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Pet parents know planning an out-of-town trip is never as easy as booking a hotel and packing your bags. If you have a dog, you have to make a plan for them, too. But how much does dog boarding cost, and what does it entail? The short answer? It depends!
On average, dog boarding costs between $40-$50 a night or day. But where you live and the type of boarding you choose will significantly impact the cost. For instance, on the lower end of boarding prices, you’ll find traditional kennels, veterinary boarding, and boarding with a sitter who takes in other dogs. If your dog requires more individualized attention (and pricier services), you’ll also find overnight doggy daycare and private pet sitters who can board your dog in your home or theirs.
In this deep dive into dog boarding, we’ll examine the cost and care at different kinds of facilities, average prices in a range of locations, and the pros and cons of each type of boarding so you can find the best fit for you and your pup.
Cost of Dog Boarding by Service Type
| Costs | Boarding with a sitter | Home boarding | Kennels | Veterinary clinics | Overnight daycare |
| Per day/night | $25 – $45 | $45 – $75 | $25 – $55 | $30 – $60 | $55 – $80 |
| Per week | $150 – $270 | $270 – $450 | $140 – $175 | $160 – $320 | $330 – $480 |
| Per 2-weeks | $300 – $540 | $540 – $900 | $280 – $350 | $320 – $640 | $660 – $960 |
| Per month | $750 – $1,350 | $1,350 – $2,250 | $750 – $1,650 | $900 – $1,800 | $1,650 – $2,400 |
Dog kennels
Dog kennels are the most basic type of dog boarding and, as such, tend to be the most affordable option. It typically costs pet parents between $25 and $55 per night to put a dog in a kennel. Many kennel facilities also offer discounts for dogs boarded for a week or more, helping pet parents save money on extended stays.
At a traditional kennel, you can expect your dog’s basic needs to be met, like feeding, water, daily walks or outside time, and maybe some interaction with other dogs. The sleeping space is usually a mat or cot inside a kennel or cage, but some kennels include small outdoor runs in each animal’s enclosure.
While dog kennels aren’t usually known for their frills, they may have add-on services like extra walks or playtime to make it more enjoyable for your dog. These extras, however, will cost you.
Veterinary boarding
Some animal hospitals, clinics, and local vet offices also offer boarding services. Veterinary boarding, which provides a nice middle ground between kennels and more expensive boarding options, costs around $30 to $60 a night. Some facilities will also offer a discount if you board an additional dog or board your dog for longer.
While vet boarding is similar to dog kennels, this option might be a good fit if you have a dog that requires particular medical care. You might also simply feel more comfortable having trained and certified vet professionals keep an eye on your pup while you’re away.
One thing to note, however, is that some vet offices may not have on-site staff during the night, so you’ll want to ensure that’s an option available before booking.
Overnight dog daycare
Doggy daycares generally operate during daily working hours, but some also offer boarding options at their facilities. This type of boarding is usually a step up from dog kennels and vet boarding, offering more individualized stays and more comfortable accommodations, like private climate-controlled rooms with blankets and cots.
With the personalized detail comes a higher price, though, with overnight daycare averaging around $55 to $80 a night—the most expensive option on our list. Like the options above, however, some daycares will offer a discount for extended stays.
This boarding option is often a great choice if you have a social or energetic dog. It gives the dog playtime with their friends, regular check-ins, and TLC from the staff.
Antonio_Diaz via iStock
Overnight boarding with a sitter
In this type of boarding, a private sitter keeps your dog at their home. Overnight boarding with a sitter is quite affordable compared to other dog boarding options, costing about $25 to $45 a night.
The perks of overnight boarding are that sitters offer a comfortable environment and often treat your dog like their own pet. Think: full access to roam, allowed on furniture, and belly rubs on the regular. It’s also a great option for anyone who wants to avoid their dog catching illnesses from other dogs in a kennel.
Overnight boarding in your home
Another option is to have the sitter watch your dog at your home instead. While boarding at home is more expensive than boarding at a sitter’s house, it’s still often more affordable than overnight daycare, averaging $45 to $75 a night.
The biggest perk of this boarding option is that your dog can stick to their schedule in the comfort of his own home. The trade-off is that you’ll have a stranger in your home, but you can remedy this by doing a few meetups and trial runs before their stay.
Factors That Increase Dog Boarding Costs
The cost of boarding a dog can also increase if you have a high-needs pup or a dog that needs constant care. Here’s a breakdown of various special-needs groups and other factors that can increase the cost of boarding.
Puppies
It’s a good thing puppies are so cute, because they require a lot of work. There’s the teething, the potty training, the razor-sharp teeth. That’s why it’s best to board them with a sitter in your home or theirs who is well-versed in the trials and triumphs of puppyhood and can give them the special care they need.
These options are also better suited for young puppies who haven’t had all their vaccination rounds yet, as most dog kennels and many daycare kennels require dogs to be at least four months old and have all their adult shots.
When hiring a sitter for your puppy, expect an additional $5-$10 each night. This can significantly increase prices for longer stays. For example, a two-week stay with a sitter might cost $430-$770 instead of $300-$540.
Sorapop via iStock
High-energy dogs
Some breeds and dogs are like the Energizer Bunny; they never stop. If you have a highly active dog, boarding them at an overnight daycare with specialized add-ons can help fulfill their high-energy needs while you’re away.
