🧳 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.