How much does dog boarding cost in the US?

Are you fond of spending holidays abroad from time to time? If you are from the US, you are definitely not alone; in 2023, over 98.5 million departures to other countries were made by Americans. However, if you are a dog owner, one thing you will need to think about before a vacation is your pet’s situation.

If you can’t take them with you on the plane, this article has pointers on choosing your pet’s temporary home. It can also give you an idea of the dog boarding cost you may incur depending on several factors.

What are the average costs of dog boarding in the US?

How much does dog boarding cost? In the table below, you can check the average cost of dog boarding per hour offered by dog sitters in various cities across the US.

What factors affect the costs of dog boarding?

Here are some of the main factors that affect dog boarding cost per day, per week, or even per month:

Location

A happy Sennenhund enjoying a car ride (Source: iStock)

As seen in the table above, location is a major determining factor in the price of dog boarding. Service providers in places with a high cost of living will naturally charge more than those in other areas. For instance, dog boarding prices in California are higher than in Kansas since the former is the second most expensive state in the country in 2024.

Another way location can affect boarding costs for dogs is in terms of accessibility. Expect to pay more for services in a prime area that is easily within reach.

Dog size and breed

How much does boarding a dog cost based on size? Big dogs—such as Mastiffs and Bloodhounds—need more space and resources than small dogs like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus. This is why the average cost to board a dog that is large, whether male or female, is usually higher.

How much does it cost to board a dog of a particular breed? There may also be an increase in dog boarding prices for some high-maintenance breeds that can be challenging to take care of.

Additional services

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel getting its nails clipped (Source: iStock)

Similar to dog daycare prices, dog boarding costs per night can climb if you also want to have dog walking, training, grooming, and other services for your pet. Moreover, if your dog requires special attention—like if they have to take certain medications at specific times—you may be asked to pay more for the additional service.

Other inclusions

It is wise to pack your pet’s food and toys with them during their home boarding stay so that they can retain some parts of their daily routine and feel at home, especially if they have separation anxiety. However, if you are unable to do so, you may have to pay an additional fee for the food they will consume and the toys they will play with.

Duration

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The average cost of boarding a dog for a week will be, as one might expect, significantly higher than the price of an overnight stay. But do know that many service providers offer reduced rates if your pet will be staying with them for a longer period.

What are some ways to save on dog boarding?

The typical dog boarding cost can be steep, so it is important not to immediately go with the first dog sitter or dog boarding facility you see; before deciding, check out more options that may offer lower prices for the same quality of care.

Additionally, don’t book dog boarding services at the last minute. The more you delay, the fewer choices you’ll have since low-cost boarding for dogs gets booked more easily, especially during peak travel times.

What should you look for in a dog boarding service?

It is essential to pick a good dog boarder for your pet’s well-being and safety, as well as for your peace of mind. Therefore, make sure that the answer to the following questions is a resounding yes before committing to a dog sitter or a dog boarding facility:

• Are they experienced in giving proper and adequate care for your dog?

• Do they have the necessary dog boarding license?

• Are they fully insured?

• Is the place clean, comfortable, and safe?

• Do they have a track record of excellent service, as shown through customer reviews?

Keep your dog safe and sound with Airtasker

A Corgi relaxing beside its kennel (Source: iStock)

Looking for dog boarding services for your furry friend? You can explore a list of pet sitters who provide overnight services through Airtasker.

Start the process by posting a task on the platform with various details about your pet. Then, pick the best Tasker based on your preferences and your dog’s needs.