Planning a trip can be exciting, but figuring out where your dog will stay while you are away can feel like a big decision. Dog boarding gives your pup a safe place to sleep, eat, play, and be cared for until you return. Since dog boarding costs can vary based on the type of kennel, location, length of stay, and extra services, it helps to know what to expect before you book. In this article, we will break down what can affect the price of dog boarding and how to choose the right option for your dog.
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Some Benefits of Dog Kennels for Boarding
Provide Enough Space: Dog kennels give an excellent, secure area for dogs to ensure that they do not become bored while in them.
More Affordable than Fences: Dog kennels are less expensive than fences when the total cost is considered.
Due to advancements in dog kennel design and comfort in all the excellent boarding facilities, you do not have to worry about your dog while on a trip. Having a decent boarding facility where you know your dog is safe and happy in a kennel makes all the difference in how good you feel about going on a trip.
How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost?
Dog boarding costs can vary depending on where you live, the type of facility you choose, and the services included with your dog’s stay. Many boarding facilities offer basic overnight care, while others include group playtime, private suites, walks, grooming, training, treats, or one-on-one attention for an added fee. In general, you can expect to pay around $40 to $85 a night for standard dog boarding, with luxury boarding or pet hotel options often costing more.
Dog Boarding is available in many places, from big cities to small communities. Most boarders offer dogs housing and overnight care in their homes or maintain specific dog kennels on their property.
Whenever signing on with a new dog boarding service, thoroughly investigate the facility and undertake a site visit. Not only would you want to inspect the facility for yourself, but most dog boarders also require an initial meet-and-greet visit. It allows them to get to know your dogs and ensure that they are well-behaved before introducing them to the group.
Depending on your attempts to find the right people, the initial session is generally free. You can board your dogs whenever you need, once you’ve established a relationship with a boarding facility, as long as you maintain your pet’s immunizations up to date. The following are some of the elements that influence the cost of boarding your dog.
Daily Dog Boarding Rates
Dog boarding costs can vary depending on the facility, location, length of stay, and services included, so it is always best to confirm current rates before booking. As an example, some kennels may charge around $45 for the first dog per 24-hour stay. Additional dogs from the same family may be discounted at $22.50 per extra dog per 24-hour period. In some cases, owners are also asked to provide their dog’s food for the stay.
Many dog boarding facilities charge the same daily amount for all dogs, regardless of size or breed. Some facilities charge the same daily rate regardless of how long your dog stays; others may offer a discount if you board your dog for extended periods. The daily charge will consider the dog border’s operating costs, such as overhead, employee compensation, rent or mortgage, utilities, and dog-care equipment (fence, shampoos, water bowls, leashes, and so on).
The higher the cost of doing business in a particular area, the higher the average daily dog boarding fees will almost certainly be. Because they don’t have the same level of commercial overhead as dedicated dog boarding facilities, smaller mom-and-pop enterprises, such as homeowners who board a dog or two at a time in their own homes, may charge lower daily fees.
If a dog is very aggressive and needs to be kept separate, daily costs may increase. The higher charges reflect the additional effort, employee time, and resources. Boarding facilities will not accept aggressive dogs or females in heat, so always inquire. Illness or old age are two other causes that could raise your daily rates. Senior dogs may require specialized care or medical treatment, which necessitates additional employee training and effort. Some old dogs need assistance with mobility, which might raise daily fees.
Day Care for Dogs
Because day boarding, sometimes called doggy daycare, does not include an overnight stay, it is usually less expensive than traditional dog boarding. Day boarding can be a good option for dog owners who want their pet to get exercise, socialization, and supervised playtime during the day. It can also be helpful for dogs who spend long hours alone while their owners are at work or away from home.
Doggy daycare prices can vary depending on the facility, location, hours of care, number of dogs, and whether you purchase single days or discounted packages. As a general example, current dog daycare rates may look something like this:
- Hourly daycare rates may range from about $6–$12 for one dog, $9–$18 for two dogs, and $12–$24 for three dogs.
- Full-day daycare may cost around $35–$60 for one dog, $52–$90 for two dogs, and $70–$120 for three dogs.
