How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost Per Night? (2026)

What Does Dog Boarding Cost in 2026?

The average cost of dog boarding in the United States is $45 to $75 per night, though prices range from as low as $25 at a basic kennel to $150+ at a luxury pet resort. What you pay depends on where you live, the type of facility, your dog's size, and whether your dog has special needs.

Here is a quick summary of what to expect:

Boarding Type	Average Cost Per Night	Range
Standard kennel	$40	$25-55
In-home boarding (pet sitter's home)	$50	$30-75
Pet resort / daycare facility	$65	$50-95
Luxury pet hotel	$95	$75-150+
Veterinary boarding	$45	$30-60

How Long Stays Affect the Price

Most boarding facilities price per night, but longer stays usually come with a discount. If you are planning a trip, here is what a typical stay might cost at the national average of $50 per night:

Stay Length	Estimated Cost	With Multi-Night Discount
Weekend (2 nights)	$100	$90-100
5 nights	$250	$215-240
1 week (7 nights)	$350	$295-330
2 weeks (14 nights)	$700	$560-650
1 month (30 nights)	$1,500	$1,100-1,350

Many facilities offer 10-15% off for stays longer than a week, and 15-25% off for stays longer than two weeks. Always ask about long-stay rates before booking.

Boarding Costs by City

Location is one of the biggest factors in boarding prices. Here is what dog owners typically pay in major cities:

City	Average Per Night	Range
New York City	$65	$45-120
Los Angeles	$55	$40-100
Chicago	$50	$35-85
Philadelphia	$45	$30-75
Houston	$40	$25-65
Denver	$50	$35-80
Seattle	$55	$40-90
Miami	$50	$35-85
Austin	$45	$30-70
Atlanta	$45	$30-75

Rural and suburban areas generally cost 20-30% less than major metro areas for comparable services.

What Affects the Price?

Beyond location and facility type, several factors can push your boarding costs up or down:

• Dog size — Many facilities charge more for large and giant breeds because they require bigger enclosures and more food. Expect an extra $5-15 per night for dogs over 50 pounds.
• Holiday and peak periods — Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Fourth of July, and summer weekends are peak boarding seasons. Prices can increase 25-50% during these periods, and facilities fill up fast.
• Medication or special needs — If your dog requires medication, insulin injections, or has mobility issues, most facilities charge an additional $5-15 per night for the extra care involved.
• Puppies and senior dogs — Very young and very old dogs need more frequent attention, and some facilities charge a surcharge or require specific boarding packages for them.
• Multiple dogs — Most boarding facilities offer a 10-20% discount for the second dog from the same household, since they can share a space.
• Add-on services — Extras like additional playtime, grooming, one-on-one walks, training sessions, or webcam access can each add $5-25 per day.

Types of Dog Boarding Compared

Not all boarding is the same. Each option has trade-offs in terms of cost, comfort, and the level of attention your dog receives.

Standard Kennels ($25-55/night)

Traditional kennels house dogs in individual runs or crates within a larger facility. They are the most affordable option and work well for dogs who are comfortable in structured environments. Most include basic feeding, water, and a few outdoor breaks per day. The downside is less individual attention and a more institutional environment.

In-Home Boarding ($30-75/night)

In-home boarding means your dog stays at a sitter's personal home. This is a popular middle-ground option — your dog gets a home environment with more personal attention than a kennel, at a lower price than a resort. The experience varies widely depending on the sitter, so always meet them first and ask about their home setup.

Pet Resorts ($50-95/night)

Pet resorts and doggy daycare centers with overnight boarding offer group play, structured activities, and a more social experience. They work well for high-energy dogs who enjoy being around other dogs. Many include daycare-style play during the day and private sleeping areas at night.

Luxury Pet Hotels ($75-150+/night)

These are the high end of the market — individual suites, webcam access, gourmet meals, spa services, and sometimes even pool time. Worth considering for dogs with anxiety who benefit from extra comforts, or for longer stays where you want your dog to have a premium experience.

Veterinary Boarding ($30-60/night)

Vet offices sometimes offer boarding, which is a good option for dogs with medical conditions that require monitoring. The environment is clinical rather than comfortable, but the peace of mind of having a vet on-site can be worth it for senior dogs or dogs with health issues.

Dog Boarding vs. Pet Sitting

Boarding is not your only option. Having a pet sitter come to your home — or stay overnight — is an increasingly popular alternative. Here is how they compare:

Factor	Dog Boarding	In-Home Pet Sitting
Cost per night	$40-75	$45-100
Environment	New facility	Your own home
Socialization	Other dogs present	One-on-one attention
Routine disruption	Higher	Lower
Medical needs	May cost extra	Usually included
Multiple pets	Per-pet pricing	Flat or small add-on fee
Separation anxiety	Can be stressful	Less stressful

In-home pet sitting tends to cost slightly more per night, but if you have multiple pets, it can actually be cheaper since sitters typically charge a small add-on fee per additional pet rather than a full nightly rate. It also keeps your pets in a familiar environment, which is better for anxious dogs or those with medical conditions.

How to Save Money on Dog Boarding

Boarding costs add up quickly, especially for longer trips. Here are practical ways to reduce the bill:

• Book early — Especially for holidays. Facilities that fill up first tend to be the most affordable ones. Waiting until the last minute often means paying premium rates at the only spots still available.
• Ask about multi-night discounts — Most facilities offer discounted rates for stays of 5+ nights. Some have weekly rates that save 15-20%.
• Consider in-home boarding — Individual sitters who board dogs in their homes often charge less than facilities and provide more personalized attention.
• Skip the add-ons — Extras like premium play sessions, grooming, and webcam access can add $10-25/day. Decide which ones your dog actually benefits from.
• Use a fee-free platform — When booking a pet sitter or in-home boarder, platforms that charge no booking fees mean more of your money goes to the actual care provider.
• Ask about multi-dog discounts — If you have two or more dogs, nearly every facility offers a reduced rate for the second dog sharing a space.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before you leave your dog at any boarding facility, make sure to ask:

• What does the nightly rate include? (Meals, outdoor time, playtime)
• How many outdoor breaks does my dog get per day?
• What happens if my dog gets sick or injured?
• Are there separate areas for large and small dogs?
• What vaccinations are required?
• Can I tour the facility before booking?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Is there a staff member on-site overnight?

Find a Pet Sitter or Boarder on HeyDog

If in-home boarding sounds like the right fit for your dog, HeyDog is a free pet care directory that connects you directly with local pet sitters and boarders. No platform fees on bookings — your sitter keeps what they earn, and you pay exactly what they charge.

Browse pet sitters and boarders near you or sign up free to get started.

Prices and information in this article are based on publicly available data from boarding facilities, pet care platforms, and industry surveys. Actual rates vary by location, facility, and your dog's specific needs. Last updated February 2026.