The UK spends over £4 BILLION annually on pet sitting services
New interactive tool reveals stark variations in UK pet care costs
Premium pet care is giving luxury services a run for their money, as new research reveals UK pet parents face costs higher than an indulgent spa day or fine dining meal for their furry friends’ overnight care.
With owners spending an average of £918.50 per year on holiday pet care services, resulting in the UK spending over £4 billion annually, this growing expense is having a significant impact on pet owners across the country.
Research by leading pet-sitting platform, TrustedHousesitters shows stark variations in pricing across cities. From routine services like drop-in visits to longer-term solutions such as kennels and catteries, the research reveals the most (and least) expensive cities for a range of pet care services.
Oxford leads the pack for premium pricing for dog owners, with kennel costs reaching £80.11 per night – more than a luxury spa day. Cities like Birmingham and Leeds are also seeing overall at-home pet sitting rates reach as high as £61.62 per night, reflecting growing demand for high-end pet care services across the UK.
Even in cities with more moderate pricing like Sheffield, where pet sitting averages £31.81 per night, traditional pet care remains a significant investment. While many pet owners feel limited to conventional options like kennels or catteries, these costs, multiplied across several nights or multiple pets, are prompting some owners to seek more innovative solutions to holiday pet care.
Top 10 most expensive cities: Where finding a pet sitter hits your wallet the hardest
Pets are happier at home, but in-home pet care services often come at a premium – with some cities charging upwards of £60 per night for this personalised service.
| City | Average Pet Sitting Cost (per night) |
| 1. Leeds | £61.62 |
| 2. Birmingham | £61.62 |
| 3. Bath | £59.05 |
| 4. Liverpool | £59.05 |
| 5. Newcastle | £59.05 |
| 6. Sheffield | £56.49 |
| 7. Nottingham | £56.49 |
| 8. Belfast | £53.92 |
| 9. Cardiff | £51.35 |
| 10. Southampton | £51.35 |
National averages for holiday pet care services
Looking to plan your holiday pet care budget? Here’s a guide to average costs across the UK for various pet care services while you’re away.
| Service | Average Cost |
| Pet Sitting | £36.74 per night |
| Dog Sitting | £43.85 per night |
| Dog Kennels | £29.23 per night |
| Cat Sitting | £38.71 per night |
| Cat Drop-In | £9.88 per visit |
| Catteries | £15.01 per night |
| Reptile Sitting | £12.35 per day |
| Rabbit Sitting | £11.85 per day |
| Chicken Sitting | £19.75 per day |
| Bird Sitting | £16.99 per day |
| Small Pet Sitting | £14.22 per day |
The research highlights changing patterns in how UK pet owners approach animal care whilst they are away from home. While traditional services like kennels and catteries remain popular for holiday care, there’s a growing demand for alternatives like at-home pet sitting that keep pets in their familiar environment, where sights, smells and routines can reduce stress for our furry family members.
Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, comments on the research:
“These findings reflect what we’ve long understood – that pet parents face significant financial decisions when it comes to ensuring their beloved pets receive the best care possible. The dramatic variations in costs across different UK cities show just how challenging it can be for owners to find affordable solutions. We’re also seeing more and more owners who want their pets to stay in their familiar home environment while they’re away, rather than traditional options like boarding facilities, as staying at home is proven by vets to reduce stress and anxiety.
“While we know our pet parents would move mountains for their furry family members, we also understand that quality care shouldn’t have to break the bank. That’s why our global community of pet lovers helping each other has become such a valuable alternative for owners looking to maintain high standards of care while managing costs.”
Pet owners can explore and compare costs in their local area using the interactive pet care calculator. For a more cost-effective alternative, TrustedHousesitters offers unlimited pet sitting through its global community of verified sitters for a simple, low-cost annual membership fee.
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