Planning a trip and wondering what to do with your dog? Boarding is the most popular answer — but the price can be a surprise. One facility quotes $35 a night, another quotes $120. This guide gives you the real 2026 numbers, explains what the nightly rate covers, flags the hidden fees that inflate the final bill, and shares seven practical ways to pay less.
How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost Per Night in 2026?
For one dog at a standard boarding facility, expect to pay $35 to $65 per night in 2026. That range comes from the International Boarding & Pet Services Association, the trade group for boarding facilities, and it lines up with what most owners report paying across the United States.
Here is how the price breaks down by facility type:
| Facility type | Typical nightly rate | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget kennel | $25–$45 | Clean private enclosure, meals, potty breaks, overnight supervision |
| Standard boarding | $35–$65 | Everything above, plus group playtime and a comfortable bed |
| Luxury suite / pet resort | $45–$125+ | Private suite, extra play sessions, webcam access |
| In-home boarding (sitter's home) | $45–$85 | Home environment, one-on-one attention, flexible routine |
A week away is where the numbers really matter. Seven nights at a standard $50-a-night facility costs $350 before add-ons. At a luxury resort, the same week can run $600 to $875. Always price the whole trip, not just one night.
What the Nightly Rate Usually Includes
Most boarding facilities include the same basics in the nightly rate. Before you compare prices, check that you are comparing like with like — a $40 rate that includes playtime can be a better deal than a $30 rate that charges extra for it.
- A private sleeping space — an indoor enclosure or suite with a bed and blankets.
- Meals and fresh water — usually the facility's food, or your dog's own food if you bring it.
- Potty breaks — typically three to four outdoor breaks a day.
- Supervised group play — many standard facilities include at least one group play session a day.
- Overnight supervision — a staff member on site or on call through the night.
If a facility's base rate does not include playtime, ask what it costs to add.
5 Factors That Change the Price
1. Location
Boarding in a major city typically costs 20 to 30 percent more than a comparable facility in a smaller town, simply because rent and staffing cost more. If you live near a city, check facilities a short drive outside it — the savings on a week-long stay can be $100 or more.
2. Facility type
A no-frills kennel and a resort-style facility are different products. Suites with webcams, TVs, raised beds, and private play yards cost more to run, and the price reflects that. Decide what your dog actually needs: a calm older dog may be perfectly happy in a standard kennel, while a high-energy puppy may genuinely benefit from extra play sessions.
3. Your dog's size
Many facilities charge more for large dogs because they need bigger enclosures, more food, and more staff attention during play. Expect a $5 to $15 per night premium for large breeds at facilities that price by size.
4. Length of stay
Longer stays often earn a discount. Many facilities offer 10 to 20 percent off for stays of a week or more, and some offer monthly rates for extended travel. If you are away for two weeks or longer, always ask about a weekly or long-stay rate.
5. Add-ons and extras
This is where bills grow. Common add-ons include one-on-one playtime ($10–$25 per session), extra walks ($5–$15 each), baths and grooming ($25–$75), and late check-out fees. Pick the extras your dog will actually enjoy and skip the rest.
Boarding vs Pet Sitter: Which Costs Less?
Boarding is not the only option. A pet sitter who stays in your home, or boards your dog in theirs, can be cheaper — or more expensive — depending on your trip. Here is a quick comparison for one dog:
| Option | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard boarding kennel | $35–$65/night | Social dogs, short trips, 24/7 staffing |
| Luxury boarding resort | $45–$125+/night | Premium amenities, webcam check-ins |
| In-home sitter (your home) | $45–$75/night | Dogs who do better in their own space |
| Boarding in sitter's home | $45–$85/night | Social dogs who enjoy a home environment |
| Drop-in visits | $15–$30 per visit | Short absences only — 2 to 3 visits a day add up fast |
For a quick 2 to 3 night trip with one social dog, boarding usually wins on price. Add a second dog or travel over a holiday, and the math can flip — a sitter charging one flat rate for your whole household can suddenly be cheaper. If you travel with cats too, our guide to how much cat sitters charge per night can help you price the full household.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
The nightly rate is only part of the bill. Before you book, ask about each of these:
- Holiday surcharges — many facilities add $5 to $15 per night on major holidays.
- Peak-season pricing — summer and school-holiday weeks often cost more than quiet midweek dates.
- Check-in and check-out rules — some facilities charge a full extra night if you pick up after a morning cut-off time.
- Medication administration fees — a small daily charge is common; confirm the amount in advance.
