Find competitive pet boarding rates in your area. Our calculator provides instant estimates based on facility type, pet size, and additional services to help you budget for your pet’s care while you’re away.
Estimate Your Pet Boarding Rate
Estimated Rate Per Night
Note: This is an estimate for informational purposes. Rates can vary based on the facility’s amenities, specific needs, and your exact location. Always confirm the final price directly with the boarding facility.
What is Pet Boarding?
Pet boarding is a professional care service where your dog or cat stays at a dedicated facility or in a caregiver’s home while you’re away. Unlike drop-in visits or dog walking, boarding provides 24-hour supervision and care for extended periods, ensuring your pet is safe, fed, exercised, and loved in your absence.
Boarding services typically include:
- Accommodation: Clean, comfortable sleeping areas with bedding (private kennels or shared spaces depending on facility type)
- Meals: Regular feeding schedules following your pet’s dietary requirements (you may need to provide their food)
- Exercise and playtime: Daily walks, play sessions, and outdoor time based on your pet’s energy level
- Supervision: 24/7 monitoring to ensure safety, health, and well-being
- Socialization: Interaction with staff and sometimes other pets (in group settings)
- Basic grooming: Brushing and cleanliness maintenance
- Emergency care: Access to veterinary services if medical issues arise
- Updates: Photos and messages to keep you informed about your pet’s activities
What Are Typical Pet Boarding Rates?
Pet boarding rates vary significantly based on facility type, location, and services provided. On average, you can expect to pay $45-65 per night for commercial boarding facilities, with in-home boarding typically costing 20-30% more due to the personalized, one-on-one care provided.
The cost structure typically includes accommodation, basic meals, exercise, and supervision. Premium services like grooming, extended playtime, or luxury accommodations are available for additional fees. Pet size also affects pricing, with larger dogs requiring more space and resources.
Rate breakdown by pet size: Small pets (under 25 lbs) start around $45/night, medium pets (25-60 lbs) around $55/night, and large pets (over 60 lbs) around $65/night in average cost-of-living areas.
Why Choose Professional Pet Boarding?
Professional boarding facilities and in-home boarding services offer comprehensive care that provides peace of mind while you travel. Understanding these benefits helps you choose the best option for your pet.
👁️ 24/7 Supervision
Unlike drop-in visits, boarding provides round-the-clock care and monitoring, ensuring immediate response to any needs or emergencies.
🏃 Structured Activities
Regular exercise schedules, playtime, and socialization keep pets mentally stimulated and physically active throughout their stay.
🔬 Professional Staff
Trained caregivers experienced in animal behavior, first aid, and emergency protocols provide expert care your pet deserves.
🤝 Socialization Opportunities
Many facilities offer group play for social dogs, helping them develop better social skills and enjoy companionship.
🏥 Emergency Veterinary Access
Professional facilities have relationships with veterinarians and protocols for handling medical emergencies quickly.
😌 Travel Peace of Mind
Enjoy your trip knowing your pet is in capable hands, well-fed, exercised, and receiving love and attention.
How to Use Our Pet Boarding Rates Calculator
Our calculator helps you estimate boarding costs based on your specific needs. Follow these steps for an accurate estimate:
- Select Your Location Type: Choose between “Average Cost of Living Area” or “High Cost of Living Area.” High-cost areas include major cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, and Chicago where rates are 40-60% higher.
- Choose Facility Type: Select “Commercial Boarding Facility” for traditional kennels with structured environments and multiple pets, or “In-Home Boarding” for personalized care in a home setting. In-home boarding typically costs 20-30% more but offers one-on-one attention.
- Select Pet Size: Choose Small (under 25 lbs), Medium (25-60 lbs), or Large (over 60 lbs). Larger pets require more space, food, and handling, resulting in higher rates.
- Enter Number of Pets: Input how many pets you’re boarding. Most facilities offer multi-pet discounts, charging approximately 60-70% of the full rate for each additional pet from the same household.
- Luxury Add-ons: Check this box if you want premium services like professional grooming, extended playtime, private suites, premium food, or one-on-one attention. These typically add $15-50 per night.
- Holiday Period: Select this if booking during major holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Spring Break, July 4th) when demand is highest and rates increase by 25-60%. Book well in advance for holiday periods.
- Review Your Estimate: The calculator provides a price range reflecting variations in facility amenities and experience. Use this for budgeting and comparing facilities in your area.
Important Note: These estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual rates depend on specific facility amenities, your pet’s temperament and needs, length of stay discounts, and seasonal demand. Always tour facilities in person and confirm pricing before booking.
Factors That Influence Pet Boarding Rates
Facility Type
Commercial boarding facilities offer structured environments with multiple pets, while in-home boarding provides personalized care in a home setting. In-home boarding typically costs 20-30% more.
Pet Size
Larger dogs require more space, food, and handling, resulting in higher rates. Small pets (under 25 lbs) are typically the most affordable, with rates increasing for medium and large pets.
Geographic Location
Urban areas with higher costs of living see boarding rates 40-60% above national averages. Rural areas may offer lower rates but with fewer facility options.
Luxury Add-ons
Premium services like grooming, extended playtime, private suites, premium food, or one-on-one attention can add $15-50 per night to the base rate.
Length of Stay
Many facilities offer discounts for extended stays (7+ nights), while short stays (1-2 nights) may carry premium pricing due to setup and administrative costs.
Seasonal Demand
Holiday periods and summer vacation season see rates increase by 25-60% due to high demand. Booking well in advance can help secure better rates.