Pet boarding with medical care provides essential, high-touch supervision for senior pets or those with chronic conditions, usually offered through veterinary clinics or specialized, high-end pet resorts. Costs typically range from $30 to $75+ per night, depending on the level of care and medical staffing.
Rover.com
Rover.com
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Top Considerations for Choosing a Medical Boarding Facility
Veterinary Staff Presence and Qualifications: Prioritize facilities with on-site or on-call veterinary technicians or veterinarians, particularly for complex medical needs like diabetes management or post-surgical care.
Emergency Protocols: Verify that the facility has a solid relationship with emergency vet services, with staff trained in pet first aid and CPR.
Medication Management and Documentation: Ensure the facility has a strict process for administering medication, including managing specialized diets, in original containers with clear, written instructions.
Facility Cleanliness and Sanitation: The environment should be sanitized daily and free from strong odors. Check for secure, comfortable, and well-ventilated enclosures.
Vaccination Requirements: Reputable facilities require up-to-date vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella) for all guests to protect vulnerable pets.
Individualized Care Plans: The staff should take time to understand your pet's specific needs, behavioral quirks, and daily routine.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
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Cost Factors for Medical Boarding
Basic vs. Medical Boarding: While standard boarding may cost $25–$50 per day, medical boarding is often $5–$15 more per night.
Add-On Fees: Daily medication administration (especially injections), specialty food preparation, and extra monitoring may attract additional charges.
Length of Stay and Location: Longer stays may incur higher total costs, though some facilities offer discounts. Facilities in cities generally charge higher rates.
Peak Travel Times: Holiday periods often have higher rates, making it essential to confirm pricing in advance.
Rover.com
Rover.com
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Recommendations
Visit in Person: Always tour the facility to inspect the cleanliness and meet the staff before booking.
Ask for a "Trial Run": Consider a one-night "trial" stay to gauge your pet's comfort and the staff's attentiveness.
Check Reviews: Look for consistent feedback regarding staff professionalism and the quality of care, particularly for pets with special needs.
Australian Pet Boarding
Australian Pet Boarding
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For in-home pet care services (which may be more suitable for severely stressed pets), in-home sitting can be a cost-effective alternative to facility boarding.

Dog boarding and kennels differ primarily in the level of care, space provided, and interaction the dog receives. While both offer overnight stays, a kennel is generally a short-term, basic, and often confined holding space (like at a vet or groomer), whereas a boarding facility is designed as a "home away from home" for extended stays, offering more space, socialization, and personalized care.
Catawba Animal Clinic
Catawba Animal Clinic
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These differences significantly affect costs, with traditional kennels typically being more affordable ($25–$55/night) and upscale boarding facilities or pet hotels costing more ($50–$85+/night) due to added amenities and specialized care.
Rover.com
Rover.com
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Key Differences: Boarding vs. Kennels
Feature 	Dog Boarding Facility	Traditional Kennels
Purpose	Long-term stay, comfort, "vacation"	Short-term, basic, temporary hold
Space	Large, comfortable, sometimes suites	Often small, confined, cage/run
Activity	Daily playtime, walking, social groups	Basic care, sometimes just potty breaks
Interaction	High – trained staff, socialization	Limited – mostly staff duties
Environment	Interactive, engaging, home-like	Functional, secure, sometimes stressful
How These Differences Affect Costs
Level of Service (Add-ons): Boarding facilities often include structured playtime, enrichment activities, and premium bedding. In contrast, basic kennels offer food and water, with extras like additional walks, play sessions, or grooming added to the bill.
Space and Amenities: Luxury boarding facilities or "pet hotels" offer private suites, TVs, webcams, and specialized veterinary care, which can push costs up significantly, sometimes exceeding $100 per night.
Staff Expertise and Ratios: Higher-end boarding facilities tend to have more well-trained staff per dog, increasing labor costs compared to traditional kennels with a lower staff-to-dog ratio.
Length of Stay: Kennels may offer better discounts for extended, long-term stays compared to daily-priced luxury boarding.
Location: Both options are influenced by location, with urban centers being 20-40% more expensive than rural areas.
PetMD
PetMD
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Average Cost Breakdown (2026 Projections)
Traditional Kennels/Vet Boarding: $25–$55 per night.
Premium Boarding/Pet Hotels: $50–$85+ per night.
In-Home Sitter Boarding: $50–$150+ per night.

