Blog · 13. Juli 2026 · 6 Min. Lesezeit
Alternatives to Boarding Kennels: More Personal & Often Cheaper
Alternatives to boarding kennels: private care, dogsharing, a sitter at home and a neighbourhood network compared – with costs and tips for choosing.
A boarding kennel is well organised and available year-round – yet not every dog feels comfortable in the pack routine of an unfamiliar facility, and not every budget stretches to it easily. Anyone looking for alternatives to boarding kennels will find several options in Switzerland that are often more personal and sometimes also cheaper.
In this guide we present the most important alternatives, compare the costs and help you assess which option suits your dog and your situation. Because the best care is not automatically the most expensive – but the one where your dog feels secure.
What alternatives to boarding kennels are there?
Alongside the classic boarding kennel, several forms of care have become established. Each has its own character:
| Alternative | How it works | Suits well for |
|---|---|---|
| Private care / foster family | Dog lives temporarily in another home | Dogs that like family involvement |
| Dogsharing | Several people share time and responsibility for one dog | Regular, shared care in everyday life |
| Sitter in your own home | The carer comes to your home | Dogs that need their familiar surroundings |
| Family & neighbourhood network | Acquaintances, neighbours or relatives step in | Short periods, reciprocal care |
The big difference from a kennel: in all these forms your dog usually gets more individual attention and a quieter setting. That is a real gain especially for sensitive, older or insecure dogs.
What do the alternatives cost by comparison?
Prices depend on the region, the duration and the arrangement. As a rough guide for Switzerland – compared to a boarding kennel:
| Option | Typical range | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding kennel | CHF 35–70 per day/night | Fixed structure, often in a pack |
| Private care | CHF 20–50 per day | Price is agreed directly |
| Sitter in your own home | from CHF 40 per day | Familiar surroundings, all-round care |
| Dogsharing | shared costs or free | Reciprocal, thought of long-term |
| Neighbourhood network | free to a small token amount | Ideal for short periods |
In Switzerland people like to pay by TWINT or in cash. Because with private solutions no facility and no large operation have to be financed, they are often cheaper – and the money goes directly to the person caring for your dog.
When does which option fit?
The right choice depends less on price than on the dog:
- Short absence during the day: help from neighbours or a sitter who comes by is usually completely sufficient.
- Holidays or several days: private care or a sitter in your own home gives the dog stability.
- Regular need in everyday life: dogsharing spreads the responsibility across several shoulders and creates fixed reference people.
- Very young dog: look for quiet, patient care that supports the socialisation of your puppy rather than overwhelming it.
In any case it is important that your dog has learned to stay alone in a relaxed way – that makes every form of care easier and takes the pressure off everyone involved.
What should I look for in private care?
For personal care to really become a good alternative, a careful start pays off:
- Getting to know each other: meet beforehand, go for a walk together and watch how dog and carer interact.
- Trial run: a few hours or an overnight stay show whether your dog feels comfortable.
- Clear agreements: best to put feeding, walks, emergency contact and payment in writing.
- Gut feeling: when the chemistry between dog and person is right, that is often worth more than any equipment.
This is exactly where the strength of care from nearby lies: on DOGSY you will find dog lovers in your neighbourhood who offer private care or dogsharing – free between neighbours or for a fair, directly agreed payment. This creates personal care that can accompany your dog over the years.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is an alternative to a boarding kennel always cheaper?
Often yes, because no facility has to be financed and the price is agreed directly. Reciprocal help between neighbours can even be free – but a lower price is not guaranteed, it depends on the arrangement.
What is dogsharing?
With dogsharing, several people share the time and responsibility for one dog. This relieves the owner in everyday life and gives people without a dog of their own regular shared hours with a four-legged friend.
Which care suits an insecure or older dog?
Usually a quiet, individual solution: a sitter in your own home or private care in a family setting. The large pack routine of a kennel can be too much for sensitive dogs.
How do I find trustworthy private dog care?
Through a personal get-to-know-you, a trial run and clear agreements. A carer from your own neighbourhood has the advantage that you can get to know each other in peace before it gets serious.
Conclusion
There are many good alternatives to boarding kennels – from private care through dogsharing to a sitter in your own home. Which one fits is decided by your dog: sensitive and older animals usually feel most comfortable in a personal, quiet setting. Take your time getting to know each other, make clear agreements – and feel free to look in your own neighbourhood first.