Searching for "pet boarding near me" gives you dozens of options — from basic kennels to luxury pet hotels. The cost varies by facility type, your pet's size, and your location. Here's a complete price guide to help you compare local options and find the best value for your pet's needs.
The average cost of pet boarding near you is $25 to $85/night for dogs and $15 to $55/night for cats, depending on the facility.
Boarding Cost by National Chain
| Chain | Dog Per Night | Cat Per Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PetSmart PetsHotel | $35–$70 | $22–$40 | National — available at most locations, package pricing |
| Camp Bow Wow | $45–$85 | Not offered | Outdoor play yards, group play, webcam access |
| Dogtopia | $45–$75 | Not offered | Indoor play, supervised groups, daycare + boarding |
| K9 Resorts | $69–$139 | Not offered | Luxury boarding — suites, spa, premium services |
| VCA Animal Hospitals | $40–$80 | $25–$50 | Medical boarding — good for pets with health issues |
| Best Friends Pet Care | $40–$75 | $25–$45 | Multiple locations — indoor/outdoor runs |
Boarding Cost by Region
| Region | Dog (Standard) | Cat (Standard) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | $55–$95/night | $30–$55/night | Highest — urban premium |
| West Coast (LA, SF, Seattle) | $50–$90/night | $25–$50/night | High — luxury options popular |
| Midwest (Chicago, Minneapolis) | $35–$65/night | $20–$40/night | Moderate pricing |
| South (Texas, Florida, Atlanta) | $30–$60/night | $18–$35/night | Lower — cost of living |
| Mountain West (Denver, Phoenix) | $35–$70/night | $20–$40/night | Moderate — outdoor facilities common |
| Rural areas | $25–$45/night | $15–$25/night | Lowest — fewer luxury options |
How to Choose a Boarding Facility
- Tour the facility first: Visit before booking — check cleanliness, ventilation, staff interaction with animals, and overall atmosphere
- Check vaccination requirements: Reputable facilities require rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella (dogs); rabies and FVRCP (cats)
- Ask about supervision: Is staff on-site 24/7 or only during business hours? Overnight monitoring matters for safety
- Check for webcams: Many modern facilities offer live camera access so you can check on your pet
- Read reviews: Check Google, Yelp, and Facebook — look for patterns in complaints
- Ask about emergency protocols: What happens if your pet gets sick? Is there a vet on call?
- Consider temperament: Anxious dogs may do better with pet sitting at home; social dogs may love group play
- Compare prices: Get quotes from 3+ facilities — watch for hidden fees (medication, extra walks, holiday surcharges)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pet boarding cost near me?
Pet boarding costs $25–$85/night for dogs and $15–$55/night for cats. At PetSmart PetsHotel, dogs cost $35–$70/night and cats $22–$40. Camp Bow Wow charges $45–$85 for dogs. Prices are highest in the Northeast ($55–$95) and West Coast ($50–$90) and lowest in the South ($30–$60) and rural areas ($25–$45).
What's the cheapest pet boarding near me?
The cheapest options are: basic kennels ($15–$25/night for cats, $25–$45 for dogs), vet clinic boarding ($25–$50 for cats, $40–$80 for dogs), and pet sitters ($20–$40/visit for cats, $25–$50 for dogs). PetSmart PetsHotel is also relatively affordable at $22–$70/night. For multi-pet families, look for multi-pet discounts.
Does PetSmart board cats?
Yes — PetSmart PetsHotel offers cat boarding at select locations for $22–$40/night. Cats stay in private suites with separate sleeping and litter areas. Not all PetSmart locations have PetsHotel — check your local store. Vaccination records (rabies, FVRCP) are required.
How do I find good pet boarding near me?
Search "pet boarding near me" on Google Maps, read reviews, and tour 2–3 facilities before booking. Ask friends and your vet for recommendations. Check that the facility requires vaccinations, has trained staff, and allows tours. For cats, look for cat-only facilities — they're much less stressful than mixed pet facilities.