Boarding Kennels in South Africa
A boarding kennel provides overnight care for dogs and sometimes cats whose owners are away. Modern kennels offer individual rooms, daily play sessions, supervised group time, and on-call veterinary support. PawKinect lists kennels ranging from country boarding farms to in-town facilities, including cat-only and small-dog-only options.
Last updated 9 June 2026
Typical prices for boarding kennels in South Africa
R220 – R550 per dog per night, with discounts for multi-dog and long-stay bookings. Premium country kennels with large runs and daily excursions can exceed R600 per night. Cat boarding ranges from R150 to R350 per night.
Boarding Kennels by city
How to choose a boarding kennel
- Up-to-date vaccination requirements (DHPP, Bordetella, rabies)
- Individual sleeping areas, not shared kennels
- Daily exercise and supervised play schedules
- On-call vet and emergency procedure documented
- In-person tour before you book
Frequently asked questions
What vaccinations does my dog need before boarding?
Almost all reputable South African boarding kennels require current DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), Bordetella (kennel cough), and rabies vaccinations. Bordetella in particular should be given at least 7 to 10 days before boarding to allow immunity to develop. Many kennels also require recent tick and flea treatment.
How do I know if a boarding kennel is good?
Visit in person before you book. A good kennel will welcome you, walk you through the facility, show you the actual sleeping areas, explain their exercise routine, and discuss what happens if your dog gets sick or escapes. Trust your nose, your eyes, and how the resident dogs behave. Avoid kennels that refuse a tour or only show you the office.
Should I bring my dog's own food and bedding?
Yes to food (sudden diet changes cause stomach upsets). Most kennels welcome you to bring familiar bedding, a t-shirt that smells of you, and one or two favourite toys. Avoid sending expensive bedding or any toy your dog might destroy and swallow pieces of. Label everything.
My dog has separation anxiety — should I board them?
Dogs with significant separation anxiety often do better with in-home pet sitting (where they stay in their own house) or with a familiar pet sitter taking them into the sitter's home. If you must board, choose a small, low-stress kennel, do trial overnight stays in advance, and brief the staff in writing. Some kennels will not accept severe-anxiety dogs.
Related services
Find a boarding kennel that feels like a holiday
PawKinect connects South African pet parents with verified service providers. Free forever for pet parents.
Get started