How much per day do you pay for dog boarding?

[disneysnowflake]

I am so stressed out about boarding my dog that I'm thinking of canceling my late October trip.

My dog is a 1 year old 10 pound dachshund/chihuahua mix. She's quiet, friendly and very attached to us.

I've had nothing but trouble trying to find an opening for her locally with a dog boarder. The ones that do have openings are either questionable or way out of my price range.

My vet will board her for $40 per day. She'll be kept in a small metal cage indoors and be taken out once in the morning and once at night to pee. In order to have the luxury of paying $40 per day for that, I must agree to have another kennel cough shot. They guarantee the shot for a year, but if you board with them it has to be done every 6 months. You are also required to pay for a well check-up for $75(just did this in February) and have a stool sample tested before boarding (didn't ask about that price). I wouldn't be allowed to drop her off until after 3pm, but our plane leaves at 11am. Picking her up is allowed until 4, but if you pick up after noon then you owe an entire extra day. Owner brings bed, food bowl, water bowl, toys, leash and food. They provide water only. I could always pay for 10 minute play time or a walk for my pet at $8 per session. We leave on a Tuesday late morning, and come back the following Tuesday in the early evening. Base cost just for boarding will be $400 not including the required well check, extra kennel cough and stool testing. Cripes!!

2 other places are booked solid. The other vet in town doesn't board pets.

Another place wants $30 per day, but the owner works full time and never calls people back until after 10pm. Their ratings aren't very good because several former clients were concerned about their pet being neglected and no one actually being there. Pets aren't walked (so it's claimed) and someone comes in every morning to just hose down the cages since the animals go in them. Several people complained about not being able to find someone to give them their pet when it's pick up time because no one is ever around.

I've tried asking people I trust to dog sit for me. I can't find anyone. Everyone is too busy or doesn't care. I've asked a few nice local kids about helping to take care of my dog while in my home, but haven't found any takers. I'm not very up on placing an ad looking for a stranger to come into my home.

The person we trusted our now deceased dog with is ill and can't do dog boarding any longer. She was so nice and took really good care of my former dog.

How much do you pay for dog boarding?

Anyone have trouble finding someone trustworthy to watch your pet(s) while on vacation?

It makes me feel like not even going to WDW anymore.

 

[JamesMom]

I use a kennel about 20 minutes from us. I LOVE it because it is a large property out in country with horses, ducks and stuff for the dogs to look at. Each has a tiled room with a TV and they are let out 3 times a day. I picked up our chihahua mix from 4 nights in the smallest unit
(4'x4')a couple of weeks agao and paid $110 ($27 a night). I bring his bed, food and toys. A closer kennel had metal cages, 2x a day let out on a gravel pen for much more money. Nope, I'll drive thank you! Good luck finding a place. Oh, and the shots have to be up to date. First time we used it we were missing one and they called a vet that was 1/2 mile away, got us in right away and $15 and 30 minutes later we were all set Love this place.

 

[smitch425]

Your vet is expensive! Our dog is about 9 lbs and it costs $17/ day, but since she takes meds twice daily they charge $1 per dose so we pay a total of $19/day. Given her history of seizures, I won't board her anywhere but her own vet just in case something happens while we are away. Good luck with your search, and I really hope you don't have to cancel your trip.

 

[lakelandgal70]

I just asked my vet about that this weekend and for a medium size kennel will be $18 a night. I will be providing my dogs food and he also will get a dental while there and probably laser treatment for his back too.

I understand about trying to find good help to watch your animals. My sis will come and watch our 3 doxies and 1 cocker but when we come back something is usually damaged or broken. We came back couple weeks ago and one of my dachshunds back was out. She just didn't do what we had asked her. So now I am freaked out about her staying in October and again in November. Might just board everyone and say the heck with it.

 

[MariDisney]

We pay $27 per night at the local kennel. Each dog has an indoor/outdoor run. As long as the weather is reasonable they can go in and out as they please. The door to the outdoor portion is closed at night. An awake staff is onsite over night. We pay an additional $5 per day or every other day (depends on how long we'll be gone) for 30 minutes of play time with a person and another dog (or just a person if another dog isn't scheduled for playtime). The dog can be groomed while we're away for the usual price.

 

[disykat]

I'm so sad for you! We are fortunate in that good friends of ours got their puppy close to the same time we got ours. Our dogs have spent the last 10 years spending vacations at each other's houses.

They've got two dogs now and they're currently here visiting. I don't give them the run of my home (family room only due to my allergies since they are shedding dogs) but they get plenty of attention and exercise in a safe fenced yard.

My teenaged son petsits the neighbor's dogs when they go out of town for $15 a day. He visits them three times a day.

