Quick Answer
Dog boarding usually costs $40 to $75 per night for standard care, or about $280 to $525 per week before add-ons, taxes, and holiday fees. Budget kennels may cost closer to $30 to $50 per night, while luxury boarding, private suites, in-home sitters, puppies, senior dogs, medication, or holiday stays can cost $75 to $150+ per night. For your full pet budget, use our pet cost calculator or compare ongoing ownership costs in our dog cost per month guide.
Dog Boarding Cost Per Night and Week
The average dog boarding cost is usually around $40 to $75 per night. For a full week, that comes to about $280 to $525 before taxes, booking fees, holiday rates, extra-dog charges, and optional add-ons.
Prices vary a lot by location. Rover data shows dog boarding in some U.S. cities around the low-to-mid $40s per night, while higher-cost areas can be $50, $60, or more per night. For example, Rover lists Houston around $41.51 per night, Atlanta around $46.22 per night, and Sacramento around $53.10 per night in city-specific boarding data. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Budget Boarding
$30–$50/night
Basic kennel, simple care, standard feeding, and limited extras.
Average Boarding
$40–$75/night
Standard kennel, daycare-style boarding, or sitter boarding in many markets.
Premium Boarding
$75–$150+/night
Luxury suites, private rooms, extra playtime, webcams, medical care, or holiday stays.
The cheapest advertised rate is not always the final price. Ask about checkout times, late pickup fees, feeding fees, medication fees, holiday surcharges, and whether playtime is included.
Dog Boarding Cost Breakdown
This table gives a practical estimate for one dog in the United States.
| Boarding Cost Type | Low Cost | High Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard nightly boarding | $40 | $75 | Common range for many kennels and sitter boarding options. |
| Budget kennel | $30 | $50 | Usually basic sleeping space, feeding, water, and potty breaks. |
| In-home sitter boarding | $40 | $90+ | Your dog stays in the sitter’s home; pricing depends on sitter experience and location. |
| Luxury boarding suite | $75 | $150+ | May include private rooms, webcams, bedding, more attention, or enrichment. |
| Holiday surcharge | $10 | $50+ extra/night | Common during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, spring break, and summer travel. |
| Extra dog fee | $15 | $60+ extra/night | May be discounted if dogs share a room or suite. |
| Medication fee | $5 | $25+ per day | Depends on medication type, frequency, and facility policy. |
| Bath or grooming add-on | $25 | $100+ | Optional, often added before pickup. |
Realistic total: most owners should plan for $50 to $100 per night after likely fees, especially during busy travel dates.
Dog Boarding Cost by Type
Dog boarding prices depend heavily on the care style. A traditional kennel is usually cheaper than a luxury suite, while in-home sitter boarding may cost more or less depending on your market.
| Boarding Type | Typical Nightly Cost | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional kennel | $30–$70 | Dogs comfortable in a kennel environment | Playtime, walks, and one-on-one attention may cost extra. |
| Veterinary boarding | $45–$100+ | Dogs needing medication or medical supervision | May be less enrichment-focused than daycare-style boarding. |
| Dog daycare boarding | $50–$100+ | Social dogs that enjoy group play | Not ideal for anxious, reactive, senior, or medically fragile dogs. |
| In-home sitter boarding | $40–$90+ | Dogs who do better in a home environment | Ask about other pets, supervision, fencing, and emergency plan. |
| Luxury dog hotel | $75–$150+ | Owners wanting suites, webcams, extra play, and premium care | Add-ons can raise the final bill quickly. |
Care.com notes that dog boarding commonly averages $40 to $60 per night, while higher-supervision or luxury daycare-style boarding can cost significantly more. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
How Much Is Dog Boarding for a Week?
Dog boarding for one week usually costs about $280 to $525 at standard rates. With add-ons, holiday pricing, medication, or luxury boarding, a week can easily reach $600 to $1,000+.
| Nightly Rate | Cost for 3 Nights | Cost for 5 Nights | Cost for 7 Nights | Cost for 14 Nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40/night | $120 | $200 | $280 | $560 |
| $50/night | $150 | $250 | $350 | $700 |
| $75/night | $225 | $375 | $525 | $1,050 |
| $100/night | $300 | $500 | $700 | $1,400 |
Rover’s national dog boarding data shows about $49.01 per night and $343.07 for a week, while some city pages show lower or higher weekly costs based on local rates. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Holiday Dog Boarding Rates
Holiday dog boarding often costs more because demand is higher and spots fill quickly. Expect an extra $10 to $50+ per night, or a higher flat holiday rate.
Common peak periods include Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, spring break, long weekends, and summer vacation weeks.
