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 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:
Consider asking these questions when researching pet boarding facilities:
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