Dog boarding provides a safe place for your dog to stay when you're traveling, sick, or unable to care for them temporarily. The cost varies widely based on the type of facility (basic kennel vs. luxury hotel), your location, your dog's size, and the services included. Understanding the options helps you find the right balance of care and cost for your dog.
The average cost of dog boarding is $40 to $75 per night, with a national average of $50/night. Weekly rates average $200–$400, and monthly rates average $500–$1,500.
Dog Boarding Cost by Type
| Boarding Type | Cost Per Night | Average | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic kennel | $25–$45 | $35 | Indoor/outdoor run, food, water, 2 potty breaks |
| Standard boarding (private room) | $40–$75 | $55 | Private suite, food, walks, playtime, webcam |
| Luxury boarding (hotel/suite) | $75–$120 | $95 | Large suite, TV, bed, premium food, multiple walks, spa services |
| Camp Bow Wow / chain boarding | $45–$85 | $60 | Group play, outdoor runs, camera access |
| PetSmart PetsHotel | $35–$70 | $50 | Private room, playtime, feeding, potty breaks |
| Vet clinic boarding | $40–$80 | $55 | Medical supervision — good for dogs with health issues |
| In-home boarding (Rover/sitter) | $40–$80 | $50 | Dog stays at sitter's home — family environment |
| Luxury resort (K9 Resorts, etc.) | $80–$150 | $110 | Suite, spa, pool, webcams, premium everything |
Dog Boarding Cost by Duration
| Duration | Basic Kennel | Standard Boarding | Luxury Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per night | $25–$45 | $40–$75 | $75–$120 |
| Per week (7 nights) | $150–$270 | $250–$450 | $450–$750 |
| 2 weeks | $280–$500 | $450–$800 | $850–$1,400 |
| Per month (30 nights) | $500–$900 | $900–$1,800 | $1,800–$3,000 |
Cost by Dog Size
| Dog Size | Standard Boarding | Luxury Suite | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 25 lbs) | $35–$55/night | $75–$100/night | Smaller suite — lower cost |
| Medium (25–50 lbs) | $40–$65/night | $80–$110/night | Standard pricing |
| Large (50–80 lbs) | $45–$75/night | $90–$120/night | Larger suite needed |
| Giant (80+ lbs) | $50–$85/night | $100–$150/night | Extra-large suite — surcharge common |
| Multi-dog (same family) | +$15–$30 per extra dog | +$25–$50 per extra dog | Discount for second dog sharing suite |
Common Add-On Costs
| Add-On Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra walk | $5–$15 per walk | Standard is 2 walks/day |
| One-on-one playtime | $10–$20 per session | 15–30 min individual attention |
| Grooming (during stay) | $30–$80 | Bath before pickup — common add-on |
| Special diet / homemade food | $5–$15/day | If your dog needs specific food prep |
| Medication administration | $5–$15/day | For dogs needing medications |
| Webcam access | $0–$10/day | Some facilities include free, others charge |
| Transport / pickup service | $20–$50 | Some facilities offer home pickup/drop-off |
| Holiday surcharge | +$10–$25/night | Christmas, Thanksgiving, July 4th — higher rates |
How to Save on Dog Boarding
- Book early: Holidays fill up fast — book 4–6 weeks ahead to avoid surcharges
- Multi-night packages: Many facilities offer 10–20% off for 7+ night stays
- Multi-dog discount: Second dog from same family gets 30–50% off
- Off-season rates: January–March (except holidays) is often cheaper
- Pet sitting alternative: For short trips, a sitter ($25–$50/night) may be cheaper
- Vet clinic boarding: If your dog needs medical care, vet boarding includes monitoring
- Membership / loyalty programs: Some chains (Camp Bow Wow, K9 Resorts) offer packages
- Provide your own food: Bringing your dog's food avoids dietary upset and food surcharges
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog boarding cost?
Dog boarding costs $25 to $85 per night, with a national average of $50/night. Basic kennels charge $25–$45/night. Standard boarding costs $40–$75/night. Luxury suites cost $75–$120/night. Weekly rates average $200–$450. Monthly rates average $500–$1,800. Holiday surcharges add $10–$25/night.
How much does dog boarding cost per week?
Dog boarding costs $150–$750 per week depending on the facility type. Basic kennels charge $150–$270/week. Standard boarding costs $250–$450/week. Luxury suites cost $450–$750/week. Many facilities offer weekly package discounts of 10–20% off nightly rates.
What do I need to bring for dog boarding?
Most facilities require: proof of current vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, and sometimes canine influenza), your dog's regular food (recommended to avoid dietary upset), any medications with instructions, a leash and collar, and emergency contact info. Some facilities provide beds and bowls — check what's included. Don't bring valuable toys or items that could get lost.
Is dog boarding safe?
Reputable boarding facilities are safe — they require vaccinations, have trained staff, and monitor dogs throughout the day. However, boarding can expose your dog to kennel cough and other contagious conditions. Choose a facility that requires Bordetella vaccination, has good ventilation, and allows you to tour before booking. For dogs with anxiety or health issues, in-home pet sitting may be a better option.