In Chicago, IL, the cost of dog boarding averages between $52 to $70 per night for a standard stay. This is higher than the national average of boarding your dog, 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 Chicago 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 Costs of Chicago Dog Boarding Businesses
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 Chicago, the nightly rate for dog boarding is $52 to $70. For a week of dog boarding, the cost will span between $362 to $490. Boarding your dog for a month (30 days) averages around $1,550 to $2,100 per stay.
| Stay | Through Rover | Local kennels | Board & train |
| One night | $52 | $70 | –- |
| 5-days | $260 | $350 | — |
| 7-days | $362 | $490 | — |
| Two weeks | $724 | $980 | $2,995 |
| One month | $1,550 | $2,100 | $4,200 |
Find Chicago Dog Boarding on Rover
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.
Which Fees Are Not Included In the Initial Price?
For sitters in Chicago, the following care services are an additional price on top of the nightly boarding fee:
- Puppy care: +$6/night
- Additional dog: +$40/night
- Multi-pet (cat + dog): +$23 per pet/night
- Bathing & Grooming: +$8/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 Chicago is $52 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 Chicago Sitters
In Chicago, the holiday rate for dog boarding is an additional $10 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 Chicago
Within 10 miles of Chicago, you can find more cost-friendly pet care:
- Cicero: $42/night
Keep in mind that price is just one small factor in choosing the right place to board your dog in Chicago. 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 to Kennels
Kennels in Chicago have fairly inclusive pricing, which include premium, raised bedding, temperature-controlled lodging, and artificially turfed exercise yards to keep your dog comfortable and active year-round. However, if your dog requires more customized attention, you can expect to see an increased fee for:
- dogs who require solo boarding or medical-related assistance
- premium experiences, like a spacious suite with a human-sized bed, gourmet treats, and personal cuddle time
- holiday boarding
When boarding your dog through Rover, sitters often include these services and features in their fee. You can discuss these needs in conversation or during your dog’s meet and greet. Outlining expectations 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 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 Chicago 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.
