You’ve got a trip coming up. Your dog can’t come. Now what?

For most pet owners in the Netherlands, dog boarding conjures up images of concrete kennels, cage doors, and a stressed-out dog who won’t eat for three days. But dog boarding in 2025 looks very different — and in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, you have better options than ever.

The Problem with Traditional Dog Kennels

Traditional dog kennels (hondenpension) serve a purpose — but they’re not right for every dog or every owner. Common complaints from Dutch dog owners include:

• High stress levels for dogs unused to communal environments
• Little to no one-on-one attention throughout the day
• Rigid drop-off and pick-up schedules
• Limited space for exercise and play
• Expensive nightly rates with no flexibility

For anxious dogs, senior dogs, or dogs who’ve never been boarded before, a kennel environment can be genuinely distressing. There’s a better way.

Home-Based Dog Boarding: A Smarter Option

Home-based dog boarding means your dog stays in a carer’s private home — not a facility. They sleep in a real bedroom, get individual attention, follow a routine, and are treated like part of the family.

The benefits are significant:

• Calmer, home environment reduces anxiety
• One carer focuses on your dog — not 20
• Your dog keeps their routine: walks, mealtimes, sleep schedule
• Real updates: photos, messages, videos from someone who genuinely cares
• No minimum stays or rigid drop-off hours

In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, home-based boarding through platforms like Bondly has become the preferred choice for dog owners who care about the quality of care their dog receives.

What to Look for in a Dog Boarder in Amsterdam or Rotterdam

Experience with Your Dog’s Breed and Size

A great boarder for a Labrador isn’t necessarily the right match for a Chihuahua or a Malinois. Look for carers who specify their experience with different sizes, energy levels, and breeds — and who ask you the right questions before agreeing to board your dog.

Their Own Living Situation

Is the home dog-safe? Do they have outdoor space? Do they have their own pets — and if so, are they well-matched with yours? A reputable boarding platform will collect this information from carers and make it visible on their profile.

Reviews from Real Dog Owners

Anyone can write a bio. Look for carers with genuine, detailed reviews from pet owners who’ve actually used them. Pay particular attention to reviews mentioning dogs similar to yours in temperament or size.

Communication Style

You want someone who sends updates without being asked. A photo at lunchtime. A quick message to say the morning walk went well. This isn’t just reassuring for you — it’s a sign of someone who takes the responsibility seriously.

Dog Boarding Prices in Amsterdam & Rotterdam

Home-based dog boarding in the Netherlands typically costs between €25 and €50 per night, depending on the carer’s experience, location, and the level of care provided. This is often comparable to — or cheaper than — a traditional hondenpension, with significantly better outcomes for your dog.

On Bondly, carers set their own rates transparently. You see the price before you book — no hidden extras, no surprise invoices.

How Bondly Makes Dog Boarding Simple

Whether you’re based in Amsterdam’s Jordaan or Rotterdam’s Kralingen, Bondly connects you with verified home-based dog boarders in your area.

The process:

• Post a boarding request on bondlypets.com — free, takes two minutes
• Tell us your dog’s breed, size, temperament, and any special needs
• Verified boarders in Amsterdam or Rotterdam who match your request apply
• Review profiles, read reviews, message carers with questions
• Book securely through the platform — payment handled, no cash needed
• Your dog gets picked up, settled in, and cared for like family

No cold-calling. No hoping a kennel has availability. No mystery about who’s looking after your dog. Just a clean, trusted, accountable system.

Is Dog Boarding Right for Your Dog?

Most dogs adapt beautifully to home-based boarding, especially with a carer who’s patient and experienced. That said, it’s worth asking:

• Is your dog good with unfamiliar environments?
• Are they comfortable meeting new people?
• Do they have any special medical or behavioral needs the boarder should know about?

Bondly’s request system lets you specify all of this upfront — so the carers who apply already know what your dog needs, and you’re only hearing from people who are genuinely equipped to help.

Why Amsterdam & Rotterdam Dog Owners Trust Bondly

We didn’t build Bondly to be another listing site. We built it to solve a real problem: pet owners in the Netherlands couldn’t find boarding and sitting services they could actually rely on.

Every Bondly carer is:

• Identity verified before they’re ever accepted onto the platform
• Reviewed by real dog owners in Amsterdam and Rotterdam
• Matched to your specific dog — not just whoever’s available
• Supported by our team throughout your dog’s stay

Your pet deserves a Bondly day. Every day you’re away.

Find a verified dog boarder in Amsterdam or Rotterdam → bondlypets.com