I wish you had some good options! I know our church has some college kids home for the summer who are willing to house sit/pet sit. Do you have any friends who might be able to set you up with someone THEY trust from their church or neighborhood?

 

[RitaE]

About $20 a day for my beagle. When I had an extra-large dog that was around $25 a day but if the really big kennel was open and they put them in there together I'd get both of them for a discount ... I think it was $35 for the two then. Shots have to be current but since the vets office is attached they just bring them up to current as needed. The kennels go out to an exercise yard and they're let out a couple times a day depending on the weather and how many other dogs are boarding and how likely fights are. They get a bath from the groomer the afternoon they go home. My last vacation they sent me an email pic of the dogs all sleeping together under a tree.

We've never had a problem finding a boarding kennel and those prices are really high. Do you live in a sparsely populated area or something?

 

[kerplop]

Have you tried to find a professional petsitter? They're bonded, insured, and the ones we're hiring for December charge $18 a visit for our cat. I think for a twice-a-day schedule for a dog it's twice that amount, but it's less stressful for your pet and for you.

 

[momto2inKC]

We board our dog at our vet. They have 3 cage sizes. She's about 20 pounds (mini Australian Shepherd) and we usually get her a medium kennel for $11 a night. The small is $9, large is $13. That includes food, treats, bedding and 3 walks/potty breaks a day. They do require all animals to be up to date on their shots which is no issue for us since we keep her up to date anyway.

 

[StitchFanZ]

Have you looked in the phone book or online for professional pet sitters who will come to your home a few times a day? We even have some around here who will stay overnight around here. Sounds like that might be a better option.

 

[Tink9295]

We pay $28 a day for our Black Lab. They have a large kennel and run. The place also has a pool for her to swim, AC and they have play time twice a day. It's a great place.

This is the first time we haven't used them. My Brother and sister in law took her. They recently lost their lab and their other dog was lonely. They were great and loved her. They told us to never use a kennel again. They will happily have her. This saved us over $300.00.

We are so happy to have someone watch out dog for us. I know she being loved and well cared for. A home is the best option whenever possible. Try asking you vet if they know anyone that takes pets. I know our vet has an assistant that does it.

 

[nancycg56]

Ours is $25/night for one dog and for each additional dog it's 2/night less for each so 4 total. I think our last vacation we boarded 3 dogs and paid around 300 for about 8 days. They love this place ~ out in the country, they go out and run at least twice a day, and the owners live on site. They get baths and nail clippings before coming home. Not the fanciest place around but they are great with the dogs and it's hard as heck to get in.

Now, with our newest 4th dog, I am in a quandry as to where to board her. She won't do well where the other dogs go so I may see if a friend from the dog park will take her (for pay) or I will board her at the vet.

What we go through for our pets

 

[rottiemom]

Have you tried to find a professional petsitter? They're bonded, insured, and the ones we're hiring for December charge $18 a visit for our cat. I think for a twice-a-day schedule for a dog it's twice that amount, but it's less stressful for your pet and for you.

Excellent idea! Try googling pet sitters or pet daycare for your area. Also try calling obedience schools in your area, maybe they have some suggestions?

We board our Amber at our vet & it's around 30$ a day. She cannot have a pet sitter (she will hide) and everyone at the vet knows her. Since this is her regular vet they have all of her records and know that she is up to date on her shots, etc. Plus if there are any issues while we're away both her dr & her medical records are there. They do reccommend the kennel cough booster 2x per year now. We provide her meals, bedding, etc. They will walk her, feed her and keep her in a run. She will be miserable because she's not with us (so will I) but she'll be safe.

Good luck! Having to board my girl is the only downside of our trip.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

That does seem expensive. I have never had to board our dogs at a kennel/vet. Instead, I found a friend who did dog sitting out of her home. That got me started, so that is what I do on the side to save for Disney!

I charge $22/night. The dogs have free run of our home, both day/night (unless they need a crate for certain times).

Have you looked for pet sitting companies in your area? I work for one (also, on the side). I'm certain you should be able to find one that would be able to help you out. I have also had luck using Craigslist. I asked for references, and am so happy with our sitter. She only charges $25/night to come stay over.

Good luck!

 

[disneysnowflake]

I've already looked into the one professional pet sitter in town, but since she will only go to homes within 5 miles from her house, she declined me. I live 14 miles outside of town. Even with a fuel surcharge and extra fee for driving that far, she declined. I don't blame her. That 14 mile one way drive adds up pretty quick. I don't blame her for saying no.

I even asked our local no-kill animal shelter for recommendations for boarding since they deal with pets, but I was only given the same ones I've tried. I live near a college town. I've thought about posting something, but all I can envision is someone forgetting my dog or partying in my house while we're gone. KWIM?

