In Indianapolis, IN, the cost of dog boarding averages between $37 to $44 per night for a standard stay. This range is close to 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 Indianapolis 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 Dog Boarding Prices in Indianapolis
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 Indianapolis, you can expect to pay $261 to $308 per week of dog boarding. Boarding your dog for a month (30 days) will cost $1,119 to $1,320 per stay.
| Length of stay | Through Rover | Local kennels | Board & train |
| One night | $37 | $44 | N/A |
| 5-days | $185 | $220 | N/A |
| 7-days | $261 | $308 | N/A |
| Two weeks | $522 | $616 | $2,900 |
| One month | $1,119 | $1,320 | $4,600 |
When it comes to boarding in Indianapolis, many kennels and facilities have a luxury price option. The difference between luxury suites and what sitters on Rover offer is often the base price. Kennel boarding costs in Indianapolis will increase based on how personalized you want your care to be. For example:
- Inclusion of treats, cuddles, and individual playtime may start at $85 per night
- Feeding on your pet’s schedule, rather than the kennel’s, can start at $70 per night
- Daycare as part of the boarding experience may be an additional $30 to $40 per night
Most kennels will have a pre-determined schedule for a dog’s stay.
Which Fees Are Not Included In the Initial Rate?
For sitters in Indianapolis, the following care services are an additional price on top of the nightly boarding fee:
- Puppy care: +$12/night
- Additional dog: +$33/night
- Multi-pet (cat + dog): +$19 per pet/night
- Bathing and 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 Indianapolis is $45 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 Indianapolis Sitters
In Indianapolis, the holiday rate for dog boarding is an additional $8 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 account for limited availability and the extra attention pets may need during these periods.
Affordable Dog Boarding Near Indianapolis
If you’re willing to drive 5 to 20 miles, you can find sitters in nearby cities with lower nightly rates:
- Beech Grove: $32/night
- Avon: $34/night
- Plainfield: $34/night
Keep in mind that price is just one small factor in choosing the right place to board your dog in Indianapolis. 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
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 Indianapolis 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.
