If you're travelling over the holidays, the hardest part is often finding someone you trust to care for your dog or cat. Melbourne's kennels and catteries fill up fast at Christmas, and many have minimum stays and non-refundable deposits. Here's what the numbers look like this year.
What dog boarding costs in Melbourne
Across the 11 Melbourne kennels that publish a standard rate, the lowest rates range from $40 to $67 per dog per day or night, with a median of about $51. Price depends on your dog's size, the room type, whether the kennel charges per day or per night, and extras like playtime, medication or pick-up. See the full table on Melbourne dog boarding prices, or compare Melbourne cattery prices if you have a cat.
Christmas minimum stays and deposits
Over Christmas and New Year, many providers set minimum stays of 7, 10 or even 14 days, and deposits of $100 to $400 or a percentage of the stay, which is often non-refundable. A 10-day minimum at a $55 peak rate is already $550 per dog before extras.
As of 23 October 2026, 2 of the 15 Melbourne providers tracked were fully booked for Christmas and 3 more were partly booked or limited. Most hadn't published their availability at all, so don't treat "not published" as "available". The Christmas 2026 Melbourne availability tracker is updated weekly.
How to book without the stress
- Call before you book flights. Confirm your dates are available first.
- Check vaccinations early. Most kennels ask for C5 for dogs and F3 for cats, often 10–14 days before arrival.
- Read the deposit terms and ask about waiting lists and cancellations.
- Have a plan B. If kennels are full, a pet sitter may be the better fit.
For a step-by-step list, use the Christmas boarding checklist. Travelling to Sydney or Brisbane instead? The kennel and cattery price comparison covers all three cities.
Packing for their stay
A familiar bed or blanket, their usual food and a favourite toy can help your pet settle in. Browse The Journey for carriers and travel gear, or The Sanctuary for beds and blankets that smell like home.
Prices and availability are copied from providers' own websites and can change. Always confirm with the provider before booking.