Dog Boarding: What Is It and How Much Does It Cost?

Trusting your dog to other people, even professionals, can be difficult. However, modern solutions are full of variety, offering clients options with different prices and sets of services.

Dog boarding is a whole group of businesses and establishments for dogs where owners can give them for a short term. Are you going on a trip or a work trip and cannot take your pet with you? These facilities will help you: your pet will be warm and comfortable. But how much does it cost to board a dog?

Today, dog boarding establishments vary in the level of comfort and the number of additional services. For example, some shelters have a pet boarding function for a fee, where the dog will receive the necessary care and food. Hotels offer the best conditions, custom food, and luxury services for your pet. Is boarding worth the money? Let's figure it out!

What Is Dog Boarding? Understanding the Basics

Some facilities are mixed types: several groups of pets live there, including cats, birds, and even reptiles. However, you can choose a specialized institution for dogs. Here, you will receive the following benefits:

• Professionalism. Care, supervision, and feeding regimes in these places are selected by professionals with affordable dog boarding prices. You will be able to pick some extra options; for example, leave your food if your pet requires a special diet. In addition, you will be sure that your four-legged friend is under 24/7 supervision.
• Socialization. Boarding is an ideal option for social, young, and active dogs. If you would like your animal to spend more time with other pets, check the availability of common play areas in the institution. Most often, they are allowed to play and walk together under the supervision of professional caretakers.
• Safety. Unlike many premises, institutions, and even your home, dog facilities are ideally equipped for the habits of animals. They have no opportunity to escape or get injured as well as find unfamiliar triggers and irritants. All places of stay of animals are reliably guarded.
• Stability. Your pet will have a stable daily routine and schedule. Feedings, walks, playtime, and rest are spread out throughout the day so they can get used to and feel more comfortable in the new environment.

Boarding is a great solution for healthy dogs. However, if you have a puppy, senior dog, or pet with special needs, you may want to consider other boarding options with higher dog hotel prices. Typically, staff members don’t have the time to provide individual attention to each “client,” so these animals should be left 1-on-1 with a sitter or veterinarian.

Types of Dog Boarding: Facilities, Dog Hotels, and In-Home Options

Okay, so we’ve covered the concept of boarding and its benefits. But how do I choose the right place to board my pet? In most states and cities, there are three main options available: standard facilities, hotels and resorts, and private boarding at a host’s home. Which option should you choose? How much is dog boarding according to the facility type? Let's look at each of them in more detail:

Feature	Traditional Boarding Facilities	Dog Hotels	In-Home Boarding
Environment	Kennel-style shared or private enclosures	Luxury suites, private rooms, upscale amenities	The home-like setting, stays with a host family
Supervision	Staff on-site, often 24/7	24/7 care with personalized attention	Individualized care, may not be 24/7
Socialization	Group playtime is available with separate areas for different dogs	Carefully monitored social interactions, one-on-one playtime	More limited interaction, depends on the host
Comfort Level	Basic accommodations, indoor/outdoor access	Premium bedding, TVs, climate control, and spa services	Home setting with furniture access
Exercise & Activities	Regular playtime, basic exercise	Customizable activities, dog parks, personal training sessions	Walks, playtime, home routines
Medical Care	Some facilities have vet staff on call	Vet services, special care for senior dogs or those with medical needs	Limited, may depend on the host’s experience
Suitability	Ideal for dogs who do well in structured environments	Best for pampered pets who need high-end care	Great for dogs who prefer a quieter, home-like environment
Cost	Affordable to moderate pricing	High-end, more expensive	Varies by the host, often mid-range
Availability	Common in most areas	Available in urban centers and high-demand regions	Depends on local availability and host options
Customization	Standardized care plans	Highly personalized services	Flexible, but depends on the host

The choice of location depends on your expectations and boarding dog cost. If you will only be gone a few days, you can save money by using standard facilities. Dog hotels have a wide range of rates and rooms, so you can choose the level of comfort you need and additional services, such as grooming or a medical examination. Home boarding is suitable for those who need to customize the sitter's services.

How Much Does It Cost to Board Your Dog? Factors That Affect Pricing

Prices and rates for boarding vary depending on your location, expectations, and requirements. In addition, your pet’s breed, habits, and characteristics have an impact on the price. Here are the factors that determine the cost of a dog facility per night:

• Length of stay. How much is it to board a dog for a long time? Logically, more nights increase the final cost and the tax you must pay. Some establishments may offer discounts for longer stays, while hotels sometimes have restrictions on the length of booking.
• Size and breed of dog. Large dogs take up more space and require more food. In addition, exotic breeds may need more attention, a special diet, and a system of activities and walks. These factors can increase the cost of boarding a dog, especially if you work with a private sitter.
• Additional services. If you want to order grooming, lessons with a dog handler, medical services, or more individual time, be prepared to pay extra for this. Usually, establishments have a fixed price, but this also depends on the breed of the dog.
• Level of comfort. If standard conditions or cages suit your pet, you can pay the minimum and be sure of the success of the boarding. However, any custom needs, individual work, and services that go beyond the “standard” will cost extra, so don’t start with asking simple “How much does boarding a dog cost.”
• Holiday and seasonal surcharges. Weekends, holidays, popular dates, and vacations are the most expensive dates. Increased demand affects hotel prices. In addition, booking a room in time will help manage the cost, reducing it. 

Depending on the type of establishment, the price will also be affected by the location, professionalism of the staff, reputation, and individual needs of the animal. How much is boarding a dog online? We recommend reading reviews from other guests to form an opinion about the place based on the real-life experiences of other people.

