How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost?
The cost to board a dog ranges, depending for the most part on where you are in the country and what services are included. Many boarding facilities offer group playtime during the day as well as other options you can add on like training, grooming, treats, and walks. You can expect to pay somewhere between $22 to upwards of $60 a night to board your dog, says Carmen Rustenbeck, CEO of International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA).
What’s Included in the Dog Boarding Fee?
Staff should at a minimum provide basic care that includes keeping enclosures clean, dog bowls filled with fresh water, and letting dogs outside several times a day to go potty. If your pup is on medication, the staff should give that to your dog as well. You can also expect the boarding facility to monitor your pets eating, peeing, and pooping. They should give you a report card of what occurred while you were away too.
If a concern comes up—say your pooch is feeling blue and refusing to eat—the staff should contact you. If they cant reach you, they should attempt to get in touch with a secondary emergency contact or the dogs veterinarian, Rustenbeck says.
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Veterinary or Medical Dog Boarding
The great thing about dog boarding your pet at your local vet clinic is that you can rest easy, knowing that your dog is in the best possible hands should any health issues arise. Nationally, pricing for dogs with no medical problem is between $35-$45 per night, rising to $39-$55 if there is a medical issue. The cost to board your pet at Paoli Vetcare ranges from $22-$43.
Veterinarian-supervised boarding means that your pet’s medication administration is monitored, special dietary needs are accommodated, and the rare health emergency is addressed promptly after consultation with you.
You can trust Paoli Vetcare to take care of your pet when you are away. Your pet will be under direct veterinary supervision in our clean, spacious accommodations with a fenced exercise yard attended by excellent kennel staff to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being.
Paoli Vetcare’s HEALTH GUARANTEE is one of the most significant advantages of your pet staying at the animal hospital. Occasionally, minor health problems related to boarding do arise, sometimes after your pet goes home. The health guarantee means these issues, like upset stomachs or upper respiratory symptoms, will be treated at no cost to you.
How Much Does a Dog Kennel or Cat Condo Cost?
The national average cost to board a dog is $50. However, prices can range from $40-$60.
Wed all love to take our dogs with us everywhere, but sometimes we cant. Business meetings dont welcome dogs in the conference room, your beach hotel isnt interested in hosting your pet, and your dog isnt keen on air travel. Fortunately, having a mobile life doesnt preclude having a dog. Professional dog boarding services can keep your dogs safe and sound while you are away on vacation or traveling for work. Get free estimates from top-rated pet boarders.Please enter a valid zip code
Dog boarding is available in almost all areas, from large cities to small towns. Most boarders offer dogs lodging and overnight care in their homes or keep special kennels located on their property.
Home boarders typically just take in one or two dogs at a time and have a special space for them in their home. They may have their own dogs, and your pet will be welcomed as one of the family while youre away. Companies that offer dog boarding services often have a dedicated facility, with the kennels located indoors and large, outdoor, fenced-in play areas that allow the dogs to socialize, exercise and get fresh air during the day. Always make sure there are play areas separated by size so that your little dachshund doesnt get run over by a Great Dane or your big mastiff doesnt accidentally trample a teacup Pomeranian. In big cities, dog boarding facilities are tucked into city blocks, many with small outdoor areas that — when coupled with multiple dog walks during the day — provide your dog with all the exercise they could need. In general, regardless of how big or small the operation, dog boarders should be insured, have business licenses, and have a background working with or training dogs. Some cities or counties require dog boarders and kennels to have special licensing. It is always a good idea to check providers qualifications and make sure they meet local requirements.
Before signing on with a new dog boarding service, thoroughly research the facility and do a site visit. Not only will you want to see the facility for yourself, but most dog boarders also require a meet-and-greet initial visit. This allows them to get to know your dogs and confirm that they are well-behaved before bringing them into the mix. Depending on your dogs temperament, this two-step process can mean it takes a few tries to find with just the right people properly trained to handle your dog. In general, this introductory session is free. Once you have established a relationship with a boarding facility, you can arrange to board your dogs anytime you need, provided you keep your pets vaccinations up to date. Here are the factors that affect the cost of boarding your dog. Find the right pet boarder for your project.Please enter a valid zip code
Many dog boarding facilities have set daily rates that apply to all dogs, regardless of size or breed. Some facilities charge the same daily rate regardless of the length of your pets stay; others may offer a discount if you board your dog for longer periods. The daily rate will take into account the dog boarders business expenses: overhead, employee wages, rent or mortgage, utilities, the equipment needed to care for the dogs (fencing, shampoos, water bowls, leashes), and more. The higher the cost to do business in a given area, the higher the average daily dog boarding rates will likely be. Smaller mom-and-pop operations, such as homeowners who board a dog or two at a time in their own home, may have lower daily rates, as they dont have the same level of business overhead as a dedicated dog boarding facility.