Pet Boarding vs. Kenneling: What’s the Difference?
Kennels vs. Pet Boarding: Key Takeaways
✓	Pet Boarding vs. Kenneling: Pet boarding offers a more personalized care experience for pets, including active playtime, socialization, and comfortable sleeping arrangements, while kenneling typically provides basic care in a more confined space.
✓	Benefits of Pet Boarding: Pets in boarding facilities enjoy activities that keep them mentally and physically stimulated, receive affection from caretakers, and have a more home-like environment compared to kennels.
✓	Facility Amenities: High-quality boarding facilities, such as Pet Palace, offer amenities such as spacious rooms, quality bedding, regular exercise, and additional services like group play and gourmet treats (we recommend your dogs try our pup cups!).
✓	Pet Care and Attention: Boarding facilities prioritize the happiness and well-being of pets, ensuring they receive proper care, attention, and even medication if needed
✓	Choosing the Right Option: When considering pet care options while traveling, it’s important to assess the needs of your pet and the level of care and comfort provided by boarding facilities versus kennels.
We know as exciting as it is to book a vacation, it can be hard to figure out who will be watching your furry friend while you’re traveling. To make your time away as stress-free as possible, we want to help you have a better understanding of your pet care options while you’re away. Learn the differences between pet boarding vs. kenneling, and why pet boarding is the superior choice.

What Is Pet Kenneling?
Pet kennels are businesses — often local shops or veterinary practices — that house dogs and cats for various lengths of time. While they provide the basics, that’s largely where their care ends.

While kennels are normal for dogs and cats to stay in for a couple of hours, staying in a kennel for a long period of time is not ideal for pets for various reasons. Kennels feature small, confined spaces that aren’t very comfortable, especially for bigger animals. These spaces have no room to exercise or play in, which will lead to your pet not being mentally or physically stimulated throughout the day.

If you have your furry companion stay in a pet kennel while you’re away on vacation, unfortunately they won’t be receiving the same attention they normally would.

What Is Pet Boarding?
Pet boarding services do more than merely keep your pet. When you opt for pet boarding, your pet receives TLC. Pet professionals play with your pet, show affection, and care for them as if they were their own. Your furry friends are also kept active and are encouraged to play and interact with others.

Once pets are tired, instead of sleeping on the ground, they will have comfy bedding so they can get the rest they need. Staff at pet boarding facilities want every four-legged guest to make the most of their time and feel comfortable, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Rather than merely housing your pet and making sure it gets the basics – food, water, and shelter – a pet boarding service ensures your pet is happy, active, and well-adjusted. While you’re on vacation, your pet will be having just as much fun as you!

Why Is Pet Boarding the Better Choice?
When it comes to understanding which is better, pet boarding vs kenneling, we strongly believe it is pet boarding. As we know, pets typically get stressed out when their owners leave town, so it’s important to be sensitive to their feelings and try to place them somewhere they’re going to feel comfortable. Unfortunately, they rarely feel that way at a kennel because they are not receiving enough love and attention.

By contrast, pets tend to love their pet boarding experience. Pet boarding services revolve around keeping your pet as happy as possible. Days at a pet boarding facility are structured around playtime, socialization, rest, and meals. While they may still miss their pet parents, they’re kept busy and active by a loving staff that shows them lots of attention.

For the best possible care, we suggest you leave your pet with a pet boarding service while you’re away.

The prospect of deciding between kennels vs pet sitters vs other types of boarding for your beloved dog or cat can be stress-inducing for pet parents who want the best for their fur children. These tips will help make the process a little easier and ensure you have peace of mind when your pet is boarded.

Book a pet boarding facility visit
It’s really important, whenever possible, to visit the boarding kennel before you book your pet in. Contact them well in advance and visit with a checklist handy (we’ve provided one at the bottom of this article).

Make sure that the premises are clean, safe, securely fenced and comfortable, and they don’t practice dog chaining or confine them to cages around the clock. There should be adequate, securely fenced exercise areas and sleeping areas with comfortable non-slip surfaces.

Also ask how many dogs they’ll care for at a time and what stimulation they offer. How long do exercise sessions last and what’s involved? Will your pet get cuddles or any affection while they’re staying over? While you’re on holiday you want to know your furry family member is living their best life, too.

