How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost per Night?
Dog boarding costs about $45 to $50 per night on average in the US. A 2026 survey of boarding facility prices found an average basic rate of $46.36 a night for small dogs (median $45), and Rover's 2025 data put boarding in a sitter's home at $49.01 per day. Prices range from about $33 a night in Mississippi to over $70 in Washington, DC, and extras like baths and holiday surcharges add more.
"Dog boarding" can mean a commercial kennel or pet resort, or a sitter who keeps your dog in their own home. The two cost about the same on average, but what you get is different.
Average dog boarding prices
| Type | Average price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding facility, basic rate (small dog) | $46.36 per night (median $45; range $6–$175) | Goose, 2026 |
| Boarding in a sitter's home | $49.01 per day ($343.07 per week) | Rover, September 2025 |
| House sitting in your home | $55.45 per day | Rover, September 2025 |
Goose's survey uses the cheapest publicly listed rate at each facility for a small dog, so large dogs, suites and premium "pet resort" rooms cost more. Goose found facility prices rose an average of 6.4% from 2025 to 2026.
Dog boarding prices by state
Goose's 2026 data show big differences by state, and found that state income explains much of the variation:
| Average basic rate | |
|---|---|
| Highest average: Washington, DC | $70.50 per night |
| Lowest average: Mississippi | $32.70 per night |
| Highest single basic rate found: California | $175 per night |
Northeast and West Coast states generally run higher than the national average.
Common extra charges at boarding facilities
| Extra | Average |
|---|---|
| Exit bath | $27.18 |
| Food provided by the facility | $5.62 per day |
| Early check-in | $16.44 |
| Late check-out | $21.35 |
| Peak-period surcharge (7.3% of facilities) | $8.98 per day on average |
Goose also found that 37.5% of facilities advertise a second-dog discount, averaging 28%.
What affects the price
- Dog size and suite type (standard run vs. private room)
- Play groups or daycare added to the stay
- Holidays and summer, when many places add surcharges or require minimum stays
- Medication or special care
- Number of dogs (look for multi-dog discounts)
- Location (big cities cost more)
How to save on dog boarding
- Book early for holidays and summer; prices and availability tighten.
- Bring your own food to avoid daily food fees.
- Skip the exit bath if your dog doesn't need one.
- Ask about multi-dog and long-stay discounts.
- Compare a home sitter with a facility; see dog boarding vs. pet sitter.
Most facilities require proof of vaccines before the stay; see vaccines required for dog boarding.
Find pet boarding near you and compare prices and reviews.
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.