The Cost of Boarding a Dog for a Week: What Pet Owners Need to Know
When planning a vacation, business trip, or extended absence from home, a top priority for dog owners is ensuring their pet receives proper care. Dog boarding offers a solution by providing accommodations and care for pets at kennels, pet hotels, or with sitters. However, the cost for such services can vary significantly.
Average Weekly Dog Boarding Costs
Most facilities charge on a nightly basis, so the cost of boarding a dog for one week can range from $175 to over $1,000, depending on several factors:
- Standard boarding: $40–$96 per night, totaling around $280–$672 for a week
- Traditional kennels: $25–$55 per night, or approximately $175–$385 for seven nights
- Veterinary boarding: $30–$60 per night, totaling $210–$420 for a week
- Overnight doggy daycare: $55–$80 per night, about $385–$560 per week
- Sitter boarding (home-based): $25–$75 per night, costing roughly $175–$525 per week
- Luxury or suite boarding: $75 or more per night, adding up to $525–$1,050 or higher
Factors That Affect Boarding Costs
- Location: Boarding in cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco typically costs more, exceeding $60 per night. Smaller cities and rural areas often charge closer to $30–$45 per night.
- Facility type: Facilities range from basic kennels to luxury pet hotels. The more amenities and individualized care a facility offers, the higher the cost.
- Dog size and special needs: Larger dogs, puppies, or dogs needing medical attention are often more expensive to board. Puppy boarding can cost an extra $5–$10 per night.
- Duration of stay: Some facilities offer discounted rates for extended stays, such as 3+ or 7+ nights, which can reduce the average nightly rate.
- Additional services: Grooming, training, webcam access, or one-on-one playtime increase the total price. Extra services may add $10–$20 per day to the cost.
Cost Breakdown Examples
- 1-night stay at a premium facility: $120
- 3+ night stay discount: $114 per night
- 7+ night stay: $108 per night, totaling $756 for the week
- Kennel with multiple dogs: $40 (1 dog), $69 (2 dogs), $93 (3 dogs) per night
- Suite boarding rates: $44 (1 dog), $79 (2), $108 (3)
Other Fees and Considerations
- Special handling: High-energy or anxious dogs may incur additional fees.
- Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off services typically cost $10–$20 per trip.
- Tips: Standard tipping is 10%–20% of the total fee.
Ways to Save on Dog Boarding
- Book in advance to lock in better rates
- Look for bundle packages (e.g., 7-night stay discounts)
- Use loyalty or referral programs
- Ask about special rates (first-time, multiple pets, military discounts)
- Consider home boarding or reliable pet sitters for cost-effective options
Choosing the Right Boarding Facility
- Visit the location in person to assess cleanliness, safety, and amenities
- Read reviews and get referrals from veterinarians or fellow pet owners
- Ask about daily routines, feeding schedules, and staff-to-dog ratio
- Ensure the facility requires up-to-date vaccinations
- Evaluate how staff handles medical or anxiety-related needs
Preparing Your Pet for Boarding
- Ensure vaccinations are current
- Provide clear instructions on dietary and medical needs
- Label medications and personal items
- Communicate behavioral quirks or sensitivities
- Keep the pet’s ID tags and microchip updated
The cost of boarding a dog for a week varies widely but is influenced by service level, location, duration, and the dog's specific needs. With thoughtful planning, owners can select a boarding experience that ensures their dog remains safe, happy, and healthy while they're away.
