How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost? Prices by Type of Care

By PawNest Team

Boarding a dog can cost anywhere from $18 to $120 a day depending on the type of care. Here's how the options compare so you can plan your next trip.

Booking a trip usually means figuring out flights, hotels, and an itinerary — and then there's the question of what happens to your dog while you're gone. Boarding options range wildly in both price and what they actually offer, and it's easy to either overpay for something your dog didn't need or underpay for care that leaves them stressed. Here's what boarding really costs and how to match the option to your dog.


The overall price range for dog boarding

According to [MetLife Pet Insurance](https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/blog/pet-planning/dog-boarding-cost/), dog boarding typically costs between **$18 and $120 a day**, with the exact price depending heavily on the type of facility and the level of service.

Boarding costs by type

The price gap between boarding options is large, and each type suits a different kind of dog:

- **Kennel:** $18-$60/day — basic, supervised housing, often with limited one-on-one attention
- **Pet hotel:** $50-$120/day — upgraded accommodations, more individual attention, sometimes webcams or play sessions
- **Doggy daycare:** $15-$70/day — daytime supervision and socialization, usually without overnight stays
- **Veterinary boarding:** $20-$50/day — housed at a vet clinic, ideal for dogs with medical needs that require monitoring
- **In-home pet sitter:** $45-$75/day — your dog stays in familiar surroundings (or the sitter's home), which tends to reduce stress for anxious dogs

Which option fits your dog best

Price shouldn't be the only factor — your dog's temperament matters just as much:

- A confident, social dog who enjoys other animals may do well and even thrive at a daycare-style kennel or pet hotel
- An anxious dog, senior dog, or one prone to [separation anxiety](/blog/dog-separation-anxiety-how-to-help) often does better with an in-home sitter or a smaller, quieter boarding setup
- A dog managing a medical condition is usually safest at veterinary boarding, where staff can monitor medication and symptoms directly

Questions worth asking before you book

Not all facilities at the same price point offer the same care. Before booking, it's worth confirming:

- Staff-to-dog ratio, especially for group play areas
- Whether dogs are separated by size and temperament
- Vaccine and health requirements, and whether they check for signs like limping or illness at check-in — see our guide on [why is my dog limping](/blog/why-is-my-dog-limping) if you notice anything unusual before a trip
- What happens if your dog needs urgent veterinary care while boarded


Ways to manage the cost

Boarding adds up quickly, especially for longer trips or multiple pets, but a few habits help:

- Book early for peak travel seasons, since last-minute boarding often carries a premium
- Ask about multi-dog discounts if you're boarding more than one pet
- Compare a full week of daycare-style boarding against an in-home sitter, since the daily rate isn't always the full story once you factor in transportation and extras

Boarding is just one line item in your dog's overall yearly budget — see our full breakdown in the [annual cost of owning a dog](/blog/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog) for how it fits into the bigger picture.

Preparing your dog for their first boarding stay

However you choose to board your dog, a little prep goes a long way. Pack enough of their regular food to avoid a sudden diet change, bring a worn blanket or toy that smells like home, and share their normal routine — feeding times, walk schedule, any quirks or fears — with whoever is caring for them. Dogs who know what to expect tend to settle in faster, and a facility or sitter with clear information can respond more quickly if something seems off.

Frequently asked questions

**Is a pet sitter cheaper than a boarding facility?** Not always — in-home sitters often run $45-$75/day, similar to or higher than a basic kennel, but many owners find the reduced stress on their dog worth the cost.

**Does boarding cost more for large dogs?** Many facilities do charge more for larger dogs, since they need more space, more food, and sometimes more staff attention.

**Should I board my dog if they've never been away from home before?** A trial daycare day or short overnight stay before a longer trip can help you and your dog adjust and reveal any issues before you're relying on it for a real vacation.

Where PawNest fits in

Boarding is one of those costs that's easy to underestimate until you're booking a week-long stay. PawNest's Expenses tracker helps you log boarding costs alongside food, grooming, and vet visits so you know your dog's true annual spend, and the Care Timeline keeps a record of routines and needs you can hand off to whoever is watching your dog. Check it out at [pawnestai.com](https://pawnestai.com).

Boarding prices vary widely by region, facility, and season, so use these ranges as a starting point and always confirm current rates directly with the provider.