Home Away From Home: 2026 Guide to 6 Dog Boarding Options in Brisbane

Leaving your dog is often the hardest part of going away. You want them safe, comfortable and well looked after while you’re off enjoying your holiday.

Brisbane has plenty of dog boarding options, but they’re not all the same. Some are purpose-built pet hotels, some are acreage retreats, and others are people who welcome dogs into their own homes. The right choice depends on your dog, your plans and the kind of care you want for them.

We’ve put Paddington Pups first because we know our own setup best. The other options are listed to help you compare what’s available around Brisbane.

1. Paddington Pups (Milton)

We board dogs at our centre at 12 Parkview Street, Milton, just a few minutes from Brisbane’s CBD.

Our approach is to make boarding feel like an extended run of daycare days. Dogs spend around twelve hours a day in our large play areas with other dogs and people, with daily walks included.

At night, dogs settle into spacious sleeping areas with premium beds. We provide two meals a day of premium organic and holistic food, and both the play and sleeping areas are air-conditioned.

The team monitors boarding dogs using internal monitors, with direct supervision kept light so the dogs can rest. Someone is always available for emergencies.

New boarding dogs need to complete at least half a day of daycare first. That way, we get to know your dog before their first night, and they get a chance to become familiar with us and the centre.

There’s no minimum stay and no peak-period surcharge on standard bookings. School holidays and the Christmas to January period are busy, though, so it’s worth booking early.

There are a few booking conditions to know about. Peak-period bookings require advance payment, and additional days that extend into a peak period are charged at double the standard boarding fee. Cancellation or shortening a booking may also affect refunds or package nights, depending on the timing.

You can read the current booking conditions before confirming your dates.

Dogs need a C5 vaccination certificate, and dogs over six months must be desexed to board with us. These are Paddington Pups’ requirements, not universal rules for every boarding facility in Queensland.

We also offer daycare, grooming and hydrobathing at our Milton centre. Full grooming during a boarding stay is available at an additional charge. Ask us about availability and pricing when you book.

You can find our contact details and opening hours if you’d like to talk through your dog’s stay.

2. Hanrob Pet Hotels (Eagle Farm)

Hanrob’s Brisbane pet hotel is in Eagle Farm, about ten minutes from Brisbane Airport. Handy if you’re flying out and want to drop your dog off on the way.

Dogs can stay in Classic or Luxury rooms, with daily playtime and meals included in the boarding options. They also offer daycare, training and pet transport.

The amount of play and the accommodation setup depend on the option you choose, so ask what’s included before booking. Transport is subject to availability and service areas, too.

Have a look at Hanrob’s Brisbane dog boarding options for the current accommodation details, then contact the team for a quote for your dates.

3. Kip Brisbane (Kurwongbah)

Kip’s Brisbane boarding site is out at Kurwongbah, near North Lakes, on acreage surrounded by bushland. It’s a different setting from an inner-city boarding centre, with more of a retreat feel.

Accommodation includes Classic Rooms and Luxury Villas. Optional extras may include guided bushwalks, swimming and extra playtime.

Kip also offers weekday home transport, subject to availability. Public holiday transport isn’t available, so check the details if you need help getting your dog there.

You can explore the Kip Brisbane location for information about accommodation and services. It’s also worth confirming current vaccination requirements and the introduction process before booking.

4. Pet Resorts Australia (Samford and Gumdale)

Pet Resorts Australia has two Brisbane-area locations: Samford in the north-west and Gumdale in the bayside area.

Both offer dog boarding, with accommodation options that vary by resort. Daycare and other pet services are also available, depending on the location.

Their pet taxi service can be useful if you don’t want to make the drive yourself. Pickup arrangements may include selected locations and participating veterinary clinics, but not every suburb is necessarily covered.

Check the Pet Resorts Australia location directory to compare the resorts. Contact your preferred location to confirm accommodation, transport routes and current fees.

5. Dolittles Pet Retreats (Kholo and Ellen Grove)

Dolittles offers acreage-style boarding at its Brisbane-area retreats, including Kholo and Ellen Grove. It also lists Paws & Tarmac at Eagle Farm for weekday day-minding and overnight boarding.

The setting and facilities vary by location, so check which site suits your plans rather than assuming every service is available at each retreat.

Dolittles advertises home pickup and delivery by arrangement, as well as an airport shuttle service. Confirm the exact pickup point, availability and any extra charges before you travel.

You can find more details in Dolittles’ Brisbane dog boarding information.

6. Home sitters (Mad Paws and other platforms)

Some dogs are happier staying in a home than at a boarding centre. This can be worth considering for dogs who prefer a quieter environment, although the right setup depends on the individual dog and sitter.

Platforms such as Mad Paws list sitters who host dogs in their own homes. You can compare profiles and reviews, but the experience varies from one sitter to another.

Arrange a meet-and-greet before booking if possible. Ask whether the sitter has other pets, how many dogs they’ll care for at once, whether the yard is secure and where your dog will sleep. It’s also worth asking about their experience with dogs who need medication, extra supervision or a little more patience.

Transport isn’t automatically included, so agree on drop-off and collection arrangements with the sitter before confirming the stay.

How to Choose the Right Dog Boarding in Brisbane

You don’t need to find the fanciest facility. You need somewhere that suits your dog and gives you confidence that they’ll be looked after.

Here are five things worth checking before you book.

• Does your dog enjoy other dogs? A dog who loves daycare may enjoy group boarding. A dog who prefers their own space might be more comfortable with private accommodation or a suitable home sitter.

• Can you visit or arrange a trial first? Ask whether the provider offers an assessment, meet-and-greet or trial day. At Paddington Pups, new boarding dogs need at least half a day of daycare before their stay.

• What happens overnight? Find out where your dog sleeps, how they’re monitored and who is available if something goes wrong.

• How far away is the facility? An acreage retreat might be exactly what you’re after, but it’s worth considering the drive. Check whether transport is available if you need it.

• When are you travelling? School holidays and the Christmas to January period can get busy. Book early and check the provider’s payment and cancellation terms.

It’s also important to be upfront about your dog’s health, behaviour and routine. If they need medication, have dietary requirements or struggle in unfamiliar environments, tell the provider before booking.

Need daycare or grooming as well? Have a look at our 2026 Guide to the Top 10 Dog Daycares in Brisbane and our 2026 Guide to Dog Groomers in Brisbane.

If you’re considering boarding with us, get in touch with Paddington Pups to discuss your dog’s routine, the daycare trial and availability for your dates.