Dog Boarding Cost by Type of Boarding
Where your dog stays is the biggest price driver. A standard kennel run is the most affordable, while luxury suites and vet boarding cost more. Typical per-night prices across the US:
| Type of boarding | Per night | One week (7 nights) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard kennel | $35–$55 | $245–$385 |
| In-home sitter (Rover-style home boarding) | $45–$70 | $315–$490 |
| Veterinary clinic boarding | $45–$75 | $315–$525 |
| Luxury suite or dog hotel | $65–$100+ | $455–$700+ |
| Overnight sitter in your home | $70–$125 | $490–$875 |
Most owners pay about $45 a night, or roughly $300 for a week, at a standard kennel. Rover reports kennels commonly charging $25 to $55 a night and home sitters $45 to $75, while CareCredit puts basic boarding around $42 a night and luxury boarding around $102.
What’s Included in the Price
A standard nightly rate usually covers:
- A run, kennel or room with bedding and water.
- Feeding of your own food or the house food, once or twice a day.
- Potty breaks and basic exercise, often two to four outings a day.
- Staff supervision, with overnight staff at some facilities and not others.
Common add-ons are billed separately:
- Medication ($5–$20 per day, or up to $30 for injections or several meds).
- Extra playtime or one-on-one time ($8–$25 per session).
- Group daycare during the stay ($10–$30 per day).
- Bath before pickup ($20–$50, more for large or long-coated dogs).
- Holiday surcharge (often $10–$20 per night, or a 10–25 percent premium).
- Late pickup ($10–$35 once you pass the checkout time).
Weekly and Monthly Boarding Rates
Longer stays often come with a discount. Many facilities take about 10 percent off stays of seven nights or more, and some offer day-package pricing.
| Length of stay | Standard kennel | Luxury suite |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night | $35–$55 | $65–$100 |
| Weekend (2 nights) | $70–$110 | $130–$200 |
| 1 week (7 nights) | $245–$385 | $455–$700 |
| 2 weeks (14 nights) | $440–$770 | $820–$1,400 |
| 1 month (30 nights) | $950–$1,650 | $1,750–$3,000 |
Longer ranges assume a long-stay discount at the low end and none at the high end. Ask each facility whether it discounts extended stays.
What Affects the Cost
Type of facility
Basic kennels keep dogs in runs with scheduled outings. Luxury “dog hotels” add larger suites, raised beds, webcams and more playtime, and charge accordingly. Vet clinic boarding costs a bit more but has medical staff nearby, which some owners of seniors or dogs with health needs prefer.
Your dog’s size
Many facilities charge more for larger dogs. A New York City facility quoted by Care.com, for example, charges $60 a night for dogs under 50 lb and $80 to $100 for giant breeds over 100 lb.
Location
Boarding in big metro areas such as New York, San Francisco or Boston often runs $60 to $100 a night even for standard care, while smaller towns can be well under $40.
Holidays and peak season
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and summer weekends are the busiest times. Expect surcharges, minimum stays and waitlists; popular kennels often fill weeks or months ahead.
Special needs
Puppies, seniors, dogs on medication and dogs who need to be kept apart from others may cost more. Rover notes that sitters often charge $5 to $10 more a night for puppies.
More than one dog
Families boarding two or more dogs together often get 10 to 50 percent off each additional dog, especially when they share a room.
Kennel vs. In-Home Sitter: Which Costs Less?
A standard kennel is usually the cheapest option per night, but it depends on your dog. A home boarder through an app such as Rover typically looks after only a few dogs, which suits dogs who get stressed in a busy, noisy kennel.
- Kennel: lowest price, set routines, staff on site; can be loud and busy.
- Home boarding: quieter home setting, fewer dogs; quality varies by sitter, so read reviews and do a meet-and-greet.
- House sitter at your home: most expensive per night but your dog stays in familiar surroundings, and it may cover several pets for one price.
- Vet boarding: sensible for dogs with medical needs; less exercise and socializing.
What About Cats?
Cat boarding costs less than dog boarding. CareCredit lists basic cat boarding at about $28 a night and luxury cat boarding at about $59, with most cats boarded for $25 to $45 a night. Many cats are happier with a sitter visiting once or twice a day at home, which often costs $20 to $35 per visit. Our cost of owning a cat guide includes boarding in the yearly budget.
How to Choose a Boarding Facility
The cheapest nightly rate is not always the best value. A short visit before you book tells you a lot about how your dog will be cared for.
- Tour the facility. Look for clean runs or rooms, fresh water, secure fencing and calm, attentive staff.
- Ask about supervision. Is someone on site overnight? How many dogs does each staff member look after during group play?
- Ask how medical issues are handled. Find out which vet they use and how they reach you if your dog seems unwell.
- Check the daily routine. How many potty breaks and play sessions are included, and which ones cost extra?
- Get the full price in writing, including medication, holiday, late pickup and cancellation fees.
- Try a trial night or a daycare day first, especially for a dog who has never boarded. Many facilities offer this for the price of a single night or day.
For home boarding, read recent reviews, meet the sitter with your dog, and ask how many other dogs will be staying at the same time.
Before You Board: Other Costs to Plan For
A few costs come up before the stay itself and are easy to forget in the budget:
- Vaccine updates if a required shot has lapsed. Some kennels want Bordetella given at least a few days before check-in.
- Flea and tick prevention, which most facilities require to be current.
- A deposit, often required for holiday bookings and sometimes non-refundable close to the date.
- A pre-stay grooming appointment for long-coated breeds, if you prefer that to a bath at pickup.
If your dog has ongoing health needs, tell the facility when you book so they can confirm they can manage them and quote any extra care up front. If your dog shows signs of illness during or after a stay, such as a persistent cough, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, contact your vet.
How to Save Money on Dog Boarding
- Book early, especially for holidays, to avoid peak-rate or last-minute pricing.
- Ask about long-stay and multi-dog discounts, which often take 10 percent or more off.
- Buy a package if you board often; many kennels sell prepaid nights at a lower rate.
- Skip add-ons you don’t need, such as a pickup bath or extra treats.
- Bring your dog’s own food if the kennel charges for premium house food.
- Compare two or three providers and ask for a full written price, including medication and holiday fees.
- Swap favors with a trusted friend or neighbor who also has a dog.
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- Pill organizer for pet medicationCheck price on Amazon
Boarding is one line in a dog’s yearly budget. See our cost of owning a dog guide for the full picture, and read how we estimate costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to board a dog for a week?
A week at a standard kennel usually costs $245 to $385, and about $300 is typical. Home boarding with a sitter runs roughly $315 to $490, and a luxury suite $455 to $700 or more. Many facilities discount stays of seven nights or longer.
How much is a dog kennel per night?
Standard kennels commonly charge $35 to $55 a night, with $25 possible in lower-cost areas. Large metro areas and luxury suites can run $65 to $100 or more.
Is it cheaper to use a Rover sitter or a kennel?
A basic kennel is usually a bit cheaper per night. Rover reports home sitters typically charging $45 to $75 a night, while many kennels charge $25 to $55. Sitters often care for fewer dogs, which some owners feel is worth the difference.
Why do kennels charge more at the holidays?
Demand peaks around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, and staff work holiday shifts. Many facilities add a per-night surcharge or require minimum stays, so booking early helps.
Do I need vaccines to board my dog?
Most boarding facilities require proof of current rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella vaccines, and some ask for canine influenza. Check each facility’s list well before your trip.
Not veterinary advice. Prices are estimates for budgeting, not quotes. Ask your veterinarian for a written, itemized estimate. If your pet is injured, in pain or acting unwell, contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away.
