What Dog Boarding Actually Costs and What Changes the Price

Daily boarding rates run from $25 to $75 per night for standard care, depending on your location, the facility type, and what services are included

The price you pay depends mostly on where you live, what your dog needs, and whether you choose a kennel, a boarding facility, or an in-home boarder. Urban areas and resort-style facilities charge more than rural kennels. A dog requiring medication, special food, or extra attention will cost more than a healthy dog in a standard run. Most facilities charge per night, though some offer discounts for stays longer than a week.

Before you call around, know what "standard care" means at each place: it usually covers a clean space, food and water, and time outside. Anything beyond that — training, grooming, play sessions, or sleeping in someone's home — costs extra and is where prices diverge most.

Key Takeaways

• Standard kennel boarding ranges from $25 to $75 per night depending on location and facility type, with urban areas and premium facilities at the higher end.
• In-home boarding through a private person typically costs $30 to $60 per night and includes more personal attention than a kennel.
• Resort-style facilities with play groups, training, or grooming add $10 to $40 per day on top of the base boarding rate.
• Medication administration, special diets, and behavioral needs usually add $5 to $15 per day to your bill.
• Discounts for week-long or longer stays are common, and many facilities charge less for additional dogs from the same household.

What you pay for a basic kennel stay

A standard kennel run — a climate-controlled space with a bed, food, water, and outdoor time — typically costs $30 to $50 per night in most parts of the country. In major cities or wealthy suburbs, that same service runs $50 to $75. Rural areas and small towns may offer kennels for $20 to $35 per night. The facility's age, cleanliness, and reputation affect price within those ranges, but the core service is the same everywhere.

Most kennels charge per night, not per day, so a Friday-to-Sunday stay is three nights. Some facilities have a minimum stay of two or three nights, especially on weekends. A few charge a drop-off or pick-up fee of $10 to $25 on top of the nightly rate, though this is less common than it used to be.

In-home boarding and pet sitters who stay overnight

A private person boarding your dog in their home typically charges $30 to $60 per night, depending on location and the boarder's experience. This usually includes your dog sleeping in the home, meals, and time with the boarder's own pets or family. Many in-home boarders are found through platforms like Rover or Care.com, which take a commission (usually 20 percent) from what the boarder charges, so the actual cost to you is higher than what the boarder receives.

In-home boarding appeals to owners whose dogs are anxious in kennels or who want their dog in a home environment. The trade-off is less oversight — you are trusting one person rather than a facility with staff and cameras — and less flexibility if something goes wrong. Some in-home boarders will not take dogs with behavioral issues or medical needs that require veterinary knowledge.

Resort facilities and add-on services

Boarding facilities that offer play groups, training sessions, grooming, or webcam access charge $50 to $100 per night for the base stay, plus $10 to $40 per day for each add-on service. A facility advertising "luxury boarding" or "resort-style" care is usually in this category. These places appeal to owners who want their dog exercised and stimulated during a long stay, or who want to combine boarding with training.

Common add-ons include group play sessions ($10 to $20 per day), one-on-one training or behavior work ($15 to $40 per day), grooming ($30 to $80 per session), and live webcam access ($5 to $15 per day). Some facilities bundle these into packages that cost less than paying for each separately. If your dog is anxious or reactive, ask whether the facility charges extra for dogs that cannot join group play — many do.

Medical care, special diets, and behavioral needs

Administering medication adds $5 to $15 per day to your boarding bill. This covers the staff time to give pills or injections on schedule. Some facilities charge per medication rather than per day, so a dog on two medications might pay $10 to $20 total. Insulin injections or other complex medical care may cost more or may not be offered at all — always ask before booking.

Special diets (prescription food, raw diets, or food allergies) usually add $5 to $10 per day. The facility needs to store and prepare the food separately to avoid cross-contamination. Behavioral issues — aggression, severe anxiety, or destructiveness — may add $10 to $25 per day or may disqualify your dog from boarding altogether. Some facilities specialize in anxious or reactive dogs and charge accordingly. Always be honest about your dog's behavior when you call; a facility that turns you away is doing you a favor.

How to find the actual price for your dog

Call or email three to five facilities in your area and give them the same information: your dog's age, size, any medical needs, and whether your dog has behavioral issues. Ask for the nightly rate, what is included, and what costs extra. Ask whether they offer discounts for stays longer than five nights or for multiple dogs. Ask whether they charge a drop-off or pick-up fee.

Visit the facility in person if you can, or ask for photos or a video tour. A cheap kennel that is dirty or understaffed is not a bargain. Read recent reviews on Google or Yelp, but remember that people who had a bad experience are more likely to leave a review than people who had an average one. Ask your veterinarian or your dog's trainer for recommendations — they often know which facilities handle anxious or medical dogs well.

Discounts and ways to lower the cost

Most kennels and boarding facilities offer discounts for stays of seven nights or longer, usually 10 to 20 percent off the nightly rate. Some offer a small discount (5 to 10 percent) for a second dog from the same household. A few facilities offer loyalty discounts if you board regularly — ask whether they have a punch card or membership program.

Boarding during off-peak times (weekdays, or outside summer and holiday weeks) is sometimes cheaper than weekend or holiday rates. If you have flexibility in when you travel, asking about rates for a Tuesday-to-Thursday stay instead of a weekend stay can save money. Some facilities charge more for holiday weeks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break) because demand is high and staff may need extra pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book boarding in advance?

Most facilities ask for at least one to two weeks' notice, especially for stays longer than a few nights or during busy seasons. Holiday weeks (Christmas, Thanksgiving, summer vacation) often fill up a month or more in advance. Calling ahead also gives the facility time to ask about your dog's medical or behavioral needs and to tell you if they cannot accommodate your dog.

What happens if my dog gets sick or injured while boarding?

Most boarding facilities have a contract that says they will contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic if your dog becomes ill or injured, and you will pay the veterinary bill. Some facilities charge an additional fee for administering medication that was not planned before boarding. Always provide your veterinarian's contact information and authorize emergency care in writing before you drop off your dog.

Can I bring my own food and medications?

Yes, and most facilities require it. Bring your dog's regular food in a sealed container labeled with your dog's name and feeding instructions. Bring all medications in their original bottles with clear instructions on dosage and timing. Some facilities will not accept opened or unlabeled containers, so ask their policy when you book.

Is boarding cheaper than hiring a pet sitter to visit my home?

It depends on how many visits per day you need. A pet sitter who visits once daily typically costs $25 to $50 per visit, so a five-day trip costs $125 to $250. Boarding for five nights at $40 per night costs $200. If your dog needs two visits per day, boarding becomes the cheaper option. If your dog is anxious when left alone, boarding may be worth the extra cost.

What should I bring when I drop off my dog?

Bring food, medications, a collar and leash, and any comfort items like a bed or toy. Bring vaccination records or ask the facility what proof they need. Bring your contact information, your veterinarian's contact information, and an emergency contact. Some facilities ask for a recent photo of your dog in case of escape. Ask what the facility provides (bowls, bedding, toys) so you do not duplicate.