The Ultimate Guide to Daily Dog Boarding Costs

Sophie Baker

31 Posts

We get it – leaving your furry best friend behind when you travel is tough. That knot in your stomach when you’re packing? Totally normal. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or dealing with a work trip, finding the right place for your dog can feel overwhelming.

The good news? With a little know-how, you can find boarding that’ll have your pup happy and you stress-free. We’ll walk you through what to expect cost-wise and share our best tips for finding a place where your dog will actually enjoy their “vacation” too.

What’s Dog Boarding Really Going to Cost?

Dog boarding costs can change a lot based on where you live, what kind of service it is, and what your doggo needs. Here’s a general look:

Typical Daily Prices

Regular Kennels: $25–$50 a day. These are your standard places with the basics.

Fancy Pet Hotels: $50–$100+ a day. Think spa treatments and comfy rooms!

Home Boarding (on Apps Like Rover or Wag!): $30–$75 a day. Your dog chills at someone’s house, getting more personal care.

Extra Stuff That Adds to the Bill

Private Rooms: $10–$30 a day more for more space and privacy.

Playtime Deals: $5–$20 extra each day for more exercise and fun.

Giving Meds: $5–$10 a day more if your dog needs medicine.

Special Food: $5–$15 a day more if your dog has special food stuff.

Grooming: Could be $25 to $100+, varies with breed and how much work it needs.

Things That Change the Price

Dog size and breed: Big dogs usually cost more.

Where you live: Cities are usually pricier.

Time of year: Holidays and school breaks mean higher prices.

Health or behavior problems: Dogs that need extra care cost more.

Boarding Options?

Not all boarding places are the same. Here are the main types and what dogs they’re good for:

1. Standard Kennels

These are basic. They focus on keeping your dog safe and sticking to a routine. Dogs stay in their own areas and get regular food and bathroom breaks.

Good for: People watching their spending ,or if your dog just needs a place to stay for a short time.

2. Doggie Daycare + Boarding

These places mix playing with other dogs during the day and sleeping alone at night.

Good for: Dogs that love playing with others and being active.

3. Fancy Pet Hotels

These have nice stuff like comfy beds, rooms with AC and heat, TVs, and spa stuff. They’re good for dogs that get nervous or are used to being spoiled.

Good for: People who want the best for their dogs or have dogs that get anxious.

4. Home Boarding

Your dog stays at someone’s house, usually with fewer other animals and a more normal home feel. It’s often less stressful for dogs.

Good for: Dogs that don’t like kennels or get lonely when you’re gone.

How to Pick a Good Boarding Place

Not all places are equal. To make sure your dog is well taken care of, do these things:

1. Ask Important Questions

What does a normal day look like?

Does someone watch the dogs when they play?

Are the workers trained to handle emergencies or do dog CPR?

What do they do if a dog gets sick or hurt?

Can I bring my dog’s own food, toys, or bed?

2. Go Visit Before You Book

A good place will let you look around. While you’re there, see if:

It’s clean and doesn’t smell bad

The areas are safe and locked

The dogs there seem happy and relaxed

There’s clean water everywhere

3. Read Reviews and Check Credentials

Find recent reviews on places like Google, Yelp, and social media

Ask vets or pet stores for recommendations

See if they have certifications from pet care groups

4. Try a Test Stay

Try a daycare day or one night before a long trip. This helps your dog get used to the place and shows how they’ll do there.

Where to Start Looking

Here are some places to start your dog boarding search:

Rover.com and Wag!: Great for home boarding and checked-out sitters.

Google Maps: Search dog boarding near me for local places and reviews.

Yelp: Good for seeing what people say and photos of the places.

Local Facebook Groups: Good for personal suggestions.

Nextdoor App: Ask your neighbors for suggestions.

Ways to Save Money

Boarding doesn’t have to be super expensive. Try these things to save some cash:

Book early for holidays: Prices go up, and spots fill up fast.

Look for deals: Daycare + boarding deals can save you money.

Don’t get extras you don’t need: Not every dog needs fancy stuff.

Sign up for rewards programs: Regular stays can get you deals or free stuff.

Final Thoughts

Dog boarding is more than just a place for your dog to sleep—it’s about making sure they’re happy, safe, and healthy when you’re not around. Whether you pick a comfy home or a fancy pet hotel, knowing your options and asking the right questions is super important.

Take your time to find a place that’s good for your budget and your dog’s personality. And if you need help finding or contacting a place, don’t worry about asking. A little planning now means a relaxed stay for your pup later.