Small Pets Need Boarding Too: Where to Leave Your Rabbit, Guinea Pig or Hamster When You Go Away
Most people know there are plenty of options for boarding dogs and cats when they go on holiday. What's less talked about is what you do with the smaller members of the family. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, tortoises - they all need proper care while you're away, and leaving them with a neighbour who isn't sure what they're doing can cause real problems.
The good news is that small pet boarding is more widely available in the UK than many owners realise. It's just a case of knowing where to look and what to ask. Here's a practical guide to your options.
Why You Can't Just Leave Them
It's tempting to think a small pet will be fine with someone just popping in once a day to top up their food and water. For some animals this might be acceptable for a very short trip, but for most it's not enough.
Rabbits and guinea pigs, for example, are social animals that need regular interaction and observation. They can go downhill quickly if something is wrong, and subtle changes in behaviour or appetite are easy to miss unless someone knows what they're looking for. Rabbits are also at risk of flystrike in warmer months, which can become life-threatening within hours if not caught early.
Hamsters may seem more self-sufficient, but they still need fresh food, a clean environment and someone to notice if something seems off.
The short version: small pets need proper care, not just someone remembering to check in.
Your Options
Dedicated Small Pet Boarding
This is the best option for most owners. There are specialist small pet boarders across the UK who take in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, tortoises and other small animals. Some operate as standalone businesses, others are part of a wider boarding facility that also caters to cats and dogs.
A good small pet boarder will house your animals in clean, appropriately sized accommodation, provide daily feeding and spot cleaning, check on them multiple times a day and contact you if anything seems wrong. Many also offer access to outdoor runs and enrichment during their stay.
What you can expect to pay varies quite a bit by provider and region, but as a rough guide:
Rabbits: around £4 to £16 per night depending on the facility and accommodation type
Guinea pigs: around £4 to £8 per night
Hamsters and gerbils: around £2 to £5 per night
Chinchillas: around £3.50 to £6 per night
Tortoises: around £2.50 to £7 per night
Bonded pairs sharing accommodation are often cheaper per animal than booking separately, so it's worth asking if you have more than one pet.
Kennels and Catteries That Accept Small Pets
Some traditional boarding kennels and catteries have a dedicated small animal section alongside their dog and cat facilities. This can be convenient if you have both large and small pets and want to use the same provider, though it's worth checking that small animals are genuinely catered for rather than being an afterthought. Ask specifically about where they're housed and how much time staff spend with them each day.
Home Boarding for Small Pets
Some individuals offer small pet boarding from their own homes, particularly for rabbits and guinea pigs. This can be a good option as it provides a calm, domestic environment rather than a busier facility. The key things to check are that they have genuine experience with the specific animal you have, that the space is appropriate and secure, and that they know what signs of illness to watch for.
Pet Sitting at Your Home
For some animals, particularly those that stress easily in unfamiliar environments, having a sitter come to your home can be less disruptive. A sitter visits daily (or multiple times a day) to feed, clean and spend time with your pet. This works well for hamsters and gerbils who live in cages, and can also suit indoor rabbits. It does rely on finding someone who genuinely knows what they're doing rather than just someone willing to pop in, so vet their experience carefully.
What to Check Before You Book
Small pet care requires specific knowledge that not everyone has. Before committing to any boarding arrangement, a few things are worth confirming:
Do they have experience with your specific animal? Looking after a rabbit is quite different from looking after a hamster or a chinchilla. Ask directly, and don't be shy about asking follow-up questions. Someone who genuinely knows the animal will be happy to talk about it.
What does the accommodation look like? For rabbits and guinea pigs especially, space matters. Modern guidance from the RSPCA recommends rabbits have a minimum combined living space of at least 3 metres by 2 metres, and guinea pigs ideally at least 2 metres by 1 metre. Ask about the size of the hutches and whether there's access to a run.
How often will they be checked on? Once a day is not enough for most small pets. Look for someone who interacts with them at least a couple of times daily and who actively monitors for changes in behaviour, appetite or droppings.
What happens if something goes wrong? They should have a vet they work with and a process for contacting you in an emergency. If they seem vague on this, that's worth taking seriously.
Will they take your pet's own food? Dietary changes can upset small animals quickly, particularly rabbits and guinea pigs who rely on a consistent supply of hay and the right fresh foods. A good boarder will ask you to bring your pet's usual food rather than switching them to something different.
For hamsters and indoor rodents: Many small pet boarders ask that you bring your pet's own cage or habitat. This keeps things familiar for the animal and also means the boarder doesn't need to provide species-appropriate housing for every type of animal they take in. Check this in advance so you're not caught out on drop-off day.
Booking Early Matters
Small pet boarding capacity is genuinely limited compared to dog and cat boarding. Many specialist providers only take a handful of animals at a time, precisely because they want to give proper attention to each one. During school holidays and the summer in particular, good small pet boarders fill up quickly.
If you know you're going away, it's worth sorting the boarding well in advance, especially for peak periods like Easter, summer and Christmas. Some providers have waiting lists for their most popular slots.
Finding Small Pet Boarding Near You
PetPortal lists pet boarding businesses across the UK, including those that cater for small animals. You can search by location to find options near you and send a booking request directly through any listing that catches your eye.