The average cost of a dog hotel per night generally ranges from \$30 to \$100, but this price can shift a lot based on where you live, the services offered, and the type of accommodation your dog gets. Finding the right place for your pet means looking closely at what the dog boarding costs include.
Factors Influencing Canine Hotel Nightly Rate
Many things make the price of keeping your dog at a hotel go up or down. It is not a one-size-fits-all cost. Knowing these factors helps you budget for your pet’s stay.
Location, Location, Location
Where the dog hotel is matters a lot for pet lodging charges. City centers and popular tourist spots usually have higher rates than rural areas. This is because the cost of doing business—rent, staff wages, and utilities—is higher in busy places.
- Big cities often see overnight pet care rates starting near the high end of the scale.
- Small towns might offer lower kennel pricing per night because operating costs are smaller.
Type of Accommodation
The room or space your dog stays in directly affects the price. Simple crates cost less than private suites.
Basic Boarding
This is usually the most budget-friendly option. Dogs may share a larger room or stay in a standard kennel run.
- Less space for the dog.
- Shared playtime or basic yard access.
- Often the lowest pet boarding facility fees.
Standard Rooms
These offer more privacy than basic boarding. They might be indoor/outdoor runs or medium-sized indoor rooms.
Luxury Dog Boarding Prices
These options aim to mimic home life as much as possible. Expect high comfort and extra perks. This is where you see the top canine hotel nightly rate figures.
- Private rooms, often with real beds or comfortable bedding.
- TV or calming music.
- One-on-one attention time.
- Access to high-end amenities like pools or special play yards.
Size and Breed of Your Dog
Some facilities charge more for larger dogs. They need more food and take up more space. Very small dogs might cost less. Some hotels also charge extra for breeds considered “high energy” or “high maintenance.” Always ask if breed size affects the dog boarding costs.
Length of Stay
Many places offer discounts for longer stays. If you book for a week or more, you might get a small price break on the overnight pet care rates. Conversely, some facilities charge a premium for short, one- or two-night stays.
Included Services and Amenities
The basic price often covers just food, water, and a few potty breaks. Extras cost more. This is crucial when deciding what does a dog hotel cost.
- Extra walks or play sessions.
- Grooming services while boarding.
- Special diets or medication administration.
- Training sessions added to the stay.
Detailing Daycare vs. Overnight Dog Rates
Many facilities offer both daycare and overnight services. It’s important to know the difference in pricing structures.
Doggy Daycare Costs
Daycare is for daytime supervision only. Dogs go home with you at night. Daycare and overnight dog rates are structured very differently.
- Full Day Care: Usually a flat rate for 8-10 hours. Prices often range from \$25 to \$50 daily.
- Half Day Care: Shorter periods, often cheaper, maybe \$15 to \$30.
- Packages: Buying 5 or 10 days upfront usually reduces the per-day cost.
Overnight Boarding Costs
This covers a 24-hour period, usually checking in one day and out the next morning or afternoon. These prices are higher due to the added supervision overnight.
Table 1: Typical Cost Comparison (Estimate Only)
| Service Type | Low End Per Night/Day | High End Per Night/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Doggy Daycare (Full Day) | \$25 | \$50 |
| Basic Overnight Boarding | \$30 | \$60 |
| Mid-Range Hotel Stay | \$50 | \$85 |
| Luxury Canine Hotel | \$85 | \$150+ |
Locating the Best Value: Interpreting Kennel Pricing Per Night
To find the best value, you need to compare apples to apples. Just looking at the lowest number on the price sheet might lead to hidden fees later. Look at the total package.
Hidden Fees and Add-Ons
Some places keep their base kennel pricing per night low but charge significantly for basics that other places include.
- Food Charges: If you don’t bring your own food, the hotel might charge \$5-\$10 per meal.
- Medication Fees: Administering simple pills might be free, but injections or complex schedules often incur a daily fee (\$3-\$7).
- Late Pickup Fees: If you pick up your dog after the specified time, you might be charged for an extra half-day of daycare.
- Holiday Surcharges: Major holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July) almost always have a surcharge, sometimes 25% to 50% extra on the standard pet boarding facility fees.
Evaluating Premium Services
If you are looking at luxury dog boarding prices, make sure you know exactly what makes it “luxury.” Does it include two structured playtime sessions, or just access to a fancy room?
- Private Playtime: Is this 15 minutes or a full hour? The difference impacts cost.
- Webcam Access: Free in luxury suites, but sometimes an added fee in standard rooms.
- Boutique Extras: Think specialized bedding, aromatherapy, or gourmet meals. These push the canine hotel nightly rate upward.
Regional Variations in Dog Hotel Costs
Prices vary greatly across the United States and internationally. Geographic location heavily impacts what does a dog hotel cost.
Major Metropolitan Areas (e.g., NYC, LA, San Francisco)
These areas have high rents and high labor costs. Expect to pay significantly more here. Standard boarding might start at \$60, and luxury options can easily top \$120 per night. Even basic overnight pet care rates reflect the high cost of living.
Suburban and Smaller Cities
Costs usually drop by 15% to 30% compared to major metro areas. You might find good quality care in the \$40 to \$70 range for standard boarding. This is often where you find the best balance between quality and dog boarding costs.
