Dog boarding costs can range from $25 to over $100 per night depending on where you live, the type of facility you choose, and the services included. Understanding the factors that drive pricing helps you find a quality option that fits your budget without sacrificing your dog's care.
Average Dog Boarding Costs by Region
| Region | Nightly Rate (Dog) | Nightly Rate (Cat) |
|---|---|---|
| West Coast (CA, WA, OR) | $55 – $85 | $30 – $50 |
| Northeast (NY, NJ, MA, CT) | $55 – $95 | $35 – $55 |
| South (TX, FL, GA, NC) | $35 – $65 | $25 – $40 |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI, MN) | $30 – $55 | $20 – $35 |
| Mountain / Plains States | $30 – $55 | $20 – $35 |
| National Average | $40 – $65 | $25 – $40 |
These are general ranges for a standard private suite or dog run. Prices in major cities like San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Boston tend to run at the top of their regional range or above it. Rural facilities and smaller towns are typically at the lower end.
What Affects the Price?
- Location: urban facilities have higher overhead and charge more. A kennel in rural Texas might charge $30 per night for the same quality of care as one in Los Angeles charging $75.
- Type of accommodation: a basic kennel run is cheaper than a private suite with a raised bed, webcam access, and separate play area.
- Your dog's size: many facilities charge more for large breeds due to space and handling requirements. Some use weight tiers — under 25 lbs, 25 to 50 lbs, 50 lbs and over.
- Add-on services: extra walks, grooming sessions, training, and medication administration all add to the base rate.
- Peak season: expect higher rates during major holidays, long weekends, and summer. Book early during these periods — quality facilities fill up fast.
Pet Sitter Costs vs. Boarding Kennel Costs
In-home pet sitters generally charge $30 to $65 per night for an overnight stay. Drop-in visits (30 to 60 minutes) typically run $18 to $35 per visit. For a single dog, the total cost is often similar to a boarding kennel. For two or more pets, an in-home sitter covering everyone at a flat rate is usually more economical than paying per-pet kennel fees.
What Is Typically Included in the Base Price?
At most boarding facilities, the nightly rate includes a private sleeping space, basic feeding with your food or theirs, one or two supervised play or exercise sessions per day, and general supervision. What is not included: extra walks, grooming, training, luxury suite upgrades, medication administration fees, or holiday surcharges.
Always ask for a full price breakdown before you commit, including any potential surcharges. Some facilities advertise a low base rate but charge separately for things you would consider standard, like outdoor play time.
Is Cheaper Always Worse?
Not necessarily. A well-run independent kennel in a lower cost-of-living area might charge $35 per night and provide exceptional care. A trendy pet hotel in a major city might charge $100 per night and simply have nicer decor. The indicators that matter are staff training, staff-to-pet ratio, cleanliness, emergency protocols, and how the animals in the facility actually appear — not the price or the Instagram aesthetic.
How to Find the Best Value
Tour the facility before you book. Ask about staff-to-pet ratios, overnight supervision, and their emergency procedure. Read recent reviews on Google and Yelp. A facility with consistent 4.5 to 5 star reviews and transparent policies is a better bet than a beautiful facility with hidden fees and vague answers to your questions.