How Much Does It Cost to Board a Dog? A Clear 2026 Price Guide for Pet Parents
Searching prices usually isn’t about finding the cheapest option — it’s about finding safe, trustworthy care. This guide answers how much does it cost to board a dog with transparent ranges, what affects price, and how to compare options, so you can choose care that puts your pup first. New to the basics of dog boarding? This section of our site covers what to expect when you book boarding for the first time.
Average Dog Boarding Prices
Dog boarding prices vary across the country based on facility type, location, and level of care. Average national prices include:
Standard boarding: $60-$120 per night
Luxury or medical boarding: $100–$200+ per night
Many NYC-area luxury facilities now fall into the $150–$200/night range, while true training-forward or highly personalized programs often exceed that. Examples across the market include boutique boarding programs and countryside retreat-style facilities (like us!) that cater specifically to city dogs.
Standard care generally includes regular feeding, exercise breaks, and staff supervision throughout the day. Always confirm what’s included — such as playtime, rest areas, or grooming — since these vary widely by facility.
What Affects the Cost of Dog Boarding?
Boarding isn’t one-price-fits-all. Size, age, health, behavior needs, facility type, location, and even the time of year can nudge your total up or down. Understanding these factors helps you compare apples to apples and choose a place that supports your dog’s comfort and well-being. City dog parents should expect higher rates due to urban demand and overhead.
Location & Regional Pricing
Rural/Midwest: Often the most budget-friendly.
Suburban markets: Mid-range, with broad variance by amenity level.
Major coastal cities (NYC, LA, SF, Seattle): Premium pricing due to labor, real estate, and demand.
Seasonality: Prices and availability spike for major holidays, summer travel, school breaks, and long weekends. Book early.
Dog Size, Age & Health Needs
Large dogs may require bigger suites and structured playgroups.
Seniors may need softer bedding, more potty breaks, or medication management.
Behavior considerations (anxiety/reactivity) sometimes call for behavior-aware playgroups or quieter housing — specialized care generally costs more.
Amenities & Facility Types
Basic kennels: Standard runs, limited exercise windows, rotating staff. Predictable but minimal extras.
Luxury boarding/resorts: Larger suites, acreage or indoor/outdoor yards, daily enrichment, and higher staff-to-dog ratios.
In-home sitters: 1:1 attention in a home setting. Quality varies by sitter’s experience and environment.
Dog Boarding Options Side-by-Side
Every dog — and every dog parent — has different needs. Here’s how common options compare so you can match care to your pup and your trip.
Kennel-Style Boarding
Typical price: dog boarding cost per day of $40–$60 per night (more in high-cost cities).
Amenities: Clean and structured environment with smaller runs, feeding, crate/room rotations, and short group play or walks.
Pros: Predictable routines, clear policies, standard care, lower price.
Cons: Less personalized attention; limited play; can be stressful for sensitive or under-socialized dogs.
Luxury Boarding & Resort-Style Retreats
Typical price: $100–$200+ per night per night, depending on amenities and level of supervision.
Amenities: Acreage or large indoor/outdoor spaces, higher staff-to-dog ratios, behavior-savvy team members, customized schedules, and daily enrichment built in.
Pros: More space and movement, calmer atmosphere, enrichment included, individualized care, and behavior-aware staff.
Cons: Higher nightly rate, peak-season sell-outs, and varying definitions of “luxury” — always tour and ask for the daily schedule.
In-Home Sitters
Typical price: $45–$80+ per night (and higher for advanced care).
Includes: 1:1 care in a home environment; neighborhood walks; custom routines.
Pros: Great for dogs who struggle in group settings, seniors, or anxious pups.
Cons: Less outdoor space; structure depends on the sitter; quality can vary — vet experience, insurance, and references matter.
Add-On Fees You Should Expect (and the Ones You Shouldn’t)
Many facilities publish a “base” price, then itemize common add-ons. Ask for a complete estimate before you book.
Medication administration (per day or per dose)
Extra walks or play blocks (10–30 minutes each)
Holiday/peak surcharges (often a nightly uplift)
Grooming/bathing (exit bath, nail trim)
Late pickup/early drop-off fees
Enrichment activities (sniff work, puzzle time, training games)
Behavior support sessions (1:1 trainer time)
These can add up quickly. A $60/night base can jump to $95+ after a medication fee, one enrichment add-on, and a holiday surcharge. If you prefer predictable budgeting, look for all-inclusive models that bundle the essentials you’d want anyway.
A Retreat That Puts Your Dog First
Far Fetched Acres isn’t a kennel, a glitzy “hotel,” or a sitter’s spare bedroom — it’s a countryside retreat intentionally designed for NYC dogs who need space to unwind, explore, and feel genuinely understood. Our training philosophy blends behavior-aware, force-free care with a setting that simply doesn’t exist within city limits.
On 127 acres of fields, woods, and ponds, dogs have room to reset both physically and emotionally. Our all-inclusive model means no surprise fees — enrichment, grooming touch-ups, personalized attention, and behavior-informed playgroups are part of every stay. It’s care rooted in our training philosophy, focused on nurturing confidence, calm, and connection.
Our current pricing for 2026 includes:
Boarding (including daily grooming and transportation): $125/night
Board & Train + Puppy Camp: $250/night
For many NYC dog parents, the value comes not just from overnight care, but from the combination of transportation, countryside acreage, structured enrichment, socialization, and training-aware handling in one experience.
City dog parents also enjoy seamless logistics through complimentary NYC dog transportation, making every stay feel effortless from doorstep to camp.
“We don’t just board dogs — we give them space to reset, learn, and thrive in a setting designed entirely around their wellbeing.” — Colleen Safford, Founder & Head Trainer at Far Fetched Acres
