How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost?
Last updated: May 6, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
Dog boarding costs $25 to $75 per night on average, or about $45 per night for a typical mid-sized dog. Traditional kennel facilities are usually the most affordable option, in-home boarding through a pet sitter costs somewhat more, and luxury pet resorts with suites and webcams can run $75-$100+ per night, especially for larger dogs.
Rates typically scale with dog size and length of stay, and many facilities offer a lower per-night rate for longer bookings. Add-ons like daytime play sessions, medication administration, or a bath before pickup are common extras.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $25 – $75
Low end
$20
High end
$100+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
Dog Boarding Cost Calculator
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Estimated Project Cost
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Typical estimate: —
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.
Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Base boarding/kennel fee (per night) | $20 – $55 |
| Feeding & basic care (per night) | $3 – $10 |
| Playtime & exercise (per night) | $5 – $15 |
| Facility overhead/cleaning fee (per night) | $2 – $8 |
What Affects the Cost
Facility type
Traditional kennels are the most budget-friendly, in-home pet sitters cost somewhat more for the added attention, and luxury resorts with private suites and extra amenities command the highest rates.
Dog size
Larger dogs typically cost more per night to board due to bigger kennel space, more food, and more staff time needed for walks and handling.
Length of stay
Many facilities offer a discounted per-night rate for longer stays of a week or more compared to a single overnight booking.
Season and demand
Rates and availability tighten around major holidays and peak summer travel weeks, when boarding facilities often charge premium rates and book up weeks in advance.
Add-on services
Daytime play sessions, medication administration, grooming before pickup, and transport are common add-ons that increase the total cost beyond the base nightly rate.
Cost by Length of Stay
| Length of Stay | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 night | $25 – $75 |
| 3 nights | $75 – $225 |
| 7 nights | $175 – $525 |
| 14 nights | $350 – $1,050 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
Swapping pet-sitting favors with a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member costs nothing or very little and can be a great option for dogs who do well in a familiar environment.
Hiring a professional
A licensed boarding facility or professional pet sitter provides trained staff, consistent supervision, and access to emergency veterinary care if something goes wrong.
Bottom line: A DIY pet-sitting swap works well for easygoing dogs and short trips; a licensed facility or professional sitter is worth the cost for longer trips or dogs with medical needs.
Ways to Save
- Book well ahead of major holidays and peak travel weeks, when rates rise and spots fill quickly.
- Ask about multi-night or weekly discounts, which many facilities offer for longer stays.
- Trade pet-sitting with a trusted friend or neighbor for short trips.
- Compare an in-home pet-sitting app against a traditional kennel — it's sometimes cheaper and less stressful for anxious dogs.
- Skip optional add-ons like daycare or grooming if your dog does fine with standard care.
- Bring your own food to avoid facility food surcharges.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog boarding cost per night?
Dog boarding averages about $45 per night, with most facilities charging $25 to $75 depending on facility type and dog size.
Is a pet sitter cheaper than a boarding kennel?
It depends — in-home pet sitting through an app is sometimes comparable to or slightly more than a traditional kennel, but many owners find it worth the extra cost for the one-on-one attention and familiar environment.
Do boarding facilities offer discounts for longer stays?
Many do — weekly bookings often come with a lower effective per-night rate than booking a single night at a time, so it's worth asking before you book.
What should I bring when boarding my dog?
Most facilities recommend bringing your dog's food, any medications, a leash and collar with ID tags, and proof of current vaccinations. Some allow a favorite blanket or toy for comfort.
Are there extra fees for medication or special needs?
Yes, many facilities charge a small daily fee, often $5-$15, for administering medication or providing extra attention to dogs with special needs.