The decision to board your dog is a significant one, both emotionally and financially. After all, not only do you want to make your dog feel at home but also do so without being ripped off.
In fact, once you know what to expect in terms of cost, you can go on and pick the best boarding for your furry buddy.
And this is one reason why almost every dog owner looking for pet boarding in Memphis asks me how much is dog boarding exactly.
Now, being a dog boarding and care specialist myself, I can tell you that there isn’t a clear-cut price tag here.
What’s worse?
Most of the cost averages you find online are vague and confusing.
But you can rest easy as I’ve broken down how much does it cost to board a dog based clearly and in detail. I’ve detailed boarding costs based on where you’re located, how long you board your pup, and the additional facilities you opt for, among others.
So, read on and get acquainted with dog boarding rates like never before.
How much does it cost to board a dog exactly?
Let me start by addressing the elephant in the room, i.e., the exact cost to board a dog.
For starters, the average dog boarding rates in the country range anywhere between $30 to $60 per night.
However, this is an average for standard pet boarding facilities only, and as you opt for premium options, the cost is likely to increase. Take luxury boarding or dog hotels, for instance, where per-night charges start at $75 and can exceed $100.
Also, it goes without saying that the exact dog boarding cost you’ll incur might be completely different from the above average. That’s because rates differ for different locations and boarding durations, among others, something I’ve explained in further sections.
Factors that determine the average cost to board a dog
As I said, the total cost to board a dog varies widely depending on multiple factors. For instance, location, type of boarding facility, services offered there, plus unique requirements like dog allergy tests, etc., all determine how much you pay.
Now, I am sure it gets a little confusing here. But it need not be anymore, as I’ve detailed these factors and how the cost of dog boarding is shaped based on these.
All in all, here’s a breakdown of factors that influence the average cost:
1. Your geographic location
Believe it or not, but your location plays a significant role in how much you end up paying for dog boarding. And this is mainly because operational expenses for boarding facilities are lower
in some regions and higher in others.
For instance, let’s say you were to board your dog in Memphis, Tennessee. Here, the cost of boarding will be anywhere between $40 and $60, depending on the size of your dog and the facility you choose.
At the same time, if you’re to board your pup in metropolitan New York or Los Angeles, this per night cost average can go up to $80 to $120. Meaning you will pay double the average cost of boarding a dog in Memphis.
2. Duration of your pup’s stay
Yet another important factor that decides the total cost of dog boarding is how long you intend to board your pup there.
And that’s because although dog boardings charge on a per night basis, they might offer you a discount for longer stays. Not to mention, some boarding facilities also offer weekly rates which usually turn out to be cheaper than per night packages.
For instance, standard dog boarding rates in Memphis start at $40 per night for small dogs. However, if you decide to board your dog for an entire week, the facility might offer you a special rate of $250.
3. Size of your dog
As a rule of thumb, large dog breeds often cost more to board compared to smaller breeds. And this has to do with the increased space and food requirements for bigger canines.
For instance, boarding a small dog weighing 20 pounds or less will cost $40 per night, on average, at a standard facility.
Nevertheless, for a dog weighing between 40 and 70 pounds, this cost can easily be $50 or more for every night. Think of it like buying winter apparel for dogs, where clothing for larger or unique breeds typically costs about 25 percent more.
4. Additional facilities you opt for
If you’re someone who is boarding a dog for the first time, let me tell you that facilities provide a lot of basics included in the boarding cost.
For instance, you can expect facilities to provide a kennel, daily walks, periodic washes, basic medication, etc.
But if you opt for special services like grooming, training, or one-on-one playtime, these can add $10 to $50 per day to your bill.
How much does dog boarding cost across facilities?
So far, you already know the cost to board a dog based on present-day market average. Also, you know the factors that determine the exact cost you’ll be charged.dog boarding cost per day
But there’s something else too that decides the average price for dog boarding.
