Dog owners across Dublin face the same challenge every week. You have to head away for the night, stay late at work, or finally book that weekend trip. But who is going to look after the dog?
Your neighbour might be free. Your cousin might owe you a favour. But more often than not, people are turning to proper dog minding services.
And that leads to the big question.
How much does dog minding actually cost in Dublin?
It is not always a straight answer, and that is what makes it tricky. Prices vary, quality varies even more, and what one service includes can be completely different from the next. Some places charge by the hour. Others by the night. Some add on fees for food or walks. Others keep it all in.
This blog is for anyone trying to get a clear idea of what you will actually spend, what to watch for, and where the real value is. It also gives you real examples, including what we charge at Northside Doggies. Overnight dog minding is thirty euro per night, and dog daycare is twenty euro per day.
No fluff. Just real numbers and helpful context.
Dog minding in Dublin generally falls into three categories
• Home based minders
• Commercial dog boarding
• App based dog sitting services
Home based dog minders usually charge between twenty five and forty euro per night. This often includes feeding, walks, and your dog staying in someone’s home rather than a kennel. You will find this option most common on the Northside and among small independent carers.
Kennel or commercial dog hotels can cost anywhere from thirty five to seventy euro per night. These setups might have bigger outdoor spaces, multiple staff, and additional services like grooming. But they are also louder, busier, and not every dog settles well in that environment.
App based sitters like those on Pawshake or Rover can be hit or miss. Prices vary wildly. Some charge as little as fifteen euro per night, but many add extras for walks, photos, or last minute bookings.
A rough average for overnight minding in a decent home setup would be about thirty to thirty five euro per night. That usually includes a walk, food if provided, and the dog being indoors with a minder or family.
Doggy daycare is slightly different. It is daytime care only, usually four to eight hours, with no overnight stay.
In Dublin, most daycare services cost between eighteen and thirty euro per day. The range depends on
• The number of dogs being minded at once
• Whether the daycare is at a house or a larger facility
• What is included in the day such as walks, treats, garden space
At Northside Doggies, our rate is twenty euro per day for small breed doggy daycare. This includes garden access, indoor play, a park walk depending on the weather, and constant supervision in our home.
No hidden extras. No booking fees. Just twenty euro for the day.
Some commercial daycares in Dublin City Centre charge twenty five to thirty euro per day, especially if they offer pick up and drop off or have extra staff.
But more expensive does not always mean better. Some dogs actually do better in smaller, quieter environments. Nervous or older dogs often need routine and calm more than anything else.
Here are some of the reasons the price might be higher or lower than expected
Location
Central Dublin is always more expensive. Services based in the suburbs or on the Northside tend to be better value.
Group size
Some places take twenty or more dogs at once. Others, like us, cap it at five or six. Smaller groups usually mean more personal care.
Type of care
Staying in someone’s home is different from being in a big facility. Some dogs need quiet. Others love the buzz.
Extras
Things like grooming, training, or a taxi service can push up the price quickly. Always ask what is included.
Booking time
Last minute bookings sometimes cost more. Booking ahead not only saves money but secures your spot with minders who keep numbers low.
Some minders and boarding kennels have a low base rate but then start stacking on extras.
You might see
• Ten euro for walks
• Five euro for giving medication
• Fifteen euro for pick up or drop off
• Extra fees for early morning or late collection
• Extra charges for weekends or bank holidays
That is why you should always get a clear full price upfront. At Northside Doggies, we keep it simple. It is thirty euro per night for dog minding, and twenty euro per day for daycare. That includes everything your dog needs during their stay.
It depends on the dog. But for many small breeds, home based care is ideal.
Dogs that are nervous, older, recently rescued, or just used to a quieter environment tend to settle faster in a home. They can follow their usual routine, lie on the sofa, play in a secure garden, and enjoy the company of a small number of dogs.
Commercial kennels may have more staff, but they also have more dogs, more noise, and more rules.
At Northside Doggies, we are a family home. Your dog will be in the kitchen with us while we cook. They will nap in the living room. They will walk in the park nearby and potter around the garden.
It is not a big facility. That is the point.
To avoid surprises, ask these before handing over the lead
• How many dogs do you take at once
• Is my dog ever left alone
• Are walks included
• Will my dog sleep indoors
• Can I see the space before booking
• What happens if my dog gets sick
• Are you insured
• Is there a cancellation policy
A good minder will be happy to answer these and will usually ask you just as many questions about your dog.
We are based in Dublin 9 and we offer a calm, home based minding service just for small dogs. Our own dog Milo is a small breed too. We keep the pack small and easy going.
Dogs stay in our home and are treated like part of the family. They are never crated or left outside. They get plenty of human time, social time with other dogs, and loads of updates for you during the day.
We charge:
• €30 per night for overnight dog minding
• €20 per day for daytime dog daycare
That includes
• Park walks
• Supervised play
• Indoor rest areas
• Garden access
• Regular photos or videos
There are no booking fees or surprise costs. We do not charge extra for weekends or small bits of medication.
Dog minding in Dublin can be confusing at first. So many options, so many price ranges, and lots of vague descriptions.
But once you know what you are looking for, the right fit becomes clear.
If you want a calm space with small numbers, no drama, and someone who will treat your dog like their own, a home based minder like Northside Doggies might be the better option.
We are not the cheapest in Dublin. We are not the most expensive either. But we offer care that feels personal, quiet, and consistent. And for thirty euro a night or twenty euro a day, that peace of mind is worth it.
To ask a question or check availability
Email northsidedoggies.ie@gmail.com
Phone 085 861 3079