How Does Dog Boarding Work?
Dog boarding means your dog stays overnight in someone else's care, either at a boarding facility (kennel or pet resort) or in a pet sitter's home. You book ahead, provide vaccine records, drop your dog off with food and instructions, and the staff handle feeding, potty breaks, exercise and any medication until you pick your dog up. Prices average about $45 to $50 per night.
Whether it's a big pet resort or a sitter's spare room, boarding follows the same basic steps.
Types of dog boarding
| Type | What it is | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional kennel | Individual runs or kennels, scheduled potty breaks and exercise | Facility average about $46/night (Goose, 2026) |
| Pet resort / hotel | Private suites, play groups, extras like webcams and pools | Higher than basic rates |
| In-home boarding | Your dog stays in a sitter's house | About $49/day (Rover, 2025) |
| Veterinary boarding | At an animal hospital, for dogs with medical needs | Varies |
Step by step
- Tour and book. Visit before booking if you can. Holidays and summer fill up early.
- Vaccines. Facilities typically require rabies, DHPP and Bordetella. PetSmart, for example, prefers vaccines to be given at least 10 days before check-in.
- Temperament check or trial day. Many facilities assess dogs before allowing group play.
- Drop-off. Bring food in labeled portions, medications with instructions, your vet's contact information and an emergency contact.
- Daily routine. Feeding, several potty breaks, exercise or play groups, rest time and any medication. The SF SPCA suggests looking for at least three potty breaks a day plus one-on-one time and exercise.
- Updates. Many places send photos or offer webcams.
- Pickup. Ask how your dog ate, slept and behaved. Watch for extra charges such as late check-out (averaging $21.35 in Goose's survey) or an exit bath.
What to ask before booking
The San Francisco SPCA recommends asking:
- Which 24-hour veterinary hospital do you use in an emergency?
- Will you call me if my dog stops eating or seems unwell?
- Is someone on site 24 hours a day?
- How are play groups organized, and what's the staff-to-dog ratio?
- How are kennels cleaned and sanitized?
- Can I tour all areas?
- How do you handle conflicts between dogs (look for calm separation, not squirt bottles or yelling)?
Tips for your dog's first boarding stay
- Try a single overnight or a day of daycare first.
- Bring familiar food to avoid stomach upset.
- Keep drop-off short and calm.
- Leave written notes on habits, fears and medical needs.
See is dog boarding safe and find pet boarding near you.
Sources
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.