How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost?
Dog boarding in the US usually costs about $25 to $60 a night. A 2025 study of more than 4,000 boarding facilities found a national average of about $45 and a median of $42 a night for a small dog, though prices ranged from $10 to $180 depending on location and amenities.
Below: what pushes the price up or down, what should be included, and how to choose a place that suits your dog — not just your budget.
What drives the price
Typical US ranges from the sources at the bottom of this page. Your local rates may differ.
Location
Big cities and high-cost states charge the most; rural kennels the least. In Goose's 2025 study, the District of Columbia had the highest average rates and Mississippi among the lowest.
Type of boarding
Traditional kennels, luxury 'pet hotels' with suites and webcams, and boarding in a sitter's home all have different price points. Rover's 2025 data put sitter-home boarding near $49 a day.
Your dog
Puppies, very large dogs, seniors and dogs that need medication or extra supervision often cost more. A second dog from the same family is usually discounted.
Extras and timing
Play groups, extra walks, bathing, training sessions, photo updates and pickup can each add a few dollars a day. Holiday weeks often carry a surcharge.
How to budget for and book boarding
Six steps that help you compare places fairly and avoid surprises at checkout.
- 1
Decide between a kennel and a sitter's home
Boarding facilities and in-home sitter boarding are priced similarly, but they suit different dogs. Busy kennels suit social, adaptable dogs; quieter in-home boarding can suit dogs who are shy or prefer people.
- 2
Get two or three local quotes
Rates vary widely by state and city. Ask each provider for the nightly rate, any holiday surcharge, and what extras cost.
- 3
Ask what's included
At a minimum, expect clean housing, fresh water, several potty breaks a day and monitoring of eating and bathroom habits. Play groups, walks, updates and bathing are often extras.
- 4
Visit before you book
Tour the space, ask about staff-to-dog ratios, overnight supervision and emergency vet plans, and check the vaccine requirements.
- 5
Book a trial day or night
A short trial stay shows you how your dog handles the place before a long trip, and lets staff learn your dog.
- 6
Book holidays early
Facilities fill up around Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer, and many charge holiday rates.
Price matters less than fit
Dr. Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods's research at the Duke Canine Cognition Center, described in The Genius of Dogs and Puppy Kindergarten, shows that dogs differ in how they read people, how they handle new situations and how much they rely on their owner. Those differences matter when you hand your dog to someone new.
The Dognition Assessment uses science-based games you play at home to show how your dog thinks — how they communicate, cooperate and solve problems. Sharing that profile with a sitter, boarder or trainer gives them a head start on understanding your dog.
Sources
- Goose — 2025 Pet Boarding Pricing Study (4,000+ facilities)
- Daily Paws — How much dog boarding costs (IBPSA comment)
- Rover — Dog sitting rates nationally (sitter boarding)
Prices are typical US ranges reported by the sources above, not quotes. Rates vary by city, season, the provider's experience and your dog's needs — always confirm with the provider.
Common boarding worries
“My dog gets stressed in busy places.”
Compare a quieter in-home sitter or a sitter in your own house. See our boarding vs. pet sitting comparison.
“Everything is booked for the holidays.”
Ask to join waitlists, look at in-home sitters, and book next year's dates as soon as you know them.
“I'm not sure my dog's paperwork is complete.”
Call your veterinarian a few weeks ahead to confirm what's current and get a copy of the record.
Dog boarding cost questions
- How much does dog boarding cost per night?
- Most US dog boarding costs roughly $25 to $60 a night. A 2025 study of more than 4,000 facilities found an average of about $45 and a median of $42 for a small dog, with a few rural kennels near $10 and luxury facilities up to $180.
- How much does it cost to board a dog for a week?
- At typical nightly rates, a week usually lands somewhere between about $175 and $420, before add-ons, taxes and holiday surcharges. Some facilities discount longer stays.
- Why is dog boarding more expensive around the holidays?
- Demand peaks at Thanksgiving, Christmas and in summer, so many facilities add a holiday surcharge and fill up weeks in advance. Book early.
- Is boarding cheaper than a dog sitter?
- Often similar. Rover's 2025 data put boarding in a sitter's home near $49 a day and a sitter staying in your home near $55 a day. Drop-in visits cost less per visit but give your dog less company.
- What do boarding kennels usually require?
- Most ask for proof of current vaccines, often including rabies, distemper/parvo combination and Bordetella; requirements vary by facility and state. Your veterinarian decides your dog's actual vaccine schedule. A filled-in vaccination record makes check-in faster.
- Should I tip at a dog boarding facility?
- Tipping isn't required, but many owners tip staff around the holidays or after a long stay, especially if their dog needed extra care.
Not sure boarding is right? Compare dog boarding vs. pet sitting, read how to prepare your dog for boarding, or bring a filled-in pet sitter & boarding info sheet.
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