Holiday Boarding Example
Standard rate: $55/night
Holiday surcharge: $20/night
Holiday total: $75/night
One-week holiday stay: $525 before add-ons
Book early if you need boarding during a major holiday. Waiting until the last week can leave you with fewer choices and higher prices.
Common Dog Boarding Add-On Fees
The advertised nightly rate may not include every service your dog needs. Always ask what is included and what costs extra.
| Add-On | Typical Cost | Why It May Be Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Extra playtime | $10–$30 per session | One-on-one play, group play, or extra exercise. |
| Walks | $10–$25 per walk | Some kennels include potty breaks but charge for longer walks. |
| Medication administration | $5–$25 per day | Extra staff time and care tracking. |
| Special feeding | $5–$15 per day | Raw food, refrigerated meals, multiple meals, or complicated instructions. |
| Bath before pickup | $25–$100+ | Optional grooming or cleanup service. |
| Late pickup | $10–$50+ | May apply if pickup is after checkout time. |
| Transportation | $15–$75+ | Pickup, drop-off, or pet taxi service. |
Rover also notes that pet care rates can rise for holidays and add-ons such as grooming, pickup/drop-off, additional pets, and extended stays. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Kennel vs In-Home Dog Boarding
The best option depends on your dog’s personality, health, anxiety level, and routine. A social, confident dog may enjoy a daycare-style boarding facility. A nervous dog may do better with an in-home sitter or house sitter.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Cost Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennel boarding | Structured, commercial facility, staff schedule | May be stressful for anxious dogs | Often cheaper for basic care |
| In-home sitter boarding | Home-like environment, often fewer dogs | Quality varies by sitter and home setup | Can be similar to or higher than kennel rates |
| House sitting | Dog stays at home, routine is preserved | Often more expensive; requires trust | Can cost $60–$150+ per night |
| Veterinary boarding | Better for dogs needing medical monitoring | May feel clinical and less enrichment-based | Often mid-to-high range |
For overnight dog sitting, rates can vary widely by city and care level. Rover’s Raleigh example lists overnight sitting between $35 and $55 per night locally, while other national sitting estimates can be higher. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Luxury Dog Boarding Cost
Luxury dog boarding usually costs $75 to $150+ per night. In expensive cities, premium suites can go higher, especially during holidays.
Luxury boarding may include private rooms, raised beds, webcams, all-day play, individual walks, bedtime treats, grooming, swimming, training, or extra staff attention.
Luxury Boarding May Include
- Private suite instead of standard kennel run
- Webcam access
- Extra play sessions
- Daily photo updates
- Grooming before pickup
- Training or enrichment add-ons
- Special bedding or quiet rooms
In a high-cost city like Seattle, one local 2026 guide lists standard boarding around $60–$85 per night and premium suites around $85–$110 per night. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Cost to Board Two Dogs
Boarding two dogs usually costs more, but not always exactly double. Some facilities offer a second-dog discount if both dogs share a kennel or suite.
| Scenario | Nightly Cost Example | One-Week Cost |
|---|---|---|
| One dog at $50/night | $50 | $350 |
| Two dogs, full price each | $100 | $700 |
| Two dogs with $25 second-dog add-on | $75 | $525 |
| Two dogs in luxury boarding | $125–$250+ | $875–$1,750+ |
Ask whether the second-dog discount applies only if the dogs can safely share a room. If they need separate rooms, expect the cost to be much higher.
Puppy, Senior, and Medical Dog Boarding Costs
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with medical needs may cost more to board because they need extra supervision, more potty breaks, medication, special feeding, or quieter spaces.
| Dog Type | Possible Extra Cost | Why It Costs More |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | $10–$40+ extra/night | More potty breaks, supervision, feeding, and cleaning. |
| Senior dog | $10–$50+ extra/night | Mobility help, medication, monitoring, and softer bedding. |
| Dog needing medication | $5–$25+ per day | Staff must administer and track medication correctly. |
| Anxious or reactive dog | Varies | May need private care, no group play, or a specialist sitter. |
Do not choose the cheapest boarding option if your dog needs special care. A poor fit can lead to stress, injury, illness, or emergency vet bills.
What Is Usually Included in Dog Boarding?
Basic boarding usually includes a sleeping area, water, feeding, potty breaks, and general supervision. But the details vary a lot between facilities.
Usually Included
Sleeping space, water, basic feeding, potty breaks, and staff check-ins.
Sometimes Included
Group play, walks, photo updates, bedding, and basic medication.
Often Extra
Grooming, training, special meals, private play, late pickup, and transportation.
Before booking, ask for an itemized estimate. This helps you compare a $45 kennel with a $65 facility fairly.