As a rule, owners must show proof of current vaccinations to keep all boarded dogs safe. If you research a dog boarding facility that does not require proof of vaccinations, steer clear. This could be very hazardous — even fatal — to your dogs health. Vaccinations that your facility may ask to see proof of can include DA2PL-Parvo; bordetella (kennel cough); an annual canine influenza vaccine; distemper (DHPP); rabies shots; and others.
More mess equals more money for daily boarding rates. No one wants a dirty dog at their facility. A little mud is okay, but pests such as fleas, ticks and mites are generally not tolerated at dog boarding locations. If a dog infests the other dogs with fleas, the owner will most likely have to pay for the flea bath or treatment for their dog and the other dogs on-site as well as for a defleaing of the entire premises if necessary. Cleaning up this mess could cost $250 or more. Avoid this costly mistake by treating your dog with flea and tick medicine in the week prior to boarding. Consult with your vet for the best product and flea treatment plan for your specific dog.
Daily rates could increase if a dog is particularly aggressive and needs to be isolated. Daily rates can also be higher if a female dog goes into heat and needs to be isolated. The higher rates reflect the added work, employee time and resources required to board a dog with special needs. Some dog boarders do not take aggressive dogs or females in heat, so always be sure to ask. Other factors that could increase your daily rates include illness or advanced age. Senior dogs can often need special care or medical attention that requires more employee training and time. Some senior dogs also need mobility assistance, which can increase daily rates. Here are some examples of standard day rates for on-site dog boarding:
Owners who prefer that their dog remain in their own home while theyre away can opt for in-home dog care. Also referred to as dog-sitting, in-home dog care is a good choice for dogs with mobility issues, separation issues, or anxiety around other dogs or in new places. Your dog gets to remain in the comfort of their home with the dog-sitter providing a watchful eye, feeding them on their normal routine, walking them regularly, and giving them love and attention. An additional benefit of in-home dog sitting is that your house is occupied while you are away, reducing the risk of break-ins. Prices are typically higher for in-home dog sitting than for dog boarding because the service provider cares for one owners pet or pets rather than being able to board multiple dogs. The higher cost also helps cover transportation costs. As with a dog boarding facility, always make sure you give the dog sitter emergency contact information and access to any pet first aid supplies you have, along with instructions for medication. Leah Rowe with For the Love of Dogs in Wilmington, Delaware, charges $85 for each 24-hour period of in-home overnight care. She charges the following rates for time spent beyond the initial 24-hour minimum fee:
Boarding during the day — commonly referred to as “doggy day care” — is less expensive than overnight boarding because it requires fewer resources and time from the boarder. Day boarding is a good choice for people who cant leave their dog home alone or who want their dog to have play time, socialization with other dogs and exercise during the day. Many city dwellers opt for doggy day care since apartment living can leave their dog cooped up in a lonely, empty flat for eight hours a day. Boarders may offer reduced rates to clients boarding multiple dogs at once. Heres how ALL4K9 charges for doggy day care:
Do your research before booking a new dog boarding service to ensure your dog is getting a safe and happy home away from home. Reading online reviews to weed out any less-than-stellar service providers. Read websites to get a feel for each boarders approach, and ask for quotes to see the range of dog boarding rates in your area. Boarding your dog will usually cost more if you live in a metropolitan area where real estate costs are higher. In addition to high real estate costs, expensive cities also have a higher cost to do business, with more to pay in employee wages, insurance, etc.
After youve determined an average price range for boarding, decide which company is the best for you and your pet. Remember that cheaper is not necessarily better, and weigh what services are included in the cost. You should always visit the kennel or dog boarders home before signing any service agreement or paying a deposit. Look for clean facilities, happy animals and well-maintained outdoor areas. Steer clear of any place that has poor sanitation or an unwelcoming atmosphere. According to PetMD, some critical warning signs to watch out for include owners who are unwilling to provide kennel tours; stinky or unsanitary boarding areas; no requirements that your dog be vaccinated (this could be life-threatening to your dog); no clear emergency plan that they can share with you on request; inadequate outdoor areas; and just one play area for all dogs, regardless of size or temperament. Most of all, take a look around and make sure the other dogs there look happy and well cared-for.
The facility will want to meet your dog, too, to make sure that it will be compatible with the staff and other animals on location. This is also the time to bring proof of your dogs vaccinations. Once youve found a safe and secure location for your dog, place a deposit to reserve your dogs stay while youre away, typically a percentage of your total bill.
If youre worried about your baby missing you while you are gone, there are a few steps you can take to make sure they feel comfortable and secure in a new place. Some dog boarding facilities require your dog arrive with some or all of these items, as they know this creates a sense of comfort for dogs on vacation. Even if the items arent required by the facility, your dog will likely be happier having these things from home: