being alone, this is the closest thing to leaving them with a family member.
Country Paws (Chigwell, just outside East London) is the only place we found that offers full-time live-in caregivers. Their team rotates 24/7, so dogs never go more than 3 hours without human contact. They have a heated indoor pool, agility course, and scent-tracking garden. They take dogs with anxiety, arthritis, or special diets without extra fees. It’s the most expensive at £70/night, but if your dog has medical needs or separation issues, this is the only place we’d trust.
What to Bring (And What to Leave Behind)
Most places ask for your dog’s food, but don’t assume they’ll store it properly. Bring it in sealed, labeled containers. If your dog has a favorite blanket or toy, bring one. Too many toys can cause fights. One or two is enough.
Leave the collar and leash at home. Most places use their own harnesses for safety. Don’t bring expensive jewelry or human clothes. You’d be surprised how many owners show up with their dog in a designer coat. It gets muddy. It gets chewed. It’s not worth it.
And here’s the big one: don’t sneak in treats. Many places have strict diets. A single chocolate drop or garlic treat can send your dog to the vet. If you want to give something special, ask the staff to add it to their meals. They’ll know the right way to do it.
Red Flags to Watch For
Smell is your first clue. If the place smells like bleach or ammonia, they’re masking messes. A clean kennel smells like dry grass or nothing at all.
Watch how they handle arrivals. At a good place, they’ll ask you questions: “How’s your dog’s energy today?” “Any changes in appetite?” “Any new behaviors?” If they just hand you a clipboard and say, “Sign here,” walk away.
Check the play areas. Are there sharp edges? Broken fencing? Puddles of urine? Is there a separate area for small dogs? If not, your 6-pound Pomeranian could get trampled.
And never, ever book a place that doesn’t let you tour. If they say, “We don’t do tours,” they’re hiding something.
How to Prepare Your Dog for Their First Stay
Start with a trial day. Most places offer a half-day or full-day trial for £10-£15. Use it. Watch how your dog reacts. Do they wag their tail when they leave? Or do they cower in the corner?
Don’t make a big deal when you drop them off. If you cry, hug too long, or say “I’ll miss you” in a shaky voice, your dog will panic. Be calm. Give a quick pat. Say “See you later.” Walk out. Staff at top places will distract your dog with a treat or toy the second you leave.
After the first night, expect some tiredness-or even a slight loss of appetite. That’s normal. It’s like a kid coming home from camp. But if your dog refuses food for more than 24 hours, vomits, or has diarrhea, call the kennel immediately. Don’t wait.
What’s New in 2025
This year, three London kennels started offering AI-assisted monitoring. Canine Commons uses cameras with motion detection to track sleep patterns and activity levels. At the end of your dog’s stay, you get a digital report: “Slept 7.2 hours total. Played 4.1 hours. Had 3 naps.” It’s not a replacement for human care-but it’s a helpful way to see what your dog really did all day.
Another trend: pet insurance partnerships. The Dog House now offers free 30-day accident coverage for every boarder. If your dog slips on a wet floor or gets a minor cut, they’ll cover the vet visit. That’s unheard of in the industry.
And finally, more places are offering “senior dog packages.” These include orthopedic beds, joint supplements, shorter walks, and quiet rooms. It’s no longer just for puppies and energetic adults.
Final Tip: Book Early
December and January are the busiest months. People travel for the holidays. If you need boarding over Christmas, book now. The top three places we listed are already 80% full for the week of December 20. Don’t wait until the last minute. Good care doesn’t have last-minute openings.
Remember: the cheapest option isn’t always the best. But the most expensive isn’t always the right fit. Find the place where the staff know your dog’s name, remember their quirks, and treat them like family. That’s the real value.
How much does dog daycare cost in London?
Dog daycare in London typically costs between £25 and £35 per day, depending on location and services. Basic daycares like Wagging Tails in Hackney start at £28, while premium spots with outdoor space like Paws & Play in Richmond charge £35. Some offer monthly packages-unlimited drop-ins for around £180-which saves money if you use it 3-4 times a week.
Is dog boarding safe in London?
Yes, if you pick a reputable place. Look for kennels with up-to-date vaccinations required, staff trained in dog behavior, and a vet on call. Avoid places that don’t allow tours or have strong chemical smells. The top-rated spots like The Dog House and Home from Home Boarding have excellent safety records and no major incidents reported in the last three years.
Can I visit my dog during boarding?
Most places allow visits, but they often discourage them. Why? Because seeing you can trigger separation anxiety. Dogs who get visited mid-stay often become more stressed, not less. Instead, ask for photo or video updates. Many places now offer daily updates via WhatsApp or email. That’s usually better than a rushed 10-minute visit.
What if my dog is anxious or has special needs?
Don’t assume they’ll turn you away. Places like Country Paws in Chigwell specialize in anxious, senior, or medically complex dogs. They offer quiet rooms, adjusted schedules, and staff trained in calming techniques. Bring your dog’s medication, vet records, and a list of triggers. Most good kennels will work with you-even if your dog needs a special diet or anti-anxiety support.
How far in advance should I book dog boarding for Christmas?
Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead for the holidays. Top kennels fill up by early November. If you wait until December, you’ll be stuck with last-minute options that may not meet your standards. Some places even offer early-bird discounts if you book before November 15.
When you’re choosing where to leave your dog, think less about the price tag and more about the peace of mind. The right place doesn’t just watch your dog-it gets them. And that’s worth more than any discount.