Real Boarding Budget Examples
Here are simple examples of what dog boarding may cost for a short trip and a full week.
| Trip Type | Base Boarding | Add-Ons | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend, budget kennel | 2 nights × $40 = $80 | $20 late pickup | $100 |
| Five-night work trip | 5 nights × $55 = $275 | $50 playtime add-ons | $325 |
| One-week standard boarding | 7 nights × $60 = $420 | $35 bath | $455 |
| One-week holiday boarding | 7 nights × $80 = $560 | $70 medication/play fees | $630 |
| One-week luxury suite | 7 nights × $110 = $770 | $100 grooming + enrichment | $870 |
If you travel often, dog boarding can become a major part of your annual dog ownership cost. Add it to your normal budget instead of treating it as a surprise.
How to Save on Dog Boarding
You can reduce boarding costs without choosing unsafe care. The goal is to compare total value, not just the lowest nightly rate.
- Book early for holidays and summer travel.
- Ask about weekly discounts for longer stays.
- Bring your dog’s own food if it avoids special feeding charges or stomach upset.
- Compare what is included before choosing a cheaper kennel.
- Try a one-night trial stay before a long trip.
- Ask about second-dog discounts if you have more than one dog.
- Avoid unnecessary add-ons such as premium treats or extra packages you do not need.
- Keep vaccines current so you do not need last-minute vet appointments.
If boarding makes your dog budget too tight, use the pet affordability quiz to check whether travel care is one of your weak spots.
Dog Boarding Alternatives
Boarding is not the only option. Depending on your dog, a sitter, house sitter, family member, or drop-in care may be cheaper or less stressful.
| Alternative | Typical Cost Pattern | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-in visits | $15–$40+ per visit | Dogs that only need short care windows, not overnight supervision. |
| Dog walker plus family help | Varies | Short trips when someone can stay overnight or check in. |
| House sitter | $60–$150+ per night | Anxious dogs, senior dogs, multi-pet homes, or dogs who need routine. |
| Friend or family care | Free–$50+ per day | Dogs comfortable with someone they already know. |
| Trusted pet exchange | Low cash cost | Owners with reliable friends who also need pet care. |
For dogs with anxiety, medical needs, or behavior concerns, the best option may not be the cheapest one.
Plan Your Dog Care Budget
Dog boarding is only one part of owning a dog. You still need to budget for food, vet care, grooming, insurance, supplies, training, rent-related pet fees, and emergency savings.
Use the Pet Cost Calculator
Estimate monthly, yearly, and lifetime dog costs with our pet cost calculator.
Compare Monthly Dog Costs
See the full ownership picture in our dog cost per month guide.
Check Insurance Costs
Boarding facilities may require vaccines, and vet care still matters. Read our pet insurance cost breakdown.
Renting With Pets?
If you rent, add housing costs too. Read pet rent vs pet deposit.
Sources and Cost Methodology
This guide uses current dog boarding and dog sitting cost references from Rover, Care.com, city-level boarding data, and pet care pricing resources. Actual prices vary by location, facility, dog size, age, health, behavior, holiday demand, and add-on services.
FAQs About Dog Boarding Cost
How much does dog boarding cost per night?
Dog boarding usually costs $40 to $75 per night for standard care. Budget kennels may be closer to $30 to $50 per night, while luxury boarding, holidays, puppies, seniors, or medical-care boarding can cost $75 to $150+ per night.
How much does dog boarding cost for a week?
One week of dog boarding usually costs about $280 to $525 at standard rates. With holiday pricing, luxury suites, medication, grooming, or extra playtime, a week can cost $600 to $1,000+.
Is dog boarding charged per day or per night?
Most dog boarding is charged per night, but checkout times matter. Some facilities charge late pickup fees, half-day daycare fees, or another full day if pickup happens after a certain time.
Is dog boarding more expensive during holidays?
Yes. Many boarding facilities and sitters charge holiday surcharges during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, spring break, summer travel, and long weekends. The surcharge may be a higher nightly rate or an extra fee per night.
Is a kennel cheaper than a dog sitter?
A basic kennel is often cheaper than a private sitter or house sitter, but not always. In-home boarding can be similar in price to kennel boarding, while overnight house sitting is often more expensive because the sitter stays in your home.
How much does it cost to board two dogs?
Boarding two dogs may cost nearly double, but some facilities offer a second-dog discount if both dogs share a room. For example, one dog at $50 per night may cost $350 for a week, while two dogs may cost $525 to $700+ depending on discounts.
What is included in dog boarding?
Basic dog boarding usually includes a sleeping area, water, feeding, potty breaks, and general supervision. Walks, playtime, grooming, medication, special meals, photos, and late pickup may cost extra.
How can I save money on dog boarding?
You can save by booking early, asking about weekly discounts, comparing what is included, avoiding unnecessary add-ons, keeping vaccines current, using trial stays, and checking whether a trusted sitter or family member is a better fit.