How Much Does It Cost to Board a Pet?

When heading out of town, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your four-legged family member is well taken care of. While there are services that connect you with pet sitters who can come to your home or who will host your pet at their place, you may also want to consider pet boarding.

Whether you’ve never boarded your pet or you’re looking for a new spot ahead of your next trip, here’s everything you need to know about picking a place that you can trust to care for your beloved pet.

What Is Pet Boarding?

Pet boarding is when you take your pet to a facility where they will stay the night and be taken care of while you are out of town or unavailable. These range from kennels where your pet's basic needs will be met to doggy spas, for example, where your dog will have an actual bed to sleep in and other added perks. Some veterinarians also offer boarding — an ideal option if your dog or cat has specific medical concerns or needs.

Pet boarding generally differs from pet daycare. For instance, most doggy daycares provide a daytime solution while you're at work or need your pup occupied for a few hours. However, some doggy daycares do offer boarding services for longer stays as well.

What Types of Pets Can Be Boarded?

Typically, boarding facilities cater to dogs, with some accommodating cats as well. If you have an exotic pet or another type of animal — a rabbit, guinea pig, lizard or bird, for example — it's advisable to call the facility in advance to confirm they are equipped to handle different kinds of pets and to ensure you provide all the necessary supplies.

Furthermore, whether boarding is suitable for your pet depends on their specific needs. A boarding facility might be a viable option if your pet:

• Adapts quickly to new environments or is accustomed to doggy daycare

• Is well-socialized and enjoys meeting new people and animals

• Is healthy and up to date on vaccinations

• Does not suffer from separation anxiety

How Much Does Pet Boarding Cost?

The national average cost* of pet boarding for dogs ranges from $41 to $96 per night depending on whether it's a basic kennel or luxury doggy spa.¹ Cat boarding ranges from $30 to $64 per night, also depending on the type of facility.¹

Average cost for dog boarding

Average cost for cat boarding

Is It Safe to Board Your Pet?

Pet boarding can be safe, but it’s essential to do your homework and choose a location you feel comfortable with. Regulations vary by state, but most require a business license, as well as state and/or city licensing, which includes an on-site visit and review of sanitation procedures.

Kennel cough

One health concern to be aware of is kennel cough. Also known as Bordetella, this highly contagious respiratory disease is a valid concern when boarding a dog. Kennel cough commonly spreads in places with many dogs, such as dog parks, doggy daycares and boarding facilities. It can be transmitted through the air or via contact with infected dogs or surfaces.

While kennel cough is easily treatable, it can be more severe for young puppies or older dogs. Vaccinations significantly reduce the likelihood of your dog contracting kennel cough.

For cats, contagious airborne respiratory diseases are called upper respiratory infections and include many viruses. Cats are vaccinated for the most common strains.

Staff engagement

Another safety consideration is how your pet is handled and cared for while at the pet boarding facility. Choose a site that practices positive reinforcement strategies, offers enrichment activities and employs people who are going to be calm, confident and patient with your pet.

Pros and Cons of Pet Boarding

Here are the top pros and cons of boarding your pet versus finding an individual pet sitter to watch them.

Pros

• If your pet loves socializing with other people and animals, they will likely enjoy being at a boarding facility.

• Routine feeding and exercising are provided.

• You won't have strangers coming to your home.

• Some facilities have cameras so you can watch your pet in real time.

Cons

• It can be really stressful for some dogs or cats to be in a new environment.

• Your pet must be up to date on vaccinations.

• Boarding can be expensive, especially if you have multiple pets.

• You have to transport your pet to the facility.

How to Choose the Right Pet Boarding Facility

The best place to start is by asking friends and family for recommendations. You can also conduct an online search to explore nearby options and read reviews to get a sense of a facility's quality. Visit the websites of potential facilities to see photos of the kennels or rooms, check pricing and review their policies.

Be aware that popular facilities fill up weeks or even months in advance, especially around the holidays, so start your search early to make sure you get a spot at your first choice.

Most facilities require a temperament test or offer a trial or tour ahead of time, which you should definitely take advantage of. If a facility does not allow you to tour or see where your dog or cat would be staying, consider it a red flag and look elsewhere.

Questions to ask

When you take your pet to meet the staff, it’s a great opportunity to ask questions like:

• What are their certifications (the facility, staff or trainers, pet first aid)?

• Is staff present 24/7?

• Are there additional fees that aren’t shown on the website?

• Are there specific pickup and drop-off times?

• What is the procedure in the event of illness or emergency? Is there a veterinarian on-site?

• What are the requirements for providing medication to your pet, and who will be administering their doses?

• How often do pets get one-on-one attention?

• How often do staff members update pet owners?

• Is there a camera in the play area or the pet's kennel or room?

• How often are pets fed and played with?

• Where are dogs walked, and how are they moved between their living space and play areas?

• How is playtime supervised?

• How often are living spaces cleaned?

• How do they deal with pets who are anxious or dogs who may excessively bark?

• Are food and treats provided, or do you need to bring your own?

• Can you bring your pet’s bedding or toys from home? (It can also help comfort your pet to send Mom's or Dad’s t-shirt so your pet has a familiar smell nearby.)

Preparing to Board Your Pet

Now that you’ve decided on a facility and you’re all set for your trip, there are some things you can do to prepare your pet for boarding:

• Ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and any medical tests that might be required (a clear stool sample, for instance).

• Talk to your vet about any concerns you have or medications that need to be refilled.

• Communicate with your emergency contact so they know when you will be gone and for how long.

• Ensure your pet’s identification and microchip are updated before you leave.

• Avoid changing your pet's diet before you leave.

• If your dog isn’t social, consider socialization training in the weeks before boarding.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Pets

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace and more.