How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost? — Dog Boarding Cost Calculator
Our free dog boarding cost calculator estimates your total kennel boarding bill — by number of nights, dogs, boarding type, and add-ons like grooming or extra playtime. If you've been asking how much does dog boarding cost for your trip, pick a boarding type, enter your numbers, and get an instant itemized estimate.
Enter your numbers
Your results
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base boarding | — |
| Grooming | — |
| Extra playtime | — |
| Medication admin | — |
| Peak-season surcharge | — |
| Sales tax | — |
| Estimated total | — |
How to use this calculator
Start by picking the boarding type: a standard kennel run, a roomier deluxe suite, or luxury boarding with premium amenities. The calculator loads a typical nightly rate as a starting point — about $35–$50 per night for standard, $55–$85 for deluxe, and $90+ for luxury (estimates, varies by region). You can edit the nightly rate freely to match the quote your facility gives you.
Next, enter your number of nights and number of dogs, then add any extras: a flat-fee grooming add-on, daily extra playtime, or daily medication administration. If your trip falls on a holiday or peak summer week, add the peak-season surcharge % your kennel charges — 10% to 50% is common — plus any local sales tax. Results update instantly as you type.
Try scenarios: compare a 7-night standard stay against a deluxe suite, or see how grooming and a holiday surcharge stack up on the total. The itemized table shows exactly where each dollar goes, so you can shop around with confidence.
How it works
The math is straightforward. First the base boarding cost: nights × nightly rate × number of dogs. So 7 nights × $50/night for 1 dog = $350. Then the add-ons: grooming is a flat fee per stay, while extra playtime and medication administration are charged per dog per day — add them to get the subtotal.
If a peak-season surcharge applies, it's added as a percentage of the subtotal: peak extra = subtotal × (peak % ÷ 100). Sales tax then applies to the subtotal plus the peak surcharge: tax = (subtotal + peak extra) × (tax % ÷ 100). The estimated total is subtotal + peak extra + tax, and the effective cost per night is total ÷ nights.
Four things move the price most: boarding type (luxury can cost more than twice a standard kennel), dog count (most kennels charge per dog per night), timing (a 20% peak surcharge on a week-long stay adds up fast), and region — big-city facilities typically charge 30–50% more than rural ones. All default rates here are US market estimates, not quotes: always confirm with a kennel in your area.
Frequently asked questions
How much does dog boarding cost per night?
In the US, a standard kennel typically costs about $35 to $50 per night per dog, a deluxe suite about $55 to $85 per night, and luxury boarding $90 or more per night. All of these are estimates — actual prices vary by region, facility, and your dog's size. This calculator loads a typical nightly rate for each boarding type, which you can edit to match the quotes you receive.
Does boarding cost more for two dogs?
Yes — most boarding facilities charge per dog per night, so two dogs roughly doubles the nightly cost. Some kennels offer a multi-dog discount (often 10% to 25% off the second dog), and a few charge a smaller flat surcharge per extra dog instead. If your kennel discounts the second dog, lower the nightly rate or add a negative adjustment in the add-ons to reflect it.
Do boarding kennels charge extra during holidays and peak season?
Most do. Peak-season and holiday surcharges typically run about 10% to 50% on top of the base rate for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, spring break, and summer weeks. Enter the surcharge percentage your kennel quotes and this calculator adds it to your subtotal.
What's the difference between kennel boarding and pet sitting?
Kennel boarding means your dog stays at a boarding facility in a kennel run, suite, or luxury room, cared for by the facility's staff. Pet sitting usually means a sitter cares for your dog at your home (drop-in visits or overnight stays). Boarding is often cheaper per night than overnight in-home sitting, but it involves a busier environment with more dogs. For pet sitting costs, see our Pet Sitter Cost Calculator.