Book that same week over the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving, and your regular $45-a-night boarding kennel suddenly wants $65. Pet boarding costs vary more by timing and facility type than almost any other routine pet expense, typically running $25–$100 per night depending on where you go and when.
According to the American Pet Products Association’s National Pet Owners Survey, boarding and pet sitting are among the top services pet owners pay for annually, and demand spikes predictably around major holidays and summer travel season — which is exactly when prices climb the most.
Facility types and typical pricing
| Facility Type | Small Pet | Large Dog | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic kennel/boarding facility | $25–$45/night | $35–$65/night | Standard care, limited enrichment |
| Upscale pet resort/hotel | $50–$90/night | $65–$120/night | Play time, webcams, premium suites |
| In-home pet sitting (Rover/Wag) | $25–$45/night | $30–$55/night | Pet stays in your home or theirs |
| Veterinary clinic boarding | $30–$55/night | $40–$70/night | Best for pets needing medication/monitoring |
| Holiday surcharge (any type) | +$10–$25/night | +$10–$25/night | Applies during peak travel weeks |
Why the price swings so much
Facility amenities are the biggest driver within a given market. A basic kennel with a concrete run and twice-daily bathroom breaks costs far less than an upscale “pet resort” offering private suites, webcam access, group play sessions, and grooming add-ons. Neither is objectively better — it depends on your pet’s temperament and your budget.
Your pet’s size and needs matter too. Large dogs generally cost more to board than small dogs or cats, since they need bigger kennels or suites and more staff time for walks. Pets requiring medication administration, a special diet, or extra monitoring often cost more at any facility type, and veterinary clinic boarding is usually the best (though pricier) option for pets with ongoing medical needs.
- Basic boarding runs $25–$65/night; upscale pet resorts run $50–$120/night.
- Holiday weeks add a $10–$25/night surcharge almost everywhere — book early to avoid scrambling for a slot.
- In-home pet sitting is often comparable in price to a kennel with less stress for your pet.
- Current vaccines, including Bordetella for dogs, are required almost universally before boarding.
The hidden costs to budget for
Beyond the nightly rate, ask about add-on fees. Many facilities charge extra for administering medication ($1–$5 per dose), specialized diets you bring from home, extra playtime or one-on-one attention, and bathing before pickup ($20–$50). A week-long stay that looked like $315 at $45/night can quietly become $400+ once medication fees and a bath are added.
- Booking last-minute during peak season. Popular facilities fill up weeks or months ahead of major holidays — book as early as possible to get your preferred dates and avoid overflow pricing at a backup facility.
- Skipping the facility tour. Always visit in person before boarding your pet for the first time — check cleanliness, staff-to-pet ratios, and how pets are supervised during play sessions.
- Forgetting required vaccine updates. Many owners get turned away at drop-off because a vaccine lapsed — check requirements and your pet’s records at least two weeks before the stay.
Cheaper alternatives worth considering
A trusted friend or family member willing to pet-sit, possibly in exchange for a reciprocal favor, is the cheapest option but depends entirely on having someone available and willing. In-home pet sitting services connect you with vetted local sitters at rates often comparable to kennels, with the advantage of your pet staying in a familiar environment. For multi-pet households, a sitter who comes to your home is frequently cheaper overall than boarding multiple pets separately, since you’re paying one visit rate rather than per-pet kennel fees.
Planning ahead saves real money
Booking a boarding stay 4–8 weeks in advance, rather than the week before a trip, both guarantees availability during peak season and sometimes qualifies you for early-booking discounts some facilities offer. Combine that with routine cost-saving strategies from our broader annual cost of owning a dog guide to keep boarding from becoming your biggest surprise expense of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most boarding facilities charge a holiday surcharge of $10–$25 per night during peak periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and July 4th week, and many require advance booking weeks or months ahead since slots fill up quickly. Booking early not only guarantees availability but sometimes avoids the surcharge if you reserve before the peak-pricing window opens.
In-home pet sitting through services like Rover or a local independent sitter typically costs $25–$50 per night, similar to or sometimes cheaper than a standard boarding kennel, while offering the added benefit of your pet staying in a familiar environment with less stress. However, verify insurance and bonding for any sitter you don't already know personally.
Yes, virtually all licensed boarding facilities require proof of current core vaccines (rabies, DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats) and often the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine for dogs specifically, since pets are in close proximity to many other animals. Budget $20–$50 for any vaccines that need updating before your pet's stay.