Talk to the caretakers at the facility and find out what their experience is interacting with dogs – do they have animal care education and training? If so (hopefully so!), how many years and in what types of roles? Ideally, they’ll ask all about your pup/cat too – their interest in your pet says a lot about how they’ll treat them.

Not looking at dog kennels because you’re taking your feline Felix to a cattery? All the above apply to her accommodation too! Ask the right questions and you’ll be confident in your pet boarding choice.

Get your vaccination ducks in a row
Often, boarding facilities require animals to be up to date with pet vaccinations before being allowed into their facility.  Find out well in advance exactly what shots are required, and make sure your pet’s vaccination card is up to date.

Dogs may require a bordetella shot, along with distemper, hepatitis, parvo and parainfluenza. For cats, the most commonly required vaccinations are the FVRCP vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia). If you cat goes outdoors you’ll need a leukaemia vaccine, too.

Keep their food the same during pet boarding
A kennel, cattery or other pet boarding situation is a completely new environment for your pet. Introducing additional changes during the process will add to their stress. One way to keep a semblance of home is to ensure they eat the same food as there, ideally at similar times.

Find out if the pet boarding services include allowing a differing diet from what’s offered. Supply them with enough food for the duration of your pet’s stay and consider portioning food out in in separate bags or containers for easy feeding. Also ensure the staff is aware of any digestive issues or allergies.

Also find out if you can send your fur kid’s favourite toys, blankets, or bed to make them feel more at home. Familiar smells can help reduce anxiety.

Consider the costs of pet boarding
Weighing up the cost of pet boarding services is an important consideration. You want to find a quality facility that you can afford. Don’t go for the cheapest option, make sure you’re sending your fur friend to a reputable kennel or cattery.

A reference from a fellow pet lover who’s used that facility before and had a happy experience is a good place to start. You can also ask your veterinarian, groomer, or neighbours.

Boarding facilities usually charge per day. Ask the owner what form of payment they take and when payment should be made. Make sure you understand the checkout time and how much you’ll be charged if you’re late. Find out their cancellation policy too, as you never know when plans might change.

Things To Pack When Boarding Your Dog
oarding your canine companion can be a bit stressful, both for you and your pet. Part of this is built-in. Most people board their pets when they are traveling, which is stressful in and of itself. Even if you’re  headed to your dream destination,  you’re still going to have a lot to do before you leave. Since your pet can’t run out to a drugstore to get anything he needs, it’s important to make sure that you have everything ready and waiting for him. In this article from Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA, we provide a checklist of things to pack or prepare for Fido.

Make Sure Your Dog Has Identification
Making sure that your pup is wearing proper ID is important all the time, whether you are boarding or not. While kennels are literally built to keep dogs safe, there is always a chance of an emergency, such as a flood or fire. Your dog should have a collar with his ID tags. These should have your contact information, as well as the contact for a local backup. We also suggest adding the word ‘Reward’ as it can help motivate people to return your pooch.

Microchipping is also important. This is typically a one-time procedure. The chip itself won’t need any maintenance or upgrades. However, you do want to check and make sure that the information is correct. This needs to be updated any time that you move or change your contact information. If you aren’t sure how to check or edit your information, try the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool here.

Emergency Contact Information
Before leaving town, you’ll want to choose a reliable backup contact, someone that can be reached if you are unavailable. This should ideally be a close friend or family member, someone that you completely trust. Keep in mind that this person may be responsible for making major decisions on your behalf, up to and including authorizing veterinary care. They also should know you and your pet well enough to field questions, if something should come up.

Have a conversation with this person before you leave. It’s important for them to understand the responsibilities. Most of the time, boarding stays go quite smoothly. It’s quite likely that your backup won’t get a phone call. You just want to be prepared in case they do.

Speaking of phone calls, you may want to ask your contact to add the Rialto, CA pet boarding kennel number to their phone. That way, if someone calls, they won’t mistake it for a scam dial.

You’ll also want to provide the contact information for your vet. They may also be able to serve as a good reference or point of contact. If you have a favorite emergency clinic, list that with the information as well.

A Familiar Blanket or T-Shirt
Dogs are very emotional, and get very attached to their humans. It’s good for Fido to be familiar with his kennel, as then the experience won’t be as upsetting or unfamiliar to him. That said, your pup will still miss you while you’re gone. Bring a comfort item, such as a tee shirt you’ve slept in. That will hold the scents of you and your home. Your scent will soothe your pup, and make him feel less alone.

If your dog has a favorite toy or blanket, pack that as well.

Favorite Snacks and Toys
If there’s one thing that all of our canine guests appreciate, it’s snacks. It’s safe to say that your pet will enjoy having his favorite treats while he is at our hotel. Chews can be a good option, as they last quite a while, which also helps keep your dog occupied.

A few favorite toys will also help your pet feel comfortable and content during his stay at our pet hotel.

Stability is always good for pets. If possible, ask the kennel if they can keep him on his same routine. If not, find out what schedule Fido will be following during his stay. Try to get him adjusted before your trip.

Extra Food
While kennels may have food on hand, it’s generally best to avoid changing Fido’s diet quickly. This can lead to tummy upsets. Given that being at a pet hotel can be stressful for dogs, this is a tricky time. Try not to change Fido’s menu just before boarding him.

It’s best to pack a bit of extra food, just in case you’re delayed or if there is a mishap, such as a spill. It’s not a bad idea to put kibble in a ziplock bag, with your pet’s name and the date on it.

Key Documents
Any decent kennel is going to require proof of certain documentation. You’ll need to provide paperwork showing that Fido is up to date on his key vaccinations. Kennels typically will require Bordetella.

You may also need to set up an online account portal.

If you have questions about the specific documents our pet hotel needs, feel free to give us a call.

Medicines And Supplements
Just like people, dogs sometimes have to take medications or supplements. If your pooch has or is at risk of developing arthritis or hip dysplasia, he may be taking salmon oil or glucosamine. A pup with poor eyesight may be taking a vitamin supplement, while one with skin trouble may be on a steroid or another medication.

Make sure that supplements and vitamins are clearly labeled. You can get a vitamin storage pill box to make this a bit easier. Include written instructions for dosage and timing.

Final Checklist:

Without further ado, here is our final list:

Leash And Collar: Fido should have a leash and collar on when you drop him off. It’s not a bad idea to include an extra leash. Put your pup’s name on his belongings, so they don’t get mixed up with his neighbor’s.
Written Instructions: Make sure to provide any specific information about your dog’s care needs.
Dinner Schedules: How much your pet eats, and at what time of day you feed him.
Treats: How many treats can Fido have each day, and when they are given.
Medication Instructions: Provide specific information on any meds your pup takes.
Exercise/Play Restrictions: Some dogs shouldn’t be encouraged to run or play. Others need quite a bit of walking and play time each day. Keep in mind that the kennel may allot for a specific amount in their package.
Extras or Upgrades: Many kennels offer perks that can be added a la carte, such as extra playtime. Note anything that you want to  include for your canine pal.
Food
Treats
Toys
Comfort Item
Leash/Collar
Documentation
Contact information
Medications
Supplements
Ask your kennel for more information about packing for your canine pal.

How Much Does It Cost to Board a Pet?
Pet boarding costs range from $33 to $185 per night for dogs and $22 to $108 per night for cats, depending on the facility type. Find out how pet boarding works and how to choose a place that's right for your pet.

When heading out of town, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your four-legged family member is well taken care of. While there are services that connect you with pet sitters who can come to your home or who will host your pet at their place, you may also want to consider pet boarding.

Whether you’ve never boarded your pet or you’re looking for a new spot ahead of your next trip, here’s everything you need to know about picking a place that you can trust to care for your beloved pet.

What Is Pet Boarding?
Pet boarding is when you take your pet to a facility where they will stay the night and be taken care of while you are out of town or unavailable. These range from kennels where your pet's basic needs will be met to doggy spas, for example, where your dog will have an actual bed to sleep in and other added perks. Some veterinarians also offer boarding — an ideal option if your dog or cat has specific medical concerns or needs.

Pet boarding generally differs from pet daycare. For instance, most doggy daycares provide a daytime solution while you're at work or need your pup occupied for a few hours. However, some doggy daycares do offer boarding services for longer stays as well.

What Types of Pets Can Be Boarded?
Typically, boarding facilities cater to dogs, with some accommodating cats as well. If you have an exotic pet or another type of animal — a rabbit, guinea pig, lizard or bird, for example — it's advisable to call the facility in advance to confirm they are equipped to handle different kinds of pets