In Alexandria, VA, the cost of dog boarding averages between $52 to $68 per night for a standard stay. This range is higher than the national rate, which is $40 to $50 per night. When booking through a local kennel, this average cost per night may increase depending on the facility, sitter, size of room, and additional services. However, through marketplaces like Rover, the cost per night often includes these services, as sitters want to treat your dog like their own.
We researched and compared average rates of Alexandria sitters on Rover to local dog boarding businesses to see what these costs cover. Keep reading to see what options you have for giving your dog a vacation while you take yours.
Comparing Price of Dog Boarding In Alexandria
Dog boarding fees are calculated per night, which means to find your total budget, all you need to do is multiply the base rate by the number of nights your dog needs. In Alexandria, you can expect to pay $364 to $476 per week of dog boarding. Boarding your dog for a month (30 days) will cost $1,560 to $2,040 per stay.
| Stay | Through Rover | Local kennels | Board & train |
| One night | $52 | $68 | N/A |
| 5-days | $260 | $340 | N/A |
| 7-days | $364 | $476 | N/A |
| Two weeks | $728 | $952 | $1,890 |
| One month | $1,560 | $2,040 | $4,000 |
As you research facilities in Alexandria, you will also see a higher cost average for luxury and all inclusive boarding options. Luxury boarding rates range from $89 to $135 per night for private rooms, co-sleeping with a manager, and extra play time. When sitters set their prices on Rover, these services are often included in their nightly rate.
Which Fees Are Not Included In the Initial Price?
For sitters in Alexandria, the following care services are an additional price on top of the nightly boarding fee:
- Puppy care: +$21/night
- Additional dog: +$40/night
- Multi-pet (cat + dog): +$23 per pet/night
- Bathing & Grooming: +$12/service
If you are looking for all-inclusive pricing, you may want to look at house sitting, also known as in-home dog boarding. The average house sitting rate in Alexandria is $60 per night. For this rate, your dog will stay in their own home while a sitter stays overnight, caring for them and your house. House sitting rates are higher because you are requesting more of your sitter’s time.
Holiday Rates for Alexandria Sitters
In Alexandria, the holiday rate for dog boarding is an additional $16 per night. On Rover, these dates have holiday rates:
- Martin Luther King Day
- President’s Day
- Memorial Day
- 4th of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas and New Year’s Day
Many sitters raise their rates to compensate for the limited availability and the extra attention pets may require during these periods.
Affordable Dog Boarding Near Alexandria
If you’re willing to drive 5–12 miles, you can find sitters in nearby cities with lower nightly rates:
- Fort Myer: $29/night
- Temple Hills: $29/night
- Fort Belvoir: $31/night
- Bryans Road: $33/night
Keep in mind that price is just one small factor in choosing the right place to board your dog in Alexandria. While price can indicate the quality of care, factors like the number of dogs watched, the size of the sitter’s home, and whether dog boarding is their full time job can influence the rate they set. In the end, you may find proximity — or the option of avoiding an anxious car ride — worth the difference in cost.
What Are the Differences? Comparing Sitters vs. Kennels
On Rover, we believe boarding your dog should feel like a vacation or a welcoming sleepover in their second home. Only you know what will make that experience enjoyable for your dog — and those needs may change as your dog ages.
Some younger dogs may enjoy the daycare experience with many playmates. Senior dogs may enjoy boarding in a low energy environment with other sleepy canines and a trusted human. Anxious or reactive dogs usually do better in a quiet home than a kennel environment with loud noises and rotating staff.
Familiarity with the environment and people will also make a huge difference to your dog’s stay. The fewer new routines, people, or relationships a dog has to learn, the less stressful their time away from you will be.
Always set a meet & greet
Before booking through Rover or kennel, talk about your dog’s schedule at a meet and greet. Talking with the sitter helps you plan your dog’s care and make their stay better. If you need more flexibility, Rover’s search features allow you to find a sitter with the specific experience, at the price you’re budgeting for.
Lastly, most kennels are often booked far in advance for holidays. On Rover, you can find available sitters that match your dates before you meet them. In a pinch? Look for sitters with the “repeated clients” tagline in your Alexandria search. This is often a sign that the sitter has familiarity with the dogs they care for and will know how to integrate your dog into their pack. Your dog may love their sitter so much that they become a reliable companion for future stays.