Average Dog Boarding Costs: What to Expect

The US boarding market has grown significantly in recent years. This is due to the popularity of pet-friendly establishments and the understanding of people that their pets deserve a full social life, and not to be locked in an apartment. Today, you can easily find a suitable option, from traditional kennels to luxury dog hotels and home boarding. Owners are increasingly choosing services that meet the individual needs and character of their pets.

The boarding a dog cost varies depending on the region. In large cities and economically developed states such as New York, California, and Massachusetts, prices for pet care services, including boarding, are usually higher due to high demand and the standard of living. In more rural areas and states with less population density, such as Montana or Nebraska, prices may be lower.

States with large metropolitan areas and high population density, such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York, have the highest number of dog facilities, including kennels, hotels, and daycare centers. This is due to the large number of pet owners and the high demand for such services.

As for the price, the average dog boarding cost varies from $25 to $50 per night. Luxury dog hotels will cost you between $50 and $100 per night, not including additional services. Home boarding varies greatly in price due to rates dumping by less professional candidates. A good in-home dog boarding rate is $30-$70 per day.

Dog Hotels vs. Traditional Boarding: Price Comparison

When it comes to the conditions in pet boarding, they can be compared to regular hotels for people. A budget motel or hostel has the bare minimum of amenities: a bed, a bathroom, and access to storage. Hotels, on the other hand, include meals, private and comfortable rooms, and additional features. In the case of pets, here's how the boarding prices for dogs are formed:

Category	Dog Hotels	Traditional Boarding
Average Price (Per Night)	$50 – $120	$25 – $50
Luxury Suites	Yes, private rooms with beds, TV, and cameras	No, standard kennels or cages
Exercise & Playtime	Extensive, includes play areas, pools, and dog parks	Standard, group, or individual walks
Food Quality	Custom meals with organic options are available	Standard kibble, extra charge for special diets
Booking Demand	High, especially during holidays	Moderate, more availability
Best for	Dogs needing high comfort & attention	Budget-conscious owners & independent dogs

Try to choose standard boarding and add the necessary options such as personalized meals, individual walks, games, or improved living conditions. The boarding for dogs cost will be the same as for a hotel. Therefore, it is better to initially pick a place in accordance with the needs of the pet.

How to Choose the Right Dog Boarding Option for Your Budget

Now you know everything about the features of pet boarding and the best establishments! But how to choose a good and budget option? We have prepared some tips to help you make a choice:

• Compare Different Boarding Types. If your budget is tight, standard kennels or in-home boarding might be a better fit. For premium care, look into dog hotels or specialized pet resorts.
• Use social networks. There, you can find more reviews, hidden gems with lower prices, and discount coupons. Today, many small businesses do not have websites and use social networks to promote their services.
• Choose locations further from the center. The more convenient it is to get to your hotel, the higher the price to board a dog will be. If this is not a priority for you, try looking at offers from companies in remote areas. If we are talking about a city where you have lived for a long time, the location will not add any complications.
• Explore Alternatives Like Pet Sitting. If boarding is too expensive, consider pet sitters who may offer in-home care for a similar or lower cost, especially for anxious dogs who do better at home.
• Check What’s Included in the Price. Some facilities charge extra for playtime, feeding special diets, or medication administration. Make sure to ask what’s included to avoid hidden fees.
• Look for Discounts and Packages. Some facilities offer discounts for long-term stays, multiple dogs, or off-peak seasons. Ask about special deals to save money.

These tips will help you become more confident in choosing a place and save money! Remember that such a trip can be stressful for your pet due to the new environment. Don't sacrifice quality for the sake of economy, and make sure that the place you choose treats its four-legged clients with care, and then think about the boarding costs for dogs.

Try Alternative to Boarding with FlatRover

Many people prefer to save on dog hotels by leaving their pets to friends or asking them to visit the animals to feed and walk them. But what if we told you that you can find a great candidate for free? FlatRover is a solution for sitters and pet owners that allows people to travel and stay in the owners' homes for sitters. Here's what you can do:

• Post ads and add information about animals. A clearly defined task will help sitters learn about the animal's breed, required dates, and tasks. Specify the breed of your dog, their preferences, and personality. You can add other pets if you have them.
• Review candidate profiles. Sitters' profiles are as detailed as owners'. They share information about themselves, their skills, and experience so you can learn more about your pet's new friend!
• Leave reviews and form a rating. Feedback is important to us and the sitters. Share your impressions with other owners or recommend a user by leaving a review or rating their work.

FlatRover is a new solution for travelers and those who want to leave their pets in safe hands. Our philosophy is to unite like-minded people in one place and promote the idea of easy travel. Join us to be a part of this experience!

FAQ

How much does it cost to board a dog overnight?

The cost of overnight dog boarding varies depending on the type of establishment and region. On average, traditional kennels charge from $25 to $50 per night, while dog hotels offer more comfortable conditions for $50-$120.

What is the average dog boarding cost?

The average price of boarding depends on the level of service. Basic conditions in traditional kennels are cheaper, and luxury hotels with private rooms, video surveillance, and personalized care can cost significantly more.

Are dog hotels more expensive than traditional boarding?

How much is boarding for dogs vs. hotels? Dog hotels are usually more expensive than traditional kennels, as they offer additional services: play areas, individual walks, professional care, and even spa treatments. Standard facilities have simpler conditions but are still comfortable for most dogs.

What factors affect dog boarding prices?

The amount of how much do dog hotel costs are influenced by many factors, including location (prices are higher in large cities), room type (regular enclosure or separate room), additional services (training, grooming), food (standard or special diet), and seasonality (prices may increase during holidays).

How can I find affordable boarding for my dog?

It's worth comparing prices at different locations to find affordable pet boarding, paying attention to discounts for long-term placement, and considering alternative options such as boarding with private individuals or in-home placements.