Rural Areas
Prices are lowest here. If you live far from a city center, you might find excellent kennel pricing per night as low as \$25-\$40. However, these facilities may offer fewer modern amenities than their city counterparts.
Deciphering Pet Boarding Facility Fees for Different Needs
Not all dogs need the same level of care. Pricing should reflect the specific needs of your pet.
Puppy and Senior Care Surcharges
Young puppies need very frequent potty breaks, focused training reinforcement, and more supervision. Older or special needs dogs might need medication at specific times or help moving around.
- Puppy Premium: Fees often added for extra attention, maybe \$5-\$15 more per night.
- Senior Care: Surcharges may apply for administering meds or providing orthopedic beds, factoring into the overall pet lodging charges.
Multi-Pet Discounts
If you have two or more dogs staying together, many facilities offer a discount on the second dog’s rate.
- Sharing a Suite: If two dogs can comfortably share a larger suite, the second dog might only cost 50% to 75% of the standard rate.
- Separate Kennels: If they must stay in separate units, you usually pay full price for both.
Specialty Boarding (Behavioral or Medical Needs)
If your dog has known behavioral issues (like separation anxiety or reactivity), you need a facility equipped to handle it. These specialized facilities often charge a premium because they require more staff training and lower group sizes. This impacts the average cost of a dog hotel considerably.
Comparing Daycare and Overnight Dog Rates Packages
Many excellent facilities encourage clients to bundle services to save money.
Monthly Memberships
For owners who use daycare frequently, a monthly pass is common.
- Daycare Memberships: Pay one flat fee for 20 days of daycare per month. This significantly lowers the effective daily rate compared to paying daily for daycare and overnight dog rates separately.
Extended Stay Bundles
If your dog is staying for a long vacation (two weeks or more), negotiate a flat weekly rate that includes one grooming session or several extra playtimes. Always ask about discounts when you are budgeting for a long absence, as this affects the final canine hotel nightly rate.
Peak Season Pricing
Be prepared for sticker shock during high-demand periods like summer vacation, Christmas, and Spring Break. Facilities often suspend any discounts and raise their base prices because demand outstrips supply. Booking very far in advance is the only way to lock in standard pricing during these times.
The Role of Certification and Insurance in Pricing
Reputable facilities that invest in staff training, facility upkeep, and liability insurance will naturally have higher pet boarding facility fees. You are paying for peace of mind.
Staff Training and Ratios
A facility with certified pet care technicians (CPDT-KA or similar certifications) or staff trained in Pet CPR costs more to operate. Low staff-to-dog ratios ensure better monitoring, which is vital for safety. Higher quality care justifies higher dog boarding costs.
Facility Quality and Safety
Modern facilities use commercial-grade, easy-to-sanitize materials. They invest in HVAC systems for air quality and robust security features. A brand-new, state-of-the-art facility will always command higher overnight pet care rates than an older, basic kennel.
Insurance and Bonding
When a facility is fully insured, your financial risk decreases if an accident happens to your dog or their property. This security feature is baked into the average cost of a dog hotel.
Making the Final Decision on What Does a Dog Hotel Cost
To determine the true cost, follow these steps:
- Define Your Dog’s Needs: Does your dog need medical attention, or are they happy with basic comfort?
- List Required Services: Determine how many walks, playtimes, or meals are necessary.
- Get Itemized Quotes: Request a full price breakdown showing the base kennel pricing per night plus all necessary add-ons. Do not settle for just a ballpark figure.
- Factor in Location: Adjust your expectations based on whether you are in a city or a small town.
By comparing these itemized quotes, you move beyond simple comparisons of pet lodging charges and find a place that genuinely meets your dog’s needs at a fair price point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much should I expect to pay for basic dog boarding?
Basic dog boarding costs usually start around \$30 per night in lower-cost areas and can go up to \$60 in suburban areas for standard kennel care. This typically covers food and basic outdoor access.
Are luxury dog boarding prices significantly higher than standard rates?
Yes. Luxury dog boarding prices are often 50% to 100% higher than standard rates. Expect to pay \$85 to \$150 or more per night for suites that include private rooms, premium bedding, and extended one-on-one attention.
Do daycare and overnight dog rates ever overlap in pricing?
If you check out late in the afternoon after an overnight stay, you are often charged a half-day daycare and overnight dog rates fee for the final part of the day. This bridges the cost gap between the two services temporarily.
What is included in the average cost of a dog hotel stay?
The average cost of a dog hotel typically covers the accommodation space, basic feeding (if you don’t supply your own food), water, and a few scheduled potty/exercise breaks. Extra services like private play or specialized diets are usually separate pet boarding facility fees.
Can I save money by bringing my own food?
Yes. Many facilities charge a daily fee if they supply the food. Bringing your own food helps keep your overall canine hotel nightly rate down, especially if your dog requires a specific or expensive diet.
What are typical holiday surcharges for pet lodging charges?
Holiday surcharges vary widely but often fall between 15% and 50% above the normal rate for peak times like Christmas and Thanksgiving due to high demand. Always confirm these extra pet lodging charges when booking for holidays.