Kenneling a dog for a week can vary in price depending on several key factors such as location, type of facility, size and breed of the dog, and additional services offered. For many pet owners, finding the right boarding option involves balancing comfort, safety, and cost. Understanding the average costs and what influences these rates can help dog owners make informed decisions when planning their pet’s care.
| Criteria | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Kennel Boarding | $25 – $50 per night $175 – $350 per week |
| Luxury or Boutique Kennels | $50 – $100+ per night $350 – $700+ per week |
| Veterinary Boarding | $40 – $70 per night $280 – $490 per week |
| Additional Services (Grooming, Training, Medication) | $10 – $50+ per service |
| Size and Breed Premiums | $0 – $20+ per night |
Factors Influencing the Cost of Kenneling a Dog for a Week
The pricing for kenneling a dog varies widely due to several major factors. Location plays a significant role as kennels in urban centers or affluent neighborhoods often charge more due to higher operational costs. Facilities offering premium amenities such as climate-controlled suites, web cams for owners to check in, and extensive play areas usually come with higher rates. Additionally, the dog’s size and breed affect costs since larger dogs require more space and resources.
Additional services like grooming, specialized feeding, medication administration, and training can also increase the overall cost. Veterinary boarding facilities that offer medical supervision and care tend to charge more to cover these extra responsibilities.
Types of Dog Boarding Options and Their Cost Differences
Standard Kennels
These are the most common form of dog boarding. They typically offer kennels or runs where dogs are housed individually or in small groups. Basic feeding, exercise, and supervision are included. Standard kennels usually charge between $25 to $50 per night, making weekly costs range from $175 to $350.
Luxury or Boutique Kennels
Luxury kennels enhance comfort and entertainment with private suites, plush bedding, personalized attention, webcams, and often extensive playtime or pool access. Some include grooming and training as part of the package. Price ranges for these services are from $50 to over $100 per night, leading to weekly costs of $350 to $700 or more.
Veterinary Boarding Facilities
Facilities operated by or affiliated with veterinary clinics offer boarding that includes medical supervision. This option is ideal for dogs with health concerns or requiring medication during their stay. Costs usually run from $40 to $70 per night, amounting to $280 to $490 per week.
In-Home Boarding and Pet Sitting
While not kenneling in a traditional sense, in-home boarding or pet sitting may be alternatives for some dog owners. Costs vary widely but often fall within or above the standard kennel price range depending on personalized care.
How Dog Size and Breed Affect Kenneling Costs
Many kennels factor in the size and breed of the dog due to the impact on space, food consumption, and facility wear and tear. Small dogs generally incur lower costs as they require less food and space, while large or extra-large breeds can increase the price due to these factors.
| Dog Size | Additional Cost per Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small (Under 20 lbs) | $0 – $5 | Often lowest base rate |
| Medium (20 – 50 lbs) | $5 – $10 | Moderate increase mainly for food |
| Large (50 – 90 lbs) | $10 – $15 | More space and food required |
| Extra Large (90+ lbs) | $15 – $20+ | Highest additional charges |
Additional Costs to Consider When Kenneling a Dog
Aside from the base boarding fee, several extras can raise the total cost:
- Grooming Services: Bathing, nail clipping, or full grooming can range from $20 to $50 per service.
- Medication Administration: If a dog requires daily medication, some kennels charge a fee between $5 and $15 per day.
- Special Diets: Dogs needing prescription or special diets may incur additional fees.
- Training or Behavioral Sessions: Some facilities offer training packages that can range from $30 to $100 per session.
- Late Pickup Fees: Picking up your dog beyond the agreed time can result in extra charges.
Average Kenneling Costs by U.S. Region
Geographic location plays a significant role in pricing; major urban centers and high-income areas tend to have higher costs due to greater demand and expenses.
| Region | Average Cost per Night | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (e.g., New York, Boston) | $40 – $70 | High demand and premium facilities |
| West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco) | $35 – $65 | Competitive with East Coast pricing |
| Midwest (e.g., Chicago, Detroit) | $25 – $50 | Generally more affordable |
| South (e.g., Atlanta, Dallas) | $20 – $45 | Typically lower prices but variable |
| Mountain States (e.g., Denver, Salt Lake City) | $25 – $55 | Moderate pricing, varies with city size |
Tips for Choosing the Right Kennel and Managing Costs
Comparing prices alone isn’t sufficient—pet owners should consider the quality of care alongside cost. Visiting the facility in person to evaluate cleanliness, safety, staff professionalism, and amenities is critical.
- Ask for recommendations from veterinarians and fellow dog owners
- Check for proper licensing, certifications, and insurance
- Inquire about daily routines and supervision levels
- Understand cancellation policies and refund options
- Plan and book well in advance to secure rates and availability
Considering alternatives like in-home pet sitting or doggy daycare combined with home boarding on weekends might also reduce total kenneling expenses.