I am talking about dog boarding facilities themselves, which differ a lot in terms of their scope and services. So much so that while some boardings offer standard kennels others offer nothing short of a five star hotel accommodation for your furry friend.
Now, it is only obvious that the prices across these facilities won’t be identical.
So, how much does it cost to board a dog across these facilities?
Let me break it down for you:
1. Traditional kennels
These are the most common dog boarding facilities where your pup is housed in an individual kennel and they share outdoor play areas with other dogs boarded at the facility.
Here, the facility provides basic services including feeding, exercise schedules, a few complimentary dog washes, etc.
Talking about the boarding prices for dogs here, you can expect to pay in the range of $40 and $60 per night.
2. Luxury pet hotels
Although a relatively new trend, luxury pet hotels have become synonyms with five or even seven star hotels for humans. That’s because you can expect top-notch opulence and indulgence for your dog here while you are away.
In fact, from plush bedding to individual suites to dog spa treatments to gourmet meals, and more, you name it and your pet has got the amenities.
In dollar-figure, these high-end facilities can charge $75 to $150 in dog boarding cost per day.
3. Home dog boarding
You’ll agree when I say that standard dog boarding can be a bit too overwhelming for some dogs. More so if they’re too young or they get afraid and anxious when left alone.
And for such pets, home dog boarding offers stay in a sitter’s home. Herein, they experience a more personal and less stressful environment.
Dog boarding fees for the same ranges between $50 and $80, which is far less compared to dog hotel facilities.
4. Daycare by the day and boarding by the night
As the name suggests, these are like your neighborhood pet daycare centres but with a twist.
You see, these are facilities that also have a pet boarding license, infrastructure, and staff. Meaning apart from leaving your best buddy here for the day, you can bring along their favorite pet tee shirts and board them for the night.
A facility like this combines daycare activities with overnight stays and charges between $60 and $80 per night.
5. In-Home pet sitters
If there was one way your pet could stay home, play with their favorite toys in their room, life would be so much better.
Thankfully, there is one way for that with an ever increasing number of seasoned in-home pet sitters.
Here, you need not board your dog since sitters come to your home. And this is best for dogs who are anxious in new environments or have specific needs.
Sitters charge in the range of $75 to $150 per night, which is at par with luxury dog hotels but worth every penny for the services.
Frequently asked questions about cost of dog boarding
What is the average dog boarding cost per day?
When it comes to the cost of dog boarding, there is no fixed average as prices differ for different regions, boarding facilities, and dog sizes.
For instance, the average cost to board a dog as per present day estimates is anywhere between $40 and $60 per night in standard kennel facilities. However, this can easily go upward of $100 in metropolitans like New York for the same facility.
How much to board a dog for a week?
Depending on the facility and location, you can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 to board your dog for an entire week.
And this is more affordable compared to paying on a per night basis since facilities offer numerous discounts and concessions on long term boarding for dogs.
What is the cost to board a dog for 2 weeks?
The cost to board a dog for a couple of weeks can range from $350 to $1000. And this is after the many offers and discounts that you get for longer boarding duration.
How much does it cost to board a dog XXL large?
Boarding fees for an XXL large dog will start anywhere from $60 per night at a standard facility and go up to $80. That’s because dogs like these take up additional space and might even need a special kennel.
Do you need to buy your own supplies?
Most facilities provide bedding, food, and toys, among other basic amenities. But you can always pack items that make your dog feel at home.
Conclusion
By now you know for sure how much does it cost to board a dog on average. Also, you know the differences in boarding prices for dogs in different parts of the country and for different facilities and breeds.
Got more questions or need to board your dog instead?
You can get in touch with us!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we are more than just a top-notch dog clothes store. We also bring the best-in-class dog boarding facilities to Memphis, Arkansas, and Mississippi, where our experienced pet care specialists make your pup feel at home.
Simply put, we got your furry friend in best spirits while you are away.