How much does dog boarding cost per night?

In 2026, standard dog boarding runs about $25 to $85 a night. Basic kennel runs sit at the low end; private suites with webcams, extra play, and individual attention reach $60 to $85 or more. Big cities and holiday weeks push the top of the range.

How much does cat boarding cost?

Cat boarding usually runs $15 to $40 a night. Cats need less space and handling than dogs, so condos and quiet cat-only rooms cost less than dog suites, though premium cat hotels can reach $50.

What makes pet boarding more expensive?

Suite size and privacy, added play or training sessions, webcam access, medication administration, holiday surcharges, and your location. A senior or special-needs pet that needs meds and monitoring will cost more than a healthy young dog in a standard run.

Is a pet sitter cheaper than boarding?

Often, for multiple pets or a short trip. In-home drop-in visits run roughly $20 to $40 each, and overnight house sitting $60 to $100 a night. One sitter covering three pets at home can beat three boarding fees, and the pets stay in their own space.

How much does pet boarding cost in 2026?

Standard dog boarding runs about $25 to $85 a night, and cat boarding about $15 to $40. Basic kennel runs sit at the bottom; private suites with webcams, extra play, and one-on-one attention reach the top. Big cities and holiday weeks push past it.

This is a straight buyer's guide. We're a web and marketing company that works with service businesses — including kennels and pet sitters — so if you run a boarding facility, the last section is for you. If you're a pet owner pricing a trip, the whole thing is.

What the price tiers actually buy

Basic kennel run

$25–$45/night

A clean indoor/outdoor run, food, water, and a few potty breaks. Fine for an easygoing dog on a short trip. Group play is sometimes extra, sometimes not offered.

Suite with extras

$55–$85/night

A larger private room, often with a raised bed and a webcam, plus scheduled play, walks, and individual attention. This is the tier nervous owners and high-energy dogs gravitate to.

Cat boarding

$15–$40/night

A condo or quiet cat-only room with daily feeding and litter service. Cats need less handling, so it runs cheaper than dog suites, though premium cat hotels reach $50.

What moves the number

→ Holidays. Thanksgiving to New Year and spring break often add $10–$20 a night and require deposits and minimum stays.
→ Medication. Pills or insulin shots usually carry a $3–$8 daily fee per pet.
→ Add-ons. Extra walks, one-on-one play, a bath before pickup, or training each add $10–$30.
→ Multiple pets. Many kennels discount 10–20 percent for two pets sharing a run, which can tip the math toward boarding or away from it.
→ Location. A major-metro facility can cost double a small-town kennel for the same service.

We don't post stock testimonials. On a 15-minute call we screen-share the real dashboards behind our own businesses — live leads, rankings, and the exact page that produced each one. See the proof →

When you should not board

Boarding isn't always the right call. Consider a sitter instead if:

• You have three or more pets. One sitter doing drop-ins ($20–$40 a visit) or house sitting ($60–$100 a night) often beats stacked boarding fees.
• Your pet is anxious, senior, or unvaccinated for kennel cough. Stress and exposure risk can outweigh convenience.
• It's a single overnight. A neighbor or a couple of drop-in visits may be all you need.

Board when your pet is social and well, the trip is several days, and you want professional supervision. Otherwise, do the sitter math first.

If you run the kennel, this is your edge

Owners pricing boarding judge you on what they can see: real photos, posted rates, vaccine requirements, and how fast you answer. A clear site that shows suites and takes a booking request in seconds wins the reservation over a competitor whose phone goes to voicemail. We build that site with AI lead capture from $249/month — you own it, free demo in 48 hours.

See the pet boarding website design page, our guide to starting a pet boarding business, the related doggy daycare cost guide, or browse more cost and pricing guides.

Common questions

How much is dog boarding per night?

About $25–$85. Basic runs sit low; private suites with webcams and extra play reach $60–$85 or more, with holiday and big-city surcharges on top.

How much is cat boarding?

Usually $15–$40 a night. Cats need less space and handling, though premium cat hotels reach $50.

Is a sitter cheaper?

Often, for multiple pets or short trips. Drop-in visits run $20–$40 each and overnight house sitting $60–$100, and the pets stay home.

Run a kennel?
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