Pet boarding costs $25 to $40 per night on average for a cat or $25 to $85 per night for a dog. Costs are higher for pets with special needs or when including other services during the pet's stay, such as grooming or training.

Pet boarding provides a safe place for your pet to reside if you are going to be away from home for an extended period. A pet boarding facility typically has one or more rooms with individual cages or kennels, and additional rooms or outside areas for exercise and play. The facility staff ensures your pet has food, water, a place to go to the bathroom, and a safe, clean place to stretch out and sleep.  

• Pet boarding may also be combined with other services like grooming or training.
• Some pet boarding facilities take both cats and dogs, while others specialize in one or the other.

Pet boarding is like a hotel where your pet stays overnight in a kennel and is around other animals. In comparison, pet sitting allows your pet to stay at home or in the sitter's home and receive more personalized care and attention than a pet boarding service typically provides.

Both pet boarding and pet sitting are services designed to keep your pet safe and cared for while you are away.

Vaccination requirements vary by state and boarding facility. In most cases, dogs need proof of Distemper, Rabies, Lepto, Parvo, Bordetella, and Dog Flu vaccines. Cats typically need rabies and feline distemper vaccinations, and testing for feline leukemia and AIDS (FeLV/FIV) before boarding is highly recommended.

If your pet is due for a vaccine or booster, get it done at least 3 weeks before boarding.

Researching and asking the right questions can help confirm the pet boarding service you choose will keep your pet safe, secure, and well cared for. Look for a boarding facility that:

• Has clean, secure, and comfortable kennels with enough space for your pet to move and stretch
• Has a highly trained and adequate numbered staff
• Is a member of the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC)
• Requires current vaccination records
• Screens pets for fleas and ticks before boarding
• Demonstrates emergency preparedness
• Has positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google
• Provides supervised play & feeding time
• Gives a balance of down time and activity

Consider asking these questions when researching pet boarding facilities:

• How long have you been in business?
• Can you provide a list of references?
• Are you a member of the PACCC?
• What training and certifications do the staff have?
• What vaccinations do you require before boarding?
• Do you screen every animal for fleas and ticks before boarding?
• What is your protocol if my pet is injured or gets sick while boarding?
• What is the daily feed and play schedule?
• How often do you clean the kennels?
• What do you use to clean the kennels?
• Is someone at the facility overnight?