In addition to playgroups with their buddies, activities might include swimming pools, agility equipment, puzzle toys, training, nature hikes, and even running on treadmills. If opting for these extra services for your canine athlete, expect to pay an additional $10 for each activity.
If you opt for one extra activity per day, that might bring a two-week stay from $660-$960 to $910-$1,260.
Anxious and reactive dogs
If you have an anxious pup or one that doesn’t get along with other dogs, some kennels, overnight daycares, and vet boarding cater to their special needs, offering services like a quiet room, private walks, enrichment activities, and solo time with a trained staff member. These specific options for anxious and reactive dogs tend to cost an extra $10 a night.
Hiring a sitter is also ideal for fearful and reactive dogs who struggle with routine changes, interacting with other dogs, or being in a new (and busier) environment. One thing to watch out for, though, especially if you have a dog-reactive dog, is that sitters may also have their own pups at home. Some will also board other pups at the same time as yours. Hiring a sitter to stay at your house or only take one client at a time typically costs about $10-$20 more a night than boarding at a sitter’s home with other dogs.
That means your dog’s stay with a sitter might cost more like $35-$65 than $25-$45 per night.
Seniors and dogs with medical needs
Older dogs and pups with medical needs require constant care from a sitter or trained staff, such as managing an ongoing diet, administering daily pills, or tending to a slow-moving senior.
This ongoing attention warrants more individualized care. Pet sitters with experience can be a great option. However, a vet boarding facility might be the better route if your dog needs special medical attention. Animal hospitals and vet clinics offering boarding typically charge $5 to $15 more a night for extra medical care, bringing your total to $35-$75 per night.
Drop-offs and tips
Then there are the not-so-little extras. If your dog needs a lift to or from a boarding facility or a sitter’s house, this can cost an extra $10 to $20 per drop-off.
There’s also the “after-hours” care or the extra time you may need that doesn’t align perfectly with a 24-hour period. This extended care can add 50% to the beginning or end of your dog’s boarding stay.
And don’t forget about the tip! If you feel your dog received exceptional care or you would like to express your appreciation, you can add a 10-20% tip to the boarding fee (depending on your discretion, budget, and the service received).
Lyndon Stratford via iStock
What Does Boarding Cost Near Me?
| City | State | Cost of per night |
| San Francisco | CA | $74 |
| New York | NY | $65 |
| Los Angeles | CA | $62 |
| Miami | FL | $57 |
| Alexandria | VA | $52 |
| Naples | FL | $50 |
| Washington | DC | $53 |
| Las Vegas | NV | $44 |
| Sioux Falls | SD | $41 |
| York | PA | $40 |
| Colorado Springs | CO | $39 |
| Spokane | WA | $37 |
| Indianapolis | IN | $37 |
| Springfield | MO | $36 |
| Reading | PA | $37 |
| McAllen | TX | $32 |
| San Antonio | TX | $34 |
| Sacramento | CA | $40 |
While dog boarding typically costs $40 to $50 per night, this amount can vary widely depending on where you live, as seen in the chart above. For example, it costs between $60-$75 to board a dog in Los Angeles, New York, and other major cities, and $45-$60 in mid-size cities like Las Vegas and Washington DC. Smaller cities and more rural areas like Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and McAllen, Texas, will see an even lower price range of $30-$45.
Factors like cost of living, competition, and local market demand can significantly vary costs and services between cities. For instance, boarding expenses are higher in more populated cities because rent and demand are also higher. Because competition is also higher, dog boarding facilities in major cities also tend to offer a wider range of services like grooming and training.
On the other hand, smaller cities and rural areas cost less because they have lower operating expenses and less competition. But on the flip side, they’ll likely have fewer amenities and specialized care options. Mid-size cities, as expected, fall right in the middle of the two with prices and offerings, providing a good mix of boarding facilities and amenities for a mid-range price.
Is Boarding Worth It?
Now that we know how much boarding a dog costs—is it worth it? Maybe! It all boils down to your budget and your specific dog.
For instance, if you have an easygoing, social dog who adjusts to new situations easily and doesn’t require a lot to meet their needs, you’ll be able to access more low-cost boarding options. That might include low-frill boarding kennels and overnight daycares or sitters who board more than one dog at a time.
On the other end, if you have a high-needs dog who’s nervous, reactive, high-energy, or needs extra medical attention, paying more for more expensive personalized solutions (if in your budget) can provide peace of mind.
Alternatives to dog boarding
If boarding isn’t a good fit for your dog or you don’t have the budget, don’t worry! There are still ways you can still make your vacation plans happen. Call in favors from friends, family, or neighbors to see if they’ll watch your dog while you’re away. (Boarding hack: Sometimes, the cost of flying in a friend or family member available to stay at your home is cheaper than actual boarding, especially for longer stays. Plus, you can use or build your credit card points.)
While casual drop-ins might work in a pinch, it’s best not to leave your dog alone for more than six or eight hours or unattended overnight. Even the most anxious and awkward dogs are social creatures who need constant company and care.
And if all else fails, take your dog with you if you can! Sometimes, the best adventures are the last-minute ones with our pups.