- A 5-day daycare package may cost around $165–$285 for one dog, $250–$430 for two dogs, and $330–$570 for three dogs.
- A 10-day daycare package may cost around $320–$550 for one dog, $480–$825 for two dogs, and $640–$1,100 for three dogs.
The Average Overnight Dog Boarding Cost
The average overnight dog boarding cost is typically around $40 to $85 per night, though prices can vary based on your location, the size of your dog, the number of dogs you are boarding, and the type of facility you choose. Some standard boarding facilities include daytime playtime, feeding, water, potty breaks, and nighttime supervision in the base price, while others charge extra for add-ons like private play sessions, walks, grooming, training, or medication administration.
Dog boarding options can range from simple, no-frills kennels to luxury pet hotels with private suites, elevated beds, webcams, TVs, and extra enrichment. Because each facility includes different services, it is always a good idea to ask what is covered in the nightly rate before booking.
Cost of Dog Sitting
Another popular choice for dog owners is hiring a professional dog sitter to care for their dog at home. This can be a good option for dogs who are more comfortable in their own space, especially senior dogs, anxious dogs, or dogs that do not do well in a boarding facility.
Current in-home dog sitting rates often range from about $75 to $150 per night for overnight care. If you have more than one dog, many sitters charge an additional $10 to $20 per night for each extra pet, though prices vary by location and sitter. For dogs that are safe to leave alone for part of the day, drop-in visits may also be an option. A 30-minute dog-sitting visit typically costs around $20 to $35, while longer visits or multiple daily check-ins will cost more.
The cost of a dog-sitting service is determined by a variety of factors, including:
The total number of dogs you own
If you have multiple dogs, you may be eligible for a discounted cost if they are boarded in the same kennel. If you hire a dog sitter, they may charge you more if you have more than one dog to care for while you are away.
The duration of the reservation
The cost of dog-sitting is usually determined by the length of stay; therefore, the longer the vacation, the greater the dog-sitting price. However, some dog boarding facilities may give a discount if you book for a few weeks or even a month.
Do you require any more service?
Some dog-watching and boarding providers provide extra service to ensure your dog has the best day possible.
Food: During the dog’s vacation, the dog sitter will give all of the dog’s meals
Grooming: Some dog kennels provide grooming services at an extra charge.
Collection: The dog boarding service will pick up and return your dog to your home.
Finding a Suitable Facility
To make sure that your dog has a safe and happy home away from home, do your homework before reserving a new dog boarding service and reading online reviews to screen out any service providers who aren’t up to par. Request quotes to see the diversity of dog boarding fees in your area and read websites to get a sense of each border’s approach. If you reside in an urban location with higher real estate costs, boarding your dog will generally cost more. Aside from increased real estate costs, expensive cities have a greater price of doing business, with higher employee compensation, insurance, and other expenses.
Suggestions for a Happy Dog
If you’re concerned that your dog will miss you while you’re away, there are a few things you can do to ensure that they feel safe and secure in a new environment. Any dog boarding facility insists on your dog having some or all of these items because they know it gives them a sense of security while they’re on vacation. Even if the facility doesn’t require the goods, your dog will most likely be happier with them:
Bedding: Their dog bed or blanket will smell familiar and pleasant.
Snacks: Bring a zipper bag with the same snacks you use at home for your dog.
Their regular fare: Many kennels will provide it if you don’t bring your dog food (for a fee). On the other hand, dogs rely on consistency, and trying new food could make them feel uneasy or, worse, upset their stomach.
Toys: Stuffed animals and rubber bones that your dog enjoys will keep them pleased.
Something that has a strong resemblance to you. Make them feel at ease by tucking your T-shirt into their bedding.
A documented schedule for your dog: This one is crucial! When your dog eats meals, goes for walks, and so on, the facility should keep a record of it. Your dog will be happier if you stick to a routine.
Information on medications: Always inform the border about your dog’s medical conditions, as well as any drugs he or she is taking, and when and how to take them. Some dog boarding companies include medicine administration in their daily fees, while others charge extra.
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