- Food surcharges — a few facilities charge extra if you bring your own food or your dog needs a special diet.
- Assessment or trial-day fees — some facilities require a short trial stay for first-time boarders, sometimes at full price.
- Cancellation fees — holiday bookings often have stricter cancellation terms. Read the policy before you pay a deposit.
7 Ways to Save on Dog Boarding
- Book early, especially for holidays. The cheapest facilities sell out first. Booking when you book your flights gives you the widest choice and the best prices.
- Compare the total, not the nightly rate. Get an itemized quote from two or three facilities, including every add-on you want.
- Ask about weekly and multi-night discounts. A 10 to 20 percent discount on a 10-night stay can save $50 to $130.
- Look just outside the city. A 20-minute drive can cut the nightly rate by a fifth or more.
- Board two dogs together. Many facilities discount a second dog sharing the same enclosure — often 25 to 50 percent off the second dog's rate.
- Skip the extras your dog won't notice. One extra play session a day is usually plenty. Webcam access and a TV are nice for you, but your dog will not miss them.
- Try a trial stay first. A single night or a half-day trial tells you whether your dog settles in well — far cheaper than discovering a bad fit on a two-week trip.
How to Choose a Boarding Facility
Price matters, but it is not the only thing that matters. Use this checklist when you tour a facility — a good one will welcome the visit:
- Visit in person. Look at the actual sleeping areas, not just the reception. They should be clean, dry, well ventilated, and free of strong odors.
- Check the fencing and security. Outdoor areas should have secure, well-maintained fencing with no gaps a dog could slip through.
- Ask about staffing. How many dogs does each staff member supervise? Is someone on site overnight?
- Ask about the daily routine. How many potty breaks, meals, and play sessions does your dog actually get?
- Ask about emergency plans. What happens if your dog needs a vet? Which clinic do they use, and will they call you first?
- Check the paperwork requirements. Most facilities ask for up-to-date vaccination records and an emergency contact before check-in.
- Read recent reviews. Look for patterns in recent reviews rather than one glowing or angry outlier.
For a deeper walkthrough of what to look for, the American Kennel Club's guide to choosing a boarding facility covers staffing ratios and tour questions in detail, and VCA Animal Hospitals explains what to expect when boarding your dog.
Packing Checklist for Boarding Day
Pack the night before so check-in morning is calm. Bring:
- Your dog's own food, pre-measured into labelled bags (one per meal) — enough for the whole stay plus one extra day.
- Your dog's bed or a familiar blanket — a familiar smell helps a nervous dog settle.
- One or two favourite toys (nothing valuable or irreplaceable).
- Leash, collar with ID tag, and a spare lead.
- Vaccination records and your vet's phone number.
- Your emergency contact number and the number of someone local who can collect your dog if plans change.
Label everything with your dog's name. And if your trip involves a holiday rush, pair this list with our holiday pet travel checklist so nothing gets missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog boarding cost per night in 2026?
Standard dog boarding costs $35 to $65 per night on average in 2026, according to the International Boarding & Pet Services Association. Budget kennels start around $25 a night, while luxury suites and pet resorts run $45 to $125 or more per night.
What is included in the boarding price?
Most nightly rates include a private sleeping space, meals, fresh water, three to four potty breaks, at least one supervised play session, and overnight supervision. Extras like one-on-one play, grooming, and baths usually cost more.
Do boarding facilities charge extra on holidays?
Many do. Holiday surcharges of $5 to $15 per night are common, and holiday weeks book up weeks in advance. Book early and confirm the holiday rate in writing.
How far in advance should I book dog boarding?
For normal weeks, one to two weeks ahead is usually enough. For holidays and summer weekends, book four to eight weeks ahead — the best facilities fill up first.
Can my dog stay with another dog from our family?
Yes, most facilities allow dogs from the same household to share an enclosure if they get along, and many discount the second dog by 25 to 50 percent. Ask about it when you book.
Conclusion
Dog boarding in 2026 costs $35 to $65 a night for a standard stay, with budget options from $25 and luxury suites from $45 to $125 or more. The nightly rate is only the starting point — add-ons, holiday surcharges, and check-out rules decide the real bill. Compare itemized totals from two or three facilities, tour the one you like, pack the night before, and book early for holidays.
Still planning your trip budget? Use the free Dog Age Calculator to see your dog's age in human years and plan the right level of care for their life stage — and if you are renting, check our guide to pet deposits and pet rent costs before you move.
