How much does pet boarding cost?

Based on real quotes from businesses in United States.

$30

TYPICAL

$45

$65

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Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.

Key takeaways

Pet boarding prices range from bare-bones kennels, play-all-day daycare facility, luxe catteries, and in-home pet sitting
Add-on services like grooming or extra playtime increase the cost of your pet’s stay
Boarding a pet with special needs can drive up prices

If you’re a pet parent who loves to travel, vacation costs can add up quickly. Each trip requires two sets of accommodations—yours and your pet’s. Unless you bring them with you, you’ll need a reputable cat or dog sitter or pet hotel to provide overnight care for your furry companion.

While you want the best pet care around, you don’t want to spend more on your pet’s lodging than your own. This cost guide covers average pricing for pet sitting and boarding services near you.

Read on for help choosing the right overnight stay for your budget and your pet’s needs. And for your peace of mind, check out reviews from other pet owners to make sure both the humans and animals were happy with their experience.

For more info on daytime dog care, check out the Cost of dog walking and the Cost of doggy daycare.

Total cost of pet boarding and sitting

The type and cost of boarding or sitting will vary between species. Sitting and boarding rates below are per night.

Dogs

Dog owners can choose among a variety of options, ranging from no-frills boarding kennels to tailored in-home dog sitting. The average cost of dog boarding services is $24–120 per night, depending on the type you choose.

Dog kennel. Your pooch will spend most of the day and night in its own private kennel or dog run, rather than in a shared space. They’ll be taken out a few times each day for potty breaks or short runs in a yard. This option is ideal for dogs that prefer alone time over hanging out with other animals. Cost: $24–55
Doggy daycare facility. Your dog will get hours of playtime and group socialization each day in a communal play area and only will stay in a kennel at night. This option is best for extremely outgoing or energetic dogs who love to romp. Cost: $47–83
Pet sitter’s home. Your dog will stay in a pet sitter’s home and socialize with their own pets and other boarders. This option is ideal for dogs that get along with other animals in small groups and would be nervous in a kennel or daycare environment. Cost: $30–85
Your own home. A pet sitter will either stay for the duration of your trip or stop by 2 or more times a day to provide walks, meals, and playtime. This option is best for older or shy dogs that are most comfortable at home. Cost: $60–120

Cats

The national average for cat boarding or sitting is around $30 per night, with average prices fluctuating between $20–55 per night, depending on the option you choose, your location, and other factors discussed below.

Kennel. Your cat(s) will have their own kennel in a facility that’s shared with other animals, including dogs. This option would work for cats who are not fazed by barking dogs, but could be traumatic if your cat scares easily. Cost: $20–35
Cattery. Also known as a cat hotel, these types of facilities are dedicated to cat comfort, complete with plush beds, cat trees for climbing, and sensory experiences like aquariums and cat toys. Cost: $35–55
Pet sitter’s home. Your cat will be welcomed into a sitter’s home, which may or may not contain other pets. Be sure to check with the sitter, especially if your cat might be uncomfortable around other animals. Cost: $25–30
Your own home. A pet sitter will either stay for the duration of your trip or stop by at least once a day to provide meals, attention, and playtime. Home boarding is best for older or shy cats that are most comfortable at home. Cost: $30–45

Costs of additional services

In addition to overnight care, most pet boarding and pet sitting services offer add-ons for additional fees.

Special requests (like a third mealtime, administering medications, or sending you daily photos): $3–15 per day
Additional playtime or dog walking outings: $12–24 per day
Pet taxi services: $20–33 each way
Early or late drop-off or pickup: $20–40 each time
Grooming: $20–125 per session
Dog training: $45–90 per day

Some facilities include a bath, daily photos, or 24/7 drop-off and pickup in their base prices, so always ask what’s included.

Cost factors

Here are some variables that can increase pet boarding fees.

Where you live. As with many services, pet boarding costs more in expensive cities, such as New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

When you need boarding. You may be charged more if you book pet sitting over a holiday or during peak travel times like spring break or summertime.

Problematic animals. Some facilities charge extra to look after special needs or senior animals, and those that haven’t been spayed or neutered. Most facilities don’t accept aggressive animals, so you’ll likely need to pay for a private sitter.

Unvaccinated pets. Most boarding facilities require your pets be current on their vaccinations—rabies, bordetella, parvovirus, and distemper for dogs, and for cats, rabies, bordetella, and FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calici virus, and panleukopenia). If your pet’s vaccines aren’t up to date, you may need to pay for a vet visit before you can board your animal.

How to save money

If you’re looking to save on cat or dog boarding costs, try these tactics to find the best rates in your area.

Look for first-time discounts. Some boarding facilities advertise a discounted rate for new customers on their Yelp page or website.

Get multiple quotes. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of pet boarders, call or check their websites to compare pricing.

Double up. If you have 2 or more animals, you can board pets of the same species in the same kennel or dog run for an average savings of 5–30%. This is ideal for pets that get along well or feel stressed when separated. Note: if you have 2 pets that merely tolerate each other, an older animal and a young one, or one who’s sick while the other is healthy, it may be better to board them separately so the less active animal can rest.

Also, pet sitters may charge a discounted rate for additional animals, whether they stay in your home or board your animals at their place.

FAQs

How much does it cost to put a dog in a kennel?

Boarding a dog in a kennel is one of the least expensive dog boarding options. It costs $24–55 per night.

How much does dog boarding cost per week?

Some pet sitters and pet boarding facilities charge the same price per night regardless of whether your dog stays for 1 night or 7, which means you’ll pay $168–840 for a week of boarding. Other boarders give a discounted rate of 10%, on average, for multi-night stays, which means you could pay $151–756 per week.

How much does dog boarding cost per month?

Just like with weekly rates, some pet sitters and facilities offer discounts for longer stays, while others don’t. Over the course of 30 days, you’ll pay $720–3,600 at a facility that doesn’t offer discounted long-term stays, and $648–3,240 at one that offers a 10% discount.

Find a pet sitter or pet boarding facility near you.

How are Yelp’s cost estimates calculated?

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