The average cost of dog daycare typically ranges from \$25 to \$50 per day, while standard daily rates for dog boarding generally fall between \$40 and \$80 per night, though these prices can shift based on location, services, and the size of your dog.
Deciphering Dog Kennel Pricing Structures
When you need a safe place for your furry friend, costs are a big concern. Dog kennels charge different amounts for their services. These charges vary widely. It is important to know what makes these prices go up or down. This guide will help you see the full picture of dog boarding rates.
Factors Affecting Dog Kennel Prices
Many things influence what affects dog kennel prices. Think about where the kennel is. Think about what they offer. These details change the final bill.
Location, Location, Location
Where you live matters a lot. A kennel in a big city costs more than one in a small town. City costs are higher for everything. This includes rent and staff wages. So, you will see higher local dog boarding costs in major metropolitan areas. Rural areas often have lower overhead. This lets them charge less for the same service.
Size and Breed of Your Dog
Kennels often charge based on your dog’s size. Big dogs eat more food. They take up more space. This means more cost for the kennel. Small dogs usually have lower daily fees. Some kennels might have extra fees for giant breeds. They might also charge more for breeds considered high-energy or requiring special handling.
Type of Accommodation
The place where your dog stays makes a big difference in the cost.
- Basic Cages/Runs: These are the most common and cheapest option. They provide safety but little extra comfort.
- Private Rooms: These offer more space. They might include real beds or TVs. Luxury dog kennel prices often include this private suite style.
- In-Home Boarding: Some people use services where their dog stays at the sitter’s house. Prices here can be similar to basic kennel stays, but vary greatly by the sitter.
Included Services and Amenities
What comes with the base price? This is key to comparing costs. Basic boarding usually includes food, water, and potty breaks. Upgrades cost extra.
- Extra playtime or walks.
- Grooming services.
- Medication administration.
- Special diets.
If a place offers webcams or premium bedding, expect higher kennel fees per night.
Standard Boarding Costs Breakdown
Let’s look closely at what you pay for when you leave your dog. This section focuses on overnight stays.
Basic Overnight Boarding Daily Rates for Dog Boarding
Most standard kennels charge a set rate for a 24-hour period. This is the baseline cost.
| Dog Size | Typical Price Range (Per Night) |
|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lbs) | \$35 – \$55 |
| Medium (20 – 50 lbs) | \$45 – \$70 |
| Large (50 – 90 lbs) | \$55 – \$85 |
| Giant (over 90 lbs) | \$70 – \$100+ |
These figures represent standard care. They cover feeding and basic supervision.
Dog Daycare Costs
Average cost of dog daycare focuses on daytime supervision only. Dogs usually go home in the evening.
Most daycares charge by the day. Some offer packages for savings.
- Full Daycare: Expect to pay between \$25 and \$50.
- Half Daycare: If available, this might cost \$15 to \$30.
Daycare facilities often offer loyalty programs. Buying 10 or 20 days upfront usually lowers the per-day price significantly. This is a great way to save if you use daycare often.
Exploring Premium Options: Pet Hotel Pricing
When you want the best for your pet, you look at pet hotel pricing. These facilities market themselves as luxury experiences. They are more like resorts for dogs.
What Defines a Pet Hotel?
Pet hotels go beyond simple kenneling. They offer features designed for comfort and entertainment.
- Suite Style Living: Large, comfortable rooms, not small cages.
- Enrichment Activities: Swimming pools, dog parks, one-on-one playtime.
- High Staff Ratios: More staff members per dog ensure lots of attention.
- Upgraded Comfort: Orthopedic beds, calming music, and aromatherapy are sometimes included.
Luxury dog kennel prices reflect these added perks. For a pet hotel, expect nightly rates to start around \$80 and easily reach \$150 or more, depending on the city and the suite size. A premium suite for a large dog could cost significantly more.
Calculating Weekend Dog Boarding Charges
Weekends often come with extra fees. Why? Demand is higher. Staffing needs also change.
Many facilities charge a slightly higher weekend dog boarding charge for Friday and Saturday nights. Some might charge for a full day even if you pick up early on Sunday morning. Always ask if there is a late pickup fee or a surcharge for Saturday stays.
Factors That Increase the Final Bill
When you review your invoice, some charges might surprise you. Knowing what causes these bumps helps you plan your budget.
Extra Services and Add-Ons
These are elective services that boost comfort but also the price.
- Special Diets: If you bring your own food, there is usually no extra charge. If the kennel supplies specialty, prescription, or raw food, they will likely charge a handling fee.
- Medication Administration: While basic medication (like a pill once a day) might be included, complex schedules or injections often incur an extra fee per administration.
- Grooming Packages: Getting a bath or a full haircut during the stay is an added service, priced separately from the boarding fee.
