How much does it cost to board a dog?

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 pet's stay; others may offer a discount if you board your dog for longer periods. The daily rate will take into account the dog boarder's 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 don't 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 dog's 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:

Angela Lullo at ALL4K9 in Cary, Illinois

• First dog: $45 for each 24-hour period. Each additional dog from the same family: $22.50 for each 24-hour period. Owners provide their dog's food during the stay. Any food provided by ALL4K9 costs extra. Dogs must be friendly to both dogs and cats.

Wanda La Cour of AngelsCare Pet Sitting in Frisco, Texas

• First dog: $35 per night. Each additional dog from the same family: $10 per night. There is an additional $17 charge if a dog is brought prior to 3 p.m. or picked up after 3 p.m. Boarding includes interaction with other dogs, a daily routine and medication dispensing.

Randy Francis with Sitter4Paws in Scottsdale, Arizona

• 12-24 hours: $50 per dog. 8-12 hours: $40 per dog. Less than 8 hours: $30 per dog. Francis charges an additional $5 for rush bookings — after 7:30 p.m. the night of dropoff — or holiday bookings.

Owners who prefer that their dog remain in their own home while they're 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 owner's 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:

• 1-6 hours: $21.25
• 7-12 hours: $42.50
• 13-18 hours: $63.75
• 19-24 hours: $85

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 can't 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. Here's how ALL4K9 charges for doggy day care:

• Hourly day care rates: $3 for one dog; $4.50 for two dogs; $6 for three dogs
• Daily day care rates (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.): $25 for one dog; $37.50 for two dogs; $50.50 for three dogs
• 5-day punch card: $120 for one dog; $180 for two dogs; $240 for three dogs
• 10-day punch card: $230 for one dog; $345 for two dogs; $460 for three dogs

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 boarder's 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 you've 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 boarder's 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 dog's vaccinations. Once you've found a safe and secure location for your dog, place a deposit to reserve your dog's stay while you're away, typically a percentage of your total bill.

If you're 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 aren't required by the facility, your dog will likely be happier having these things from home:

• Bedding. Their own dog bed or blanket will smell familiar and comforting at the end of the day.
• Snacks. Bring a zipper bag filled with the same treats you give your dog at home.
• Their usual food. Many kennels will provide dog food (at an added charge) if you don't bring food from home. However, dogs thrive on routine, and having unfamiliar food might make them feel insecure or, worse, upset their stomach.
• Toys. Your dog's favorite stuffed animals and rubber bones will help keep them happy.
• Something that smells like you. Tuck your T-shirt into their bedding so they feel at home.
• Your dog's written schedule. This one is important! The facility should have a copy of when your dog eats meals, goes on walks, etc. Keeping up a routine keeps your dog happy.
• Medication information. Always educate the boarder about your dog's health issues, any medications the dog is on, and when and how to administer them. Some dog boarders include medication administration in their daily fees; others charge an additional rate.