Dog Boarding Prices in the US – How Much Does it Cost in 2024?

dog boarding prices

Are you thinking about boarding your dog while you’re on vacation or a work trip? With many choices like kennels, home boarders, and sitters, it can be hard to know what’s a fair price. This guide will help you understand average US dog boarding rates in 2024, so you can plan your budget and compare options with confidence.

As more pet owners need to travel without their dogs, the demand for dog boarding is rising across the US. However, day rates, overnight fees, and extra services like walks, playtime, or needed vaccinations can make comparisons tricky. Let’s break down key pricing factors, typical price ranges by service type, holiday/peak surcharges, discounts, and questions to ask when estimating costs.

What Affects the Price of Dog Boarding in the US?

The cost of boarding your dog can vary based on location, size/breed of your dog, amenities, vet services, and the level of care. Here are some things to consider:

  • Included Services: Food, walks, and playtime can differ a lot.
  • Holiday/Peak Fees: Extra charges during holidays like Christmas can add 25-50% or more.
  • Extras: Extra walks, medications, or pickup fees increase the total cost.
  • Location: Prices are usually higher in big cities like New York or Los Angeles.

Dog Boarding Costs by Type of US Kennel or Carer

Traditional Boarding Kennels: $30-60 per night average
In-Home Dog Boarding: $40-80 per night average
Dog Sitting Visits: $20-40 per 30-minute visit
Doggy Daycare: $25-45 per full day average

These are general ranges. Prices depend on many factors like location, peak times, and your dog’s specific needs. Let’s look at pricing in more detail by type of accommodation.

Traditional Dog Boarding Kennel Pricing

Kennels offer secure, climate-controlled boarding with various amenities. Dogs sleep in individual pens or cages with cozy beds, and staff provide feeding, walks, and bathroom breaks. Some kennels even have on-site veterinary staff.

What Affects Traditional Boarding Kennel Pricing?

Several factors influence cost:

  • Location & Popularity: City kennels charge more.
  • Peak Times/Holidays: Extra charges during holidays like Christmas and Easter.
  • Suite Size/Features: Larger spaces and more amenities cost more.
  • Group Play Time: Social playtime usually costs extra.
  • Premium Services: Grooming, training, and vet exams cost extra.

How Much are Traditional Dog Boarding Kennels in the US?

Average Costs:

  • Urban Area Kennels: $40-60 per night
  • Suburban Kennels: $30-50 per night
  • Rural Kennels: $25-40 per night
  • Peak Surcharges: +$10-20 extra per night

Traditional Kennel Price Considerations

  • Multi-dog discounts may be available.
  • Typical pick-up fees: $10-20
  • Peak booking deposits: $50-100
  • Half-day rates may be available

A 7-night stay at a popular urban kennel during Christmas with optional playtime could cost $400-600+ for one dog.

Home Dog Boarding Costs

Home boarding places your dog in a small group within an experienced pet sitter’s home. Your dog enjoys a home setting, walks, cuddles, and play. Prices increase during peak holidays.

What Affects Home Boarding Pricing?

Key factors include:

  • Sitter’s Location & Home Features: Suburban or country settings with gardens cost more.
  • Level of Individual Care: More one-on-one attention raises rates.
  • Holiday Surcharges: Rates go up during peak times.
  • Home Pick-Ups: Some offer pick-up/drop-off services for $20-40.

How Much Does In-Home Dog Boarding Cost in the US?

Average Home Boarding Rates:

  • Urban Areas: $60-80 per night
  • Suburban Areas: $50-70 per night
  • Rural Areas: $40-60 per night
  • Holiday Surcharges: +$20-40 per night

A 10-day Christmas holiday stay including optional pickups could run $800-1,200+ for one dog.

Dog Sitting, Walking, and Daycare Costs

For pet parents gone just part of the day or needing a break, dog sitters provide home visits for walks, play sessions, feeding, and more. Sitters may also stay overnight in your home. Daycare centers offer safe social play.

Typical Dog Sitting and Dog Walker Rates

Average Dog Sitting Visit Charges:

  • 30-Minute Home Visit: $20-40
  • 1-Hour Home Visit: $40-60

Average Dog Walker Rates:

  • 30-Minute Group Walk: $20-30 per dog
  • 1-Hour Group Walk: $30-45 per dog

Average Doggy Daycare Full-Day Rates:

  • Urban Areas: $30-45
  • Suburban Areas: $25-40
  • Rural Areas: $20-35

Even a few 30-minute midday dog sitter visits while you work or travel can add up to over $150 per week. Some pets prefer staying in their own home environment over kennels.

Questions to Ask About Real Costs of Dog Boarding

While the price ranges above give you an idea of average rates, your actual bill can vary based on amenities, vet services, and more. Here are some questions to ask when estimating costs:

  • What Boarding Services Do Your Quoted Rates Include? Clarify what daily fees cover. Many include food, walks, and basic playtimes, but “extras” like medications, premium bedding, or grooming may cost more.
  • Do You Offer Multi-Dog or Long-Stay Discounts? Some kennels offer 5-15% discounts for boarding multiple dogs from the same home or for long stays of 14+ days.
  • How Much are Your Pickup/Dropoff Fees? Understand if home pickup/delivery costs extra, as some kennels charge $20-40 each way.
  • What Rate Changes Should I Expect on Holidays Like Christmas or Easter? Nearly all boarders increase rates during holidays, with premiums ranging from 25% to 50% extra or more.

Estimating Dog Boarding Costs in the US

Reliable overnight or daytime pet care while you work or vacation carries a cost, but many options exist across the US to meet your dog’s unique needs and budget. When comparing kennels, home boarders, and dog walkers or sitters in your desired location:

  • Ask what’s included: Food, walks, and other services vary by provider, so clarify what daily fees cover.
  • Check holiday rates: Most charge 25-50%+ extra for Christmas, Easter, and other peak times.
  • Consider all real costs: Extra services, medication fees, premium suites, and more increase overall spending.
  • Don’t forget location rates: Big city boarding tends to cost more.

While trusting a beloved pet to someone else requires due diligence, asking the right questions helps set realistic rate expectations. This allows you to focus on choosing the best care fit and ensuring your dog’s health, safety, and happiness when boarding away from home.