When planning a trip from Massachusetts, ensuring your beloved dog is well-cared for is a top priority. Professional dog boarding facilities offer a safe and engaging “home away from home,” but understanding the associated costs is key to budgeting your travel. So, how much does dog boarding cost in Massachusetts? The price can vary significantly, influenced by factors like location, the facility’s amenities, your dog’s size, and the duration of their stay.
Average price per night & pricing by size/breed in Massachusetts
Dog boarding costs in Massachusetts generally reflect the state’s higher cost of living, with variations based on the type of facility and the needs of your pet.
Average price per night:
- For a standard kennel or run at a professional facility in Massachusetts, you can typically expect to pay between $45 and $75 per night.
- More luxurious “dog hotel” style facilities offering private suites and extensive amenities can range from $75 to $120+ per night.
Pricing by dog size/breed:
- Many boarding facilities implement tiered pricing based on your dog’s size or weight. This is because larger dogs require more space, more food (if provided), and can sometimes be perceived as requiring more handling or cleaning.
- Small Dogs (under 25 lbs): Often on the lower end of the spectrum, perhaps $45-$60 per night.
- Medium Dogs (25-70 lbs): Usually fall within the average range of $55-$75 per night.
- Large and Giant Breeds (70+ lbs): May incur higher fees, sometimes $70-$120+ per night, due to needing larger accommodations and more resources.
- Breed-Specific Considerations: While less common, some facilities might have specific pricing or policies for certain breeds known for unique needs or temperaments, though this is usually integrated into their size-based pricing.
Add-on services and their fees
Most dog boarding facilities offer a menu of additional services designed to enhance your dog’s stay, but these come with extra fees. It’s crucial to clarify these costs upfront.
- Daycare During Boarding:
- Fee: Often included in the overnight rate at facilities that prioritize group play, but some may charge an additional $15-$30 per day for dogs to participate in full-day daycare sessions while boarding.
- Benefit: Provides extra exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation beyond standard potty breaks.
- Training Sessions:
- Fee: Highly variable, ranging from $30-$75 per session depending on the type of training (basic obedience, behavior modification), the trainer’s expertise, and whether it’s private or group.
- Benefit: Allows your dog to continue learning or reinforce good behaviors while you’re away.
- Spa & Grooming Services:
- Fee: Prices are similar to standalone grooming services and depend on the dog’s size, coat type, and the service requested (bath, brush, nail trim, full groom). Can range from $30 for a basic bath to $100+ for a full groom.
- Benefit: Your dog comes home clean, fresh, and perfectly groomed.
- Overnight Options (beyond standard):
- Private Suites/Luxury Rooms: As mentioned, these can add $20-$50+ per night over standard runs.
- Extra Playtimes/Walks: If the standard package only includes limited outdoor access, additional walks or one-on-one play sessions might be available for $10-$20 per session.
- Medication Administration: While some facilities include simple medication dispensing in their base rate, complex medication schedules or injections might incur an extra fee of $5-$15 per day.
- Special Diet Prep: If your dog requires specific food preparation beyond simply pouring kibble, there might be a small daily fee.
- Webcams/”Pupdates”: Some facilities offer webcam access to your dog’s private space or regular photo/video updates (often called “pupdates”) via email or app. While basic updates might be free, real-time webcam access might be an exclusive feature of higher-tier suites or a small add-on fee.
Always request a detailed breakdown of costs, including any potential hidden fees, before committing to a booking.
Seasonal cost variations & discounts
Like many services, dog boarding prices in Massachusetts can fluctuate with demand.
Seasonal variations:
- Peak Seasons (Higher Prices): Expect prices to be at the higher end of the range, and facilities to book up quickly, during major holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Easter), school vacation weeks (e.g., February and April breaks in MA), and popular summer months (June-August). Some facilities implement peak season surcharges of $5-$20+ per night during these times.
- Off-Peak Seasons (More Availability/Potential for Discounts): You might find more availability and potentially slightly lower rates or more flexible booking options during the quieter months (e.g., late fall, early spring, non-holiday winter weeks).
Discounts to inquire about:
- Multi-Dog Discounts: Many facilities offer a discount (e.g., 10-20% off the second dog’s rate) if you’re boarding two or more dogs from the same household and they can share accommodation or are housed side-by-side.
- Long-Term Stay Discounts: For stays exceeding a week or two, some facilities may offer a reduced daily rate.
- First-Time Customer Promotions: Keep an eye out for introductory offers or new client discounts.
- Military/Senior Discounts: Some businesses provide discounts for service members or seniors.
- Package Deals: If you frequently use boarding or combine services like daycare and boarding, ask if they offer package deals.
How Golden Paw offers competitive value
At Golden Paw Pet Services, we understand that value means both competitive pricing and exceptional care. While our prices are reflective of the high-quality, professional services we provide in Massachusetts, we focus on delivering comprehensive care that ensures your dog’s happiness and your peace of mind.
- Transparent Pricing: We believe in clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Our rates reflect the premium level of care, supervision, and engaging activities your dog receives.
- All-Inclusive Standard Services: Our boarding rates include generous supervised playtime in our secure outdoor areas, tailored feeding according to your instructions, regular potty breaks, and 24/7 onsite supervision by our trained and caring staff. We strive to include many features as standard that other facilities might charge extra for.
- Spacious & Safe Accommodations: We invest in high-quality, climate-controlled individual accommodations that are spacious, clean, and designed for your dog’s comfort and security, ensuring a restful and stress-free stay.
- Experienced & Loving Staff: Our team members are not just employees; they are passionate animal lovers with extensive experience in canine care and behavior. Their dedication ensures personalized attention and a loving environment for every dog.
- Focus on Health & Happiness: Our rigorous vaccination policies, strict cleaning protocols, and commitment to individualized attention contribute to a healthy and stimulating environment, reducing stress and enhancing your dog’s well-being during their time with us. We treat every dog as if they were our own.
Choosing Golden Paw Pet Services means you’re investing in your dog’s comfort, safety, and joy while you’re away. We offer a superior boarding experience that provides excellent value for pet parents across Massachusetts.
Ready to learn more about Golden Paw’s exceptional dog boarding services and get a personalized quote for your furry family member? Visit our website or contact Golden Paw Pet Services today for pricing details and to schedule a tour!
