Sydney has a strong selection of pet resorts offering boarding, grooming, and supervised play for dogs and cats, with facilities ranging from basic kennels to resort-style suites with temperature control, webcams, and individualised care. The right choice depends on your pet’s size, temperament, and how long they’ll be staying.
What Sydney Pet Resorts Typically Offer
Most established pet resorts in Sydney go well beyond a standard kennel setup. Facilities like Pittwater Animal Hospital and Boarding Kennels on the Northern Beaches, Best Friends Pet Resorts with locations across Sydney, and Creature Comforts Pet Resort in Dural offer dedicated sleeping areas, outdoor exercise yards, and daily socialisation. Many include add-ons such as grooming appointments, training sessions, and one-on-one play time for an additional fee. Webcam access, so owners can check in remotely, is available at several locations including Best Friends. Cats are typically housed in separate, quiet sections away from dogs.
Pricing and Booking
Daily boarding rates at Sydney pet resorts generally sit between $45 and $95 per dog depending on the suite size and level of care selected. Cat boarding tends to run slightly lower, often between $30 and $55 per night. Premium suites with extra floor space, elevated beds, and more frequent staff interaction sit at the higher end. Bookings over school holidays and the Christmas period fill quickly, particularly at well-regarded facilities in the Hills District and Northern Beaches. Most resorts require at least current C5 vaccination for dogs and F3 for cats before confirming a booking, so having certificates ready speeds up the process.
Key Areas to Search in Sydney
Pet resorts are spread across the greater Sydney region, with higher concentrations in outer suburban areas where land is more available. The Hills District (Castle Hill, Dural, Kenthurst), the Northern Beaches (Terrey Hills, Ingleside), and the South West (Camden, Narellan) have a notable number of established operations with larger run sizes. Inner-city options exist but tend to be smaller boutique setups with limited capacity. If you’re travelling through Sydney Airport, several facilities in the St Peters and Sydenham area cater specifically to owners wanting a short drive from the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Sydney pet resorts accept dogs that aren’t socialised with other dogs?
Many do, but it depends on the facility. Some resorts offer solo boarding options where your dog has its own run and exercise time separately from group play. When making an enquiry, be upfront about your dog’s behaviour around other animals so staff can place them appropriately. Facilities like Creature Comforts and several Hills District kennels are experienced with dogs that need individual management.
How far in advance should I book a Sydney pet resort for the Christmas holidays?
For the Christmas and New Year period, most reputable Sydney pet resorts start filling from October onward. Booking two to three months ahead is realistic if you want a specific facility or suite type. Some popular locations operate waiting lists by November for peak dates.
Are there pet resorts in Sydney that cater specifically to cats?
Yes. Several facilities operate cat-only or cat-focused boarding, including The Cat’s Meow Cattery in the Hills District. These tend to be smaller, quieter environments with individual enclosures, climbing structures, and minimal noise from dogs, which suits anxious or elderly cats particularly well.
