🧳 Pet Boarding Cost Calculator
Estimate what boarding your dog or cat will actually cost, based on facility type, length of stay, and common add-ons.
Boarding Options Compared
| Option | Typical rate | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic kennel | $25–$60/night (dog), $20–$45/night (cat) | Budget-conscious, social pets who don't mind a group setting |
| Pet hotel | $55–$150/night | Private suites, webcams, more individual attention |
| Luxury resort | $100–$200+/night | Pools, spa add-ons, premium everything |
| In-home sitter | $45–$120/night | Anxious, senior, or multi-pet households; avoids new-environment stress |
For cats specifically, a drop-in sitter who visits once or twice daily is often the better (and cheaper) option over any overnight boarding — most cats are more comfortable staying in their own territory than adjusting to a new one for a short trip.
Make sure vaccines are current before boarding → Dog Vaccination Schedule Calculator · Cat Vaccination Schedule Calculator
Want the full annual cost picture? → Try the Annual Pet Cost Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog boarding cost per night?
A basic kennel runs $25-$60/night, a pet hotel with private suites $55-$150/night, a luxury resort $100-$200+/night, and an in-home sitter (staying at your place or theirs) $45-$120/night. Add-ons like daycare, extra walks, grooming, or medication administration typically add $10-$40/day on top of the base rate.
How much does cat boarding cost?
Cat boarding is generally cheaper than dog boarding: a standard cattery or kennel runs $20-$45/night, and a luxury cat boarding suite $45-$60+/night. An in-home cat sitter who visits once or twice daily (rather than overnight boarding) often costs less overall for cats, since most cats do better staying in their own territory.
Is a pet sitter cheaper than boarding?
It depends on the visit frequency. A drop-in sitter visiting once or twice a day ($20-$35/visit) is usually cheaper than overnight boarding for cats or low-maintenance pets. An overnight in-home sitter who stays at your house costs about the same as mid-tier boarding ($45-$120/night) but avoids the stress of a new environment, which many pet parents consider worth the similar price.
Do boarding facilities require vaccinations?
Yes, virtually all US boarding facilities require proof of core vaccines — rabies and DHPP for dogs (plus bordetella/kennel cough at most facilities), and rabies and FVRCP for cats — usually completed at least a week before check-in. Check your pet's status with the vaccination schedule calculator before booking to avoid a last-minute vet visit.
Why does boarding cost more during holidays?
Demand spikes around major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year, July 4th, spring break) while facility capacity stays fixed, so most boarding facilities charge a holiday premium — typically 15-30% above standard rates — and popular facilities book up weeks in advance. Booking early is the most reliable way to avoid both the premium and being turned away.
How much do kennels charge for administering medication?
Most boarding facilities charge a medication administration fee on top of the nightly rate, commonly a few dollars per dose or per day, with insulin injections and other more involved treatments priced higher. Some facilities decline pets needing complex medical care altogether, and others require a veterinary practice rather than a boarding kennel. Ask before booking rather than at drop-off, bring medication in its original labelled packaging, and confirm in writing what happens if a dose is missed.
How do boarding facilities count days — by night or by calendar day?
This is the most common source of surprise on a boarding bill, and practice varies. Some kennels charge per night, some per calendar day regardless of the hour, and many apply a late-pickup fee past a set checkout time. A stay from Sunday morning to Tuesday afternoon can therefore be billed as two nights or as three days depending on the facility. Ask specifically how days are counted and what the checkout deadline is — those two questions resolve most disputed invoices.