Finding a trusted dog sitter in Leicester means your pup can enjoy everything this historic East Midlands hub has to offer. From the sprawling acres of Bradgate Park to the scenic lakeside trails of Watermead Country Park, Leicester is a playground for active dogs and their owners.
Whether you are based in Clarendon Park, Knighton, Birstall, or the city centre, here are the top 5 verified dog sitters and pet care experts in Leicester for 2026. Looking for dog sitters elsewhere in the UK? Search in our full UK database of dog sitters near you.
The Best Dog Sitters in Leicester (Verified 2026)
1. Wags Dog Day Care – Best for Luxury Facilities
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (2026 Excellence Rating)
Location: Desford, Leicester (LE9)
Website: wagsdogcare.co.uk
The Real Deal: Active and highly rated, Wags offers a “luxury hotel” experience. Their facility at Merrylees Farm includes underfloor heating, flat-screen TVs for canine company, and specialised suites. They are a fully licensed and insured family business, making them a top choice for owners who want a premium, high-security environment for their pups.
2. Animals at Home (West Leicestershire) – Best for Professional Expertise
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (City & Guilds Qualified)
Location: Serving Birstall, Braunstone, and West Leicester
Website: www.animalsathome.co.uk/area/west-leicestershire/
The Real Deal: Melanie continues to run this highly respected service in 2026. This isn’t just a sitting service; they provide a professional “Pet Ambulance” and have staff trained in veterinary handling. They specialise in “host family” boarding, where your dog stays in a vetted local home, ensuring a one-on-one family experience rather than a kennel setting. Wherever your dog stays, a familiar crate travels well as a portable bolt-hole — our guide covers crate training done kindly.
3. S & C Home Boarding – Best for a Home-from-Home Environment
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (Local Authority Licensed 2025/26)
Location: Glen Parva, Leicester (LE2)
Website: sandchomeboarding.co.uk
The Real Deal: Run by Carol and Steve, this is a dedicated home-boarding business that backs onto Everards Meadows (perfect for long woodland walks). They are fully licensed for 2026 and offer a cosy, bungalow-based stay with a 200ft secure garden. They provide nightly WhatsApp updates and photos, which is a favourite feature for anxious owners.
4. Excel Pet Care – Best for Reliability & Local Coverage
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (Google & Social Media Verified)
Location: Enderby, Narborough, and Thorpe Astley
Website: excelpetcare
The Real Deal: A professional team that has grown significantly in the last year. They are Level 2 Animal Care qualified and Pet First Aid certified. Excel is particularly popular for their “Meet and Greet” service and their structured walking schedules, making them a highly reliable option for busy professionals in the LE19 area. For anything beyond first aid, it’s worth having a trusted local practice on hand — see our round-up of the best vets in Leicestershire.
5. Grange Boarding Kennels – Best for Peaceful Countryside Stays
⭐ 4.8 / 5.0 (20+ Years of Experience)
Location: Whetstone, Leicester (LE8)
Website: grangeboardingkennels.co.uk
The Real Deal: A long-standing staple of Leicester pet care, this family-run business is situated on 17 acres of private land. They are active in 2026 with a focus on a “no-staff-array” policy—meaning the same small family team handles your dog every day. This consistency is perfect for dogs that need time to build trust with their carers.
Top Leicester Walking Spots
Your sitter will likely take your dog to these local favourites:
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Bradgate Park: 850 acres of ancient parkland. Stunning, but keep dogs on leads to protect the resident deer!
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Watermead Country Park: A haven of lakes and marshes with wide, flat paths—perfect for water-loving breeds. There is more open water in our guide to dog swimming spots in Leicestershire.
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Aylestone Meadows: A beautiful riverside nature reserve that offers plenty of space for sniffing and exploring.
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Everards Meadows: Right next to Fosse Park, offering 70 acres of green space and dog-friendly coffee stops. Afterwards, our Leicester dog groomers can deal with the mud.
Picking the Right Leicester Sitter for Your Dog
Leicester’s walking spots are lovely but a couple need care — Bradgate Park’s resident deer mean leads on, and it’s worth knowing your sitter takes that seriously rather than chancing it. Whether you go for Wags’ luxury daycare or Animals at Home’s host-family boarding, ask how they handle updates too, since a WhatsApp photo mid-walk does wonders for your own nerves as much as your dog’s. If you’re getting your dog ready for a stay away, Calmshops.co.uk stocks some nice comfort toys and blankets that help make someone else’s house feel a bit less unfamiliar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions dog owners may have about this topic.
What should I look for when choosing a dog sitter in Leicester?
When selecting a dog sitter in Leicester, it's important to consider qualifications, licensing, and the type of environment offered. Look for verified sitters who provide secure, comfortable stays, have experience with dog care, and offer regular updates. Local knowledge and personalised care, such as home boarding or specialised facilities, add extra peace of mind.
Are there dog sitters in Leicester that offer home boarding instead of kennels?
Yes, several Leicester dog sitters specialise in home boarding, where dogs stay in a family home rather than a kennel environment. This can provide a more personalised, less stressful experience for your dog, often with one-on-one attention and familiar surroundings, which is ideal for dogs that prefer a quieter stay.
How can I ensure my dog will be safe and well cared for while I’m away?
Choose dog sitters who are licensed, insured, and have verified qualifications in animal care. Facilities with secure gardens and attentive staff are essential. Additionally, services that provide regular updates and photos help you stay connected and reassured about your dog’s wellbeing during your absence.
Can dog sitters in Leicester accommodate dogs with special health needs?
Some Leicester dog sitters have staff trained in veterinary handling and pet first aid, making them suitable for dogs with special health requirements. Look for providers offering professional expertise or specialised services such as pet ambulances to ensure your dog receives the appropriate care.
Do Leicester dog sitters offer daily updates about my dog?
Many top-rated dog sitters in Leicester provide daily updates, often through WhatsApp or similar platforms. These updates can include photos and messages about your dog’s activities and wellbeing, which helps reduce owner anxiety and keeps you informed while you’re away.