- Extended Playtime: If your dog needs more than the included 30 minutes of outside time, extra supervised play sessions add to the dog boarding rates.
Peak Season and Holiday Surcharges
Holidays are busy times for kennels. People travel for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer vacations. Kennels operate at full capacity. To manage this high demand, most facilities charge a holiday surcharge.
- This fee is often a flat rate added to the daily price.
- It can range from \$10 to \$30 per night during major holidays.
- You must book well in advance for holiday stays. Availability is scarce.
Comparing Costs: Dog Kennel Price Comparison Tips
To get the best value, you must compare options carefully. Do not just look at the lowest price tag. Look at what that price buys you.
Comparing Apples to Apples
When looking at different facilities, make a list of what they include in their base rate.
| Feature | Facility A (Lower Cost) | Facility B (Higher Cost) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Nightly Rate | \$50 | \$75 |
| Outdoor Playtime (Daily) | 2 supervised sessions (30 min each) | Unlimited access to indoor play area |
| Feeding | Owner provides food | Standard kibble included |
| Bedding | Concrete floor or simple cot | Raised cot with fleece blanket |
| Check-In/Out Times | Strict 9 AM – 5 PM | Flexible 7 AM – 7 PM |
In this example, Facility B costs more upfront. But, if your dog needs lots of playtime, Facility B might be cheaper overall because Facility A would charge extra fees for additional play sessions.
Visiting the Facility
A tour is essential. This helps you gauge the true value. A low price tag is meaningless if the facility is unclean or overcrowded. Look for cleanliness, staff interaction with dogs, and the overall mood of the animals. Happy, calm dogs suggest good care.
Daycare vs. Boarding: What’s the Difference in Price?
The core difference is duration and level of supervision.
Daycare is generally cheaper than a single night of boarding. This is because the dog leaves at the end of the day. Staff time is less intensive than overnight supervision.
Boarding requires 24-hour care. Someone must monitor the facility overnight, manage late-night potty breaks, and ensure security. This 24/7 requirement increases kennel fees per night.
For example, if full daycare is \$40, the boarding rate might be \$65. That extra \$25 covers the overnight responsibility.
Making Budget-Friendly Choices
You do not always need the most expensive option. Smart choices can save you money while keeping your dog happy.
Loyalty Programs and Memberships
Many daycares offer monthly membership plans. These plans often cover 20 or 22 days per month at a set price. If you use daycare five days a week, buying a monthly package saves a lot of money compared to paying the daily walk-in rate.
Off-Peak Booking
Booking during the off-season saves money. Avoid the summer rush and major holidays if possible. If you must travel during these times, book months ahead, but know the premium rates apply.
Using Smaller, Local Sitters
For simple overnight stays, look into independent local sitters rather than large commercial operations. Sometimes, a vetted, insured individual operating from their home offers services at a lower cost than a large kennel. This often falls under the category of local dog boarding costs being more negotiable.
The Cost of Specialized Care
Some dogs have needs that standard kennels cannot meet easily. These specialized needs drive up the price.
Senior and Medical Needs
Older dogs often need more frequent checks. They might need help getting up or taking medication multiple times a day. Kennels that have veterinary staff or staff highly trained in geriatric care charge a premium for this extra vigilance. This is a crucial part of what affects dog kennel prices for elderly pets.
High-Energy or Reactive Dogs
Some kennels specialize in certain temperaments. If your dog needs one-on-one training incorporated into their stay, or requires very careful separation from other dogs due to reactivity, this specialist care comes at a high price. Standard facilities might turn away dogs requiring complex behavioral management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to leave a dog overnight?
Daily rates for dog boarding generally start around \$40 for a small dog in a basic setup. Rates go up based on size and service level, often reaching \$85 or more for large dogs in premium facilities.
Are weekend dog boarding charges higher than weekday rates?
Yes, many kennels charge slightly more for Friday and Saturday nights. This covers the higher demand for weekend care and potential holiday surcharges if the weekend coincides with one.
What is included in typical kennel fees per night?
Base kennel fees per night usually include shelter, fresh water, feeding (if using the kennel’s standard food), and scheduled potty/exercise breaks. Extras like one-on-one playtime or specialized feeding are usually billed separately.
How do pet hotel pricing structures differ from regular kennels?
Pet hotel pricing includes significant amenities like larger private suites, constant staff access, enrichment activities (like pool time), and luxury bedding, all bundled into a higher nightly rate compared to basic cage boarding.
Can I find cheap dog boarding rates?
You might find lower rates through vetted in-home sitters or kennels located in less expensive rural areas. However, always verify that any lower-cost option maintains high standards of safety and cleanliness before booking. A thorough dog kennel price comparison is key.