When planning a trip, one of the first questions for many dog owners is, “Where will my dog stay?” Professional dog boarding offers a safe and engaging solution, but understanding the cost is key to budgeting. So, how much is dog boarding per day? The price can vary significantly, influenced by geographic location, the type of facility, the services included, and even the time of year.
Average daily rates in Massachusetts
Massachusetts, with its higher cost of living, generally sees dog boarding rates that reflect this. Prices can vary widely even within the state, depending on whether you’re in a more urban area like Boston, a suburban area, or a more rural setting.
- Standard Kennel/Run: For a basic, yet clean and safe, individual kennel or run, you can typically expect to pay between $45 and $75 per night in Massachusetts. This usually includes feeding, fresh water, and a few supervised potty breaks.
- Luxury Suites/Dog Hotels: Facilities offering private, larger suites, often with beds, cameras, and more individualized attention (like extra playtimes or walks), can range from $75 to $120+ per night.
- Size-Based Pricing: Many facilities tier their pricing by the size or weight of your dog, as larger dogs require more space and resources.
- Small Dogs (under 25 lbs): Often at the lower end of the spectrum.
- Medium Dogs (25-70 lbs): Usually fall within the average range.
- Large and Giant Breeds (70+ lbs): May incur higher fees.
Important Note: These are averages for 2025 and can fluctuate based on specific amenities, demand, and local market conditions.
Factors that influence daily cost (Boarding vs. Daycare, Add-Ons)
The “daily rate” often serves as a baseline, but several factors can quickly impact the final cost of your dog’s stay.
- Boarding vs. Daycare:
- Dog Boarding: Refers to overnight stays, where your dog sleeps at the facility. The daily rate covers the full 24-hour care period, including sleeping accommodations.
- Doggy Daycare: Is typically a daytime service (e.g., 7 AM to 6 PM) for socialization and exercise, with dogs going home in the evening. Daycare rates are usually lower, ranging from $30 to $55 per full day in Massachusetts. Some boarding facilities include “daycare play” as part of their overnight rate, while others may charge an additional fee for it.
- Included Services: Always clarify what’s included in the base daily rate. This can vary significantly:
- Basic: May only cover a kennel space, food (if provided by owner), and minimal potty breaks.
- Mid-Tier: Often includes some group playtime, more frequent potty breaks, and basic health monitoring.
- Premium: Could include private suites, multiple daily play sessions, webcam access, and medication administration.
- Add-On Services: These are extra perks that come with additional fees. Be sure to ask for a full list and their costs. Common add-ons include:
- Extra Playtime/Walks: $10 – $25 per session.
- Medication Administration: $5 – $15 per day (especially for complex meds or injections).
- Training Sessions: $30 – $75 per session.
- Grooming/Spa Services: Prices vary widely, from $30 for a bath to $100+ for a full groom.
- Special Feeding/Diet Prep: Small daily fees if your dog requires specific food preparation.
- “Bedtime Story” or Cuddle Time: $5 – $15 per session at some luxury facilities.
- Webcam Access/Photo Updates: Sometimes included in premium packages, or a small add-on.
Multi-day discounts & Weekend pricing
Many boarding facilities adjust their pricing based on the length of stay or the specific days of the week.
- Multi-Day/Long-Term Discounts:
- It’s common for facilities to offer a slight discount (e.g., 5-15% off the daily rate) for stays exceeding a certain number of days, such as 7 nights, 10 nights, or 30 nights.
- This encourages longer bookings and rewards loyal customers. Always inquire if long-term rates are available if your stay is extended.
- Multi-Dog Discounts: If you are boarding two or more dogs from the same household, many facilities offer a discount on the second (and subsequent) dog’s rate, especially if they can share a run or suite. This can range from 10% to 50% off the second dog’s rate.
- Weekend Pricing/Surcharges:
- Some facilities may have slightly higher daily rates for weekend stays (Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights) due to increased demand.
- Similarly, holiday surcharges are very common. Expect an additional $5 – $25 per night around major holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc.) due to peak demand and staff working holiday hours.
- Check-Out Times: Be aware of check-out times. Many facilities operate like hotels: if you pick up your dog after a certain time (e.g., after 12 PM or 1 PM), you might be charged for an additional full or half day of boarding. Clarify this to avoid unexpected fees.
Comparing in-home vs. Kennel boarding
Beyond traditional kennel facilities, you also have the option of in-home boarding, which can come with different cost structures and benefits.
- Traditional Kennel Boarding (Facility-Based):
- Cost: As discussed, typically $45 – $120+ per night in Massachusetts, depending on luxury level.
- Pros: Regulated environment, professional staff on-site (often 24/7), structured routines, secure facilities, often offer add-on services like grooming or training, good for social dogs.
- Cons: Can be stressful for some dogs, less individualized attention than at home, can be noisy, potential exposure to illness if not properly managed.
- In-Home Boarding (Pet Sitter’s Home):
- Cost: Often comparable to mid-range kennels, ranging from $40 to $80 per night, but can go higher for exclusive or specialized care. Pricing is often negotiated directly with the sitter.
- Pros: More home-like environment, potentially less stressful for dogs who prefer a quieter setting or don’t do well in traditional kennels, more individualized attention.
- Cons: Less regulation, variable experience/qualifications of sitters, may have other pets, limited capacity, no backup staff in emergencies, often lack professional amenities like large play yards.
- In-Your-Home Pet Sitting (Sitter Comes to You):
- Cost: Often charged per visit ($20 – $35 per visit) or per night for overnight stays ($70 – $120+ per night for a sitter staying in your home). This is usually the most expensive option but offers maximum comfort for your dog.
- Pros: Dog stays in their familiar environment, maintains their routine, house security, can care for multiple pets at one price.
- Cons: Less external supervision, requires trust in the sitter, not ideal if your dog needs extensive socialization or professional dog-specific facilities.
When choosing, consider your dog’s personality, health needs, and your comfort level with the different environments.
How Golden Paw structures day rates transparently
At Golden Paw Pet Services, we believe in clear, straightforward pricing that reflects the high standard of care and extensive amenities we provide for your dog. Our daily rates are designed to be transparent, ensuring you understand exactly what you’re paying for and the exceptional value you receive.
- All-Inclusive Core Rate: Our standard daily boarding rate includes comprehensive care for your dog. This covers:
- Spacious, Climate-Controlled Accommodations: Secure, comfortable individual suites or runs tailored to your dog’s size.
- Scheduled Potty Breaks: Frequent outdoor relief opportunities throughout the day.
- Premium Feeding: Adherence to your dog’s specific feeding schedule and dietary needs (owner-provided food).
- Continuous Supervision: Our trained and passionate staff are on-site providing vigilant care and monitoring your dog’s well-being.
- Generous Group Playtime: We believe in happy, social dogs! Our rates include ample supervised group play sessions in our secure outdoor areas for compatible dogs, or dedicated one-on-one attention for those who prefer it.
- Clear Add-On Pricing: While many essential services are included, we offer a menu of optional enhancements (such as specialized training, grooming, or extra cuddle time) with their costs clearly itemized. We discuss these options with you upfront so there are no surprises.
- Transparent Holiday & Discount Policies: Any holiday surcharges are clearly communicated and applied during peak seasons to accommodate increased demand and staff dedication. We also offer multi-dog discounts for families boarding more than one dog, and we encourage inquiry about long-term stay discounts for extended periods.
- No Hidden Fees: Our commitment to transparency means no unexpected charges for basic necessities. We provide a detailed breakdown of your dog’s stay, ensuring you know exactly what you’re investing in.
- Value-Driven Approach: Our pricing reflects the quality of our facility, the expertise of our staff, and our dedication to providing a safe, clean, engaging, and loving environment. We aim to offer superior care that goes beyond just a place for your dog to sleep, ensuring they have a positive and enriching experience while you’re away.
At Golden Paw Pet Services, we’re not just offering a daily rate; we’re offering peace of mind, knowing your dog is cherished and thriving in our care.
Ready to learn more about Golden Paw’s exceptional boarding services and get a personalized quote for your dog’s next stay?
Contact Golden Paw Pet Services today to discuss our transparent daily rates and schedule a tour!
