Dog boarding in the US typically costs about $35 to $85 per night for a standard kennel or run, with private suites, luxury facilities and big cities at $75 to $150 or more. Cat boarding often runs about $25 to $55 per night. Holidays, extra dogs, medication and add-ons raise the total. These are ballpark ranges, not quotes, so ask facilities for a full written price list.
Boarding costs at a glance
| Type | Typical US range |
|---|
| Standard kennel boarding, per night | About $35 to $85 |
| Suite or luxury boarding, per night | About $75 to $150 or more |
| Boarding at a vet clinic, per night | About $30 to $90 |
| Doggy daycare, per day | About $25 to $50 |
| Cat boarding, per night | About $25 to $55 |
| In-home pet sitter, per night | Often $50 to $100 or more |
| Holiday surcharge | Often $10 to $25 or more per night |
Ranges are typical US estimates and vary widely by region and facility.
What changes the price
- Location. Big cities and high-cost regions cost more.
- Accommodation type. A standard run costs less than a suite with a bed, a window or a TV.
- Dog size. Some facilities charge more for large dogs.
- Holidays and peak seasons. Thanksgiving, December holidays, spring break and summer often book early and may cost more.
- Length of stay. Some facilities discount longer stays.
- Number of dogs. Dogs from the same household may share a run at a reduced rate.
- Services included. Walks, playtime, cameras and grooming may be extra.
Common add-ons and fees
- Individual play sessions or extra walks: about $10 to $25 each.
- Medication administration: often $3 to $10 per dose or day.
- Special diets or fresh meals: varies.
- Bath or grooming before pickup: varies.
- Vaccination or temperament assessment: sometimes a one-time fee.
- Late pickup or early drop-off: may be charged.
Ask for a written list and check what is included before booking. Also confirm vaccine requirements. Facilities commonly require rabies, DHPP and often Bordetella, and our How much do dog vaccines cost? guide explains what those cost if your dog needs them.
Boarding versus a pet sitter
Boarding gives supervision by staff and a structured setting, but some dogs find it stressful. A pet sitter can care for your dog at home, which suits anxious or senior dogs, and for several pets it can cost less than boarding each one. Compare options with our pet sitter rate guide and the pet sitter rate calculator. For daily visits instead of overnight care, see dog walker costs.
How to choose a boarding facility
- Tour the facility and ask to see where your dog will sleep and play.
- Ask about staffing, including overnight supervision and emergency plans.
- Check cleanliness, ventilation and temperature control.
- Ask about vet access and what happens in an emergency.
- Ask how dogs are grouped for play and how aggression is handled.
- Read recent reviews and confirm licensing where required.
- Do a trial day if your dog has not been boarded.
How to save on boarding
- Book early for holidays, since popular facilities fill up.
- Ask about multi-dog or long-stay discounts.
- Consider daycare for short trips if your dog does well in groups.
- Compare vet clinic boarding, small family-run kennels and sitters.
- Skip add-ons your dog does not need.
- Ask friends or family if they can help for part of the trip.
Cat boarding
Cats often cost less to board but need a quiet, separate space away from dogs. Look for facilities that offer cat-only areas, vertical space and a litter box in each unit. Many cats stay happier at home with a sitter. See how much it costs to own a cat for other routine costs.
Preparing your dog for boarding
A smooth first stay starts weeks earlier. Make sure vaccines are current and that paperwork is complete, because many facilities will not accept dogs without proof. Pack your dog's usual food in labeled portions to avoid stomach upset, along with any medication and written instructions. A familiar blanket or toy can help, though some facilities limit what you can bring.
Try a short daycare day or one night before a long trip so you can see how your dog copes. Watch for signs of stress at pickup, such as not eating, diarrhea or exhaustion. Dogs with anxiety or health conditions may do better with a sitter at home. Save your veterinarian's contact details and a backup person's number, and tell the facility about allergies, medications and any history of fighting or escape attempts.
Hidden costs to watch for
Ask about minimum stays on holidays, cancellation fees and deposits. Some facilities charge by the calendar day, so pick-up time matters, and a late afternoon pickup may count as an extra night. If your dog needs medication or special handling, ask for the daily fee in writing. Compare the total, including add-ons, not just the nightly price.
Travel and boarding together
If you are flying, boarding costs add to airfare and carrier costs. See traveling with pets for a full trip estimate.
Related guides
Swap experiences with other owners on the PawTalk advice forum.
This guide is general education from the PawCalculator team, not veterinary or financial advice. Cost ranges are typical US ballparks for 2026 and vary by region, clinic and provider, so confirm with local quotes. Sources: published boarding-facility pricing ranges and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
