The price of short term dog boarding varies greatly, but you can generally expect to pay anywhere from \$25 to over \$100 per night. This means the dog boarding costs per week can range from about \$175 to \$700 or more, depending on the services, location, and type of facility.
Determining the true expense of leaving your dog at a kennel for a week involves looking at many factors. It is not just a single price tag. Many things affect how much you pay for kennel stay fees for a week. We will break down these costs clearly. This guide helps you compare prices and choose the best fit for your pet and your budget.
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Fathoming the Range of Dog Boarding Prices
The weekly rates for dog kennels show a wide spectrum. This big difference comes from the services offered and where the kennel is located. A simple setup costs much less than a high-end resort.
Factors Directly Affecting Weekly Boarding Prices
Several key elements push the price up or down. Knowing these helps you guess the final cost.
- Location, Location, Location: City centers and wealthy suburbs always charge more. Rural areas usually have lower prices. High local living costs mean higher kennel pricing structure weekly.
- Type of Care: Do you want basic housing, or do you need specialized care? Medical needs or specialized training cost extra.
- Kennel Size and Popularity: Small, exclusive kennels charge a premium. Large facilities might offer better bulk rates for a full week.
- Seasonality: Holiday periods (like Christmas or summer vacation) cause prices to jump. Demand is high then.
Comparing Dog Boarding Prices: Nightly vs. Weekly Rates
Most kennels quote a what do dog kennels charge per night rate first. However, booking for a full week often brings a small discount.
| Service Level | Average Nightly Rate (Estimate) | Estimated Weekly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Boarding | \$25 – \$40 | \$175 – \$280 | Basic crate or run, limited playtime. |
| Standard Care | \$40 – \$65 | \$280 – \$455 | Includes scheduled walks and standard feeding. |
| Premium/Boutique | \$65 – \$100+ | \$455 – \$700+ | Private suites, enrichment activities, webcams. |
These figures only offer a guide. Always confirm current pricing with the specific facility.
Budget Dog Boarding Rates: Keeping Costs Low
If your main goal is saving money, look for budget dog boarding rates. These options provide safe shelter but lack the extras found at premium spots.
Features of Budget Kennels
Budget facilities focus on the basics. They meet safety needs but limit added perks.
- Housing: Expect simple indoor runs or large shared crates. Space might be limited.
- Feeding: You usually need to bring your own food. This saves the kennel money and prevents stomach upset for your dog.
- Exercise: Exercise might be in small groups or short, scheduled outdoor times. Staff ratios are often lower.
- Check-In/Out Times: Budget places are strict about drop-off and pick-up times. Late fees can erase any savings quickly.
When searching for budget dog boarding rates, always check sanitation records. Cheap should never mean dirty or unsafe. Ask how often staff checks on the dogs.
Standard Dog Boarding: The Middle Ground
Most pet owners use standard boarding facilities. This tier offers a good balance between cost and care quality. The average cost of dog daycare and boarding packages often falls into this category if you use both services.
What Standard Care Includes
Standard care typically covers the essentials well.
- Comfortable Sleeping Area: A clean, private indoor space. Sometimes this includes bedding.
- Regular Feeding: Food provided is usually a standard kibble, though bringing your own is often allowed.
- Supervised Playtime: Dogs are often grouped by size for playtime in a secure yard. This is crucial for mental health.
- Medication Administration: Simple oral medications are usually given at no extra charge.
If your dog needs a lot of attention or specific routines, this level might require adding small service fees. These additions slowly push the price toward the higher end of the standard range.
Luxury Dog Kennel Weekly Price: Premium Pampering
If you want your dog to enjoy a vacation rivaling your own, you look at the luxury dog kennel weekly price. These facilities operate more like pet resorts. They cater to owners who expect the very best care and amenities.
Amenities at Luxury Pet Resorts
Luxury boarding centers offer perks that justify the high price tag. They sell peace of mind and enrichment.
- Private Suites: Forget crates. These are spacious rooms, sometimes with real beds, TVs, or private outdoor patios.
- Gourmet Meals: Meals might include fresh, human-grade food options. Dietary needs are easily met.
- Enrichment Activities: Expect one-on-one cuddle sessions, swimming pools, puzzle toy time, and specialized training reinforcement.
- Extras: Webcams for owners to check in, aromatherapy diffusers, and bedtime tuck-ins are common.
The luxury dog kennel weekly price reflects the high staffing ratios and top-tier facility upkeep. Owners feel confident their high-energy or sensitive dogs receive constant, focused attention.
Deciphering the Kennel Pricing Structure Weekly
The way a facility structures its charges heavily influences the final bill. You need to look beyond the simple nightly rate to grasp the total cost.
Common Fee Components
A facility’s kennel pricing structure weekly often includes several separate charges.
- Base Rate: The cost for lodging and basic feeding/potty breaks.
- Activity Fees: Charges for structured playtime, group socialization, or individual walks.
- Food Surcharges: If you don’t supply food, the kennel charges a premium for theirs.
- Medication Fees: Simple meds might be free, but injectable meds or complex routines often incur a small daily charge.
- Holiday/Peak Season Surcharges: Expect a surcharge (often 10% to 50%) during busy travel weeks.
- Doggie Daycare Add-Ons: If your dog spends most of the day in daycare but sleeps over, some facilities charge a blended overnight rate.
The Difference Between Daycare and Boarding Fees
It is vital to know the difference between daycare charges and overnight fees. What do dog kennels charge per night is distinct from their daycare costs. Daycare is a full day of activity, usually ending when you pick up your dog in the evening. Boarding includes the night’s rest plus morning and evening care.
Sometimes, the average cost of dog daycare and boarding is quoted as a single package if the stay is short (e.g., a long day trip that turns into an overnight stay).
Location Matters: Regional Cost Variations
Where you live impacts the weekly rates for dog kennels significantly. Costs rise with the cost of running a business in that area.
Urban vs. Suburban vs. Rural Costs
- Major Metropolitan Areas (e.g., NYC, LA, Chicago): Highest costs. Rent for facility space is massive. Staff wages are higher. Expect to pay at the top end of all ranges here.
- Suburban Areas: Moderate costs. Facilities often have more space for yards but still deal with higher overhead than rural spots. This is where many excellent mid-range options exist.
- Rural or Small Towns: Lowest costs. Staffing can be easier to find, and overhead is lower. However, options might be limited, and selection might skew toward basic boarding.
When looking at the comparison of dog boarding prices, always use location as your primary filter. A \$40 night in a major city might be a luxury suite price in a small town.
Special Services and Their Impact on Weekly Costs
Not all dogs fit the standard mold. If your pet has special requirements, these services add to the dog boarding costs per week.
Medical and Senior Care Needs
Caring for older dogs or those recovering from surgery requires extra staff attention, which costs more.
- Medication Schedule: If a dog needs medicine four times a day, this requires dedicated staff time away from other duties.
- Mobility Issues: Kennels might need ground-floor access or specialized ramps.
- Senior Comfort: Older dogs might need softer bedding, more frequent potty breaks, or special heating pads. These are usually premium add-ons.
Breed and Temperament Surcharges
Some kennels impose surcharges based on breed or temperament, though this practice is controversial.
- High-Energy Breeds: Breeds needing extensive exercise (like herding or working dogs) might incur extra fees for mandatory one-on-one or extended activity time.
- Aggression/Anxiety: If a dog cannot be safely placed in group play due to reactivity or severe separation anxiety, the facility must provide one-on-one supervision. This significantly boosts the daily rate.
If you have a nervous dog, be upfront. A good facility will explain how they manage anxiety and what that costs, ensuring a better experience than simply choosing the cheapest option.
Maximizing Value: Getting the Best Weekly Deal
To keep your kennel stay fees for a week manageable without sacrificing safety, smart planning is key.
Booking Off-Peak and Early
Timing is the biggest lever you can pull on price.
- Avoid Peak Times: Never book during the week leading up to major holidays unless absolutely necessary. Prices can double.
- Book Well in Advance: Many kennels offer a small discount (5% to 10%) if you book months ahead, especially for long stays. This helps them plan staffing.
- Mid-Week Stays: Sometimes, dropping off on a Tuesday and picking up the following Monday is cheaper than a Friday-to-Thursday stay, depending on their weekend staffing model.
Utilizing Multi-Service Discounts
If you use the facility for daycare regularly, ask about bundling.
- Daycare Memberships: Some kennels offer monthly daycare passes. If you are boarding for a week, inquire if they can prorate a portion of that monthly charge into your weekly bill.
- Loyalty Programs: Ask if they offer frequent boarders a reduced rate after a certain number of stays.
Bringing Your Own Supplies
Reducing what the kennel has to provide can slightly lower costs, especially for long-term stays.
- Food: Bringing enough of your dog’s regular food prevents food surcharges and dietary issues.
- Bedding and Toys: Providing favorite, durable items can make your dog more comfortable, potentially reducing anxiety-related incident fees.
When reviewing the final kennel pricing structure weekly, ask for an itemized list. Ensure you are not paying for services you do not need, such as “premium grooming” if you only need a quick towel-off.
Navigating the Comparison of Dog Boarding Prices
When you get quotes from three or four different places, how do you perform a fair comparison of dog boarding prices? You must compare apples to apples.
Creating a Checklist for Fair Comparison
Use a standardized checklist to grade each facility against the same criteria.
| Feature | Facility A Quote | Facility B Quote | Facility C Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Weekly Rate | \$350 | \$420 | \$300 |
| Daily Playtime Included? | 2 x 30 min sessions | 1 x 60 min session | Only backyard access |
| Food Included? | Yes (Standard Kibble) | No (Bring Your Own) | Yes (Premium Brand) |
| Medication Surcharge? | \$5/day for oral meds | Free | \$3/day for any meds |
| Estimated Weekly Total | \$385 (with one medication) | \$420 (no meds added) | \$321 (with 7 days of basic meds) |
In this example, Facility C looks cheapest upfront but might be missing critical playtime that Facility A includes. Facility A might be the best value overall because the base rate covers essential enrichment.
Interpreting “All-Inclusive” Claims
Some facilities claim to be “all-inclusive.” Verify what this means. Does it include playtime? Does it include basic treats? Often, “all-inclusive” means you won’t pay extra for their standard kibble, but specialized diets or extra one-on-one time are still extra. Always drill down into the specifics of their weekly rates for dog kennels.
The Cost of Convenience: Drop-Off and Pick-Up Times
The convenience of scheduling can drastically alter the total price you pay for dog boarding costs per week.
Penalties for Off-Hours Service
Most kennels operate on standard business hours for drop-off and pick-up (e.g., 8 AM to 6 PM). If you arrive outside those hours, be prepared for extra fees.
- Early Drop-Off: If you need to drop your dog off at 6 AM for an early flight, this often incurs a $10 to $25 early bird fee.
- Late Pick-Up: This is usually costlier. If you pick up after closing, you might be charged for an entire extra night of boarding, even if it’s just an hour past closing. This is a major factor in the kennel pricing structure weekly for those with unpredictable travel schedules.
For short stays, these fees are minor. But over a week, constantly pushing against time boundaries can add significant cost to your kennel stay fees for a week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kennel Costs
Q: How much extra do I pay for a large dog (over 75 lbs) for a week?
Large dogs often require bigger runs and more food, which increases costs. Expect a surcharge ranging from \$5 to \$15 extra per night. For a week, this adds \$35 to \$105 to your dog boarding costs per week. Always ask about weight limits and associated fees during the initial inquiry.
Q: Do I have to pay for the full week even if I pick up early?
Most facilities require payment for the full reserved period. If you paid for seven nights but pick up after five, you usually forfeit the remaining two nights’ fees. This is because they reserved that space for you, turning away other potential customers. Check the cancellation policy and early departure terms when booking your weekly rates for dog kennels.
Q: Is it always cheaper to use a pet sitter at home than a kennel?
Not necessarily. For budget dog boarding rates, a local sitter providing drop-in visits might be cheaper. However, if your dog needs constant supervision (e.g., severe separation anxiety, medication schedule), having a sitter stay overnight might cost \$75-\$120 per night, potentially exceeding the price of short term dog boarding at a standard kennel. For a fair comparison of dog boarding prices, calculate the sitter’s cost versus the kennel’s all-in rate.
Q: What services are almost never included in the basic nightly rate?
Services generally excluded from the base rate (regardless of whether you are paying what do dog kennels charge per night or weekly) include:
* Grooming (baths, haircuts).
* Specialized training sessions.
* Late pick-up/early drop-off fees.
* Handling of complex medical emergencies or specialized vet visits.
Q: How much lower are weekly rates compared to daily rates?
Discounts vary widely. Many facilities offer 5% to 10% off the sum of the nightly rates when booking for seven consecutive nights. Some may offer a “buy six nights, get the seventh half-price” deal. Always ask directly about discounts when inquiring about kennel pricing structure weekly.
Q: Can I save money by choosing budget dog boarding rates for an extended trip (three weeks)?
Yes, for very long stays, budget options often offer better cumulative savings. However, for stays over two weeks, you should also inquire about long-term boarding discounts, which some standard kennels offer specifically to stabilize their occupancy rates. Always inspect the facility thoroughly before committing a pet for many weeks to a budget setup.