Maybe I have trust issues. I'm usually the one who offers to take in pets for watch for free while my family/friends go on vacation.

 

[hereyago]

17.00 a night at a dog boarding place, it's cheaper for dogs who don't weigh 100 lbs though and he gets free doggy day care during the day. My aunt came up to be with my mom(well she got paid for that but that's a whole different thing) so she also dog and cat sat while I was gone.

OP: hope you are able to find someone.

 

[diznee25]

Our vet boarding is expensive too. We pay $30 per night per dog. (We have 2 dogs.) In the past, we've been able to leave our dogs at home and hire a professional pet-sitting company. But one of our dogs has seizures, and we're only comfortable boarding him at our vet hospital.

But again, it's one of those things where you get what you pay for. The vet hospital we use know our dogs because they go there for yearly check-ups. And we love the staff.

Plus I have a hard time boarding my doggies too. One is a 5 pound chihuahua, and the other is a 10 pound pomeranian. It just scares me to leave my little dogs, but they are in good hands.



diznee25

 

[Happiest mommy]

I am going thru the same issue I was looking into Petsmart pet hotel they have a private suite for$45 a night and the regular cages for $35 a night I don't know if I will do it yet but the suite looked very nice its an air conditioned room with a tv, bedding etc maybe that might be an option?

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

There is a "dog resort" near me, here are their prices.

Boarding Rates for Dogs

Junior Suite Club Level $26 per night
Includes full access to our Interactive Daycamp Program, comfortable bedding, soothing music and multiple potty breaks.

Junior Suite Sky View Level $26 per night
Includes full access to our Interactive Daycamp Program, comfortable bedding, soothing music and multiple potty breaks.

Deluxe Suite Club Level $36 per night
Includes full access to our Intercative Daycamp Program, window view, pea stone patio, comfortable bedding, soothing music and multiple potty breaks.

Deluxe Suite Sky View Level $36 per night
Includes full access to our Interactive Daycamp Program, window view,
comfortable bedding, soothing music and multiple potty breaks.

VIP Suite Club Level $46 per night
Includes full access to our Intercative Daycamp Program, window view, pea stone patio, flat screen TV, web cam, comfortable bedding, soothing music and multiple potty breaks.

Group Playtime - All of our Overnight Guests* receive full access to our Interactive Daycamp Program which includes fun-filled indoor/outdoor play with other Resort Guests and Staff AT NO EXTRA CHARGE.

*Overnight Guests must be spayed or neutered (if over 6 months of age) and pass our Pet Evaluation prior to participating in group playtime (please refer to our policies page).

Multiple Guest Discount

25% discount for second canine guest staying in the same suite.
50% discount for third and fourth canine guest staying in the same suite.

Extended Stay Discount
10% discount on nightly rate for Guests staying 21 days or more.

A La Carte Services

Flat Screen TV (included with Deluxe and VIP suites) $3 per day
Web Cam (included with VIP Suites) $5 per day
Daily Brushing (relaxing in-suite brush out) $5 per day
Extra Evening Potty Break $4 per break

A La Carte Activities
Private Play Session $5 per 15 min
Private Cuddle Time $5 per 15 min
Private Nature Walk $5 per 15 min


A La Carte Menu
Stuffed Kong (loaded with Peanut Butter!) $3/each
Frozen Treat (homemade... all natural) $3/each
Bakery Treat of the Day (home baked... all natural) $2/each
Pupcake (homemade) $3/each
Steak Dinner (real grilled steak!) $5/each
Veggie Snack of the Day $2/each

Exit Bath (Mandatory for Canine Guests staying 3 nights or more)
Having fun usually includes getting down and dirty, which is why we require all of our Canine Guests staying 3 nights or more to receive an exit bath in our grooming salon prior to check-out. All exit baths include bath, blow dry, nail trim and brush out. Offered as a "Salon Bath" to outside Guests, the exit bath is significantly discounted or all Overnight Guests. Exit baths start at just $17. Price is quoted upon check-in and will vary depending on breed, size, coat type and condition.

 

[YO's Mom]

My vet's office charges $15/night which includes food and a "going home" bath. If we are just going to be gone a couple of days, I use them - but the dogs are crated most of the time. So, for longer stays, I use a place that is a doggy daycare - $18/night and includes food, bath, daily daycare, TV in his "room" (actual rooms, not crates). I pay a cheaper rate because 1) he is little and 2) he gets along well with other dogs so is allowed to stay in a "dorm" room (2-4 dogs per room) instead of needing a private room. I would always use the doggy daycare place, but it is a 30 minute drive from our house, and for an overnight stay, I'm too lazy to make the hour drive!

If you had a pet sitter you loved, try asking her who she would recommend. She may have someone who took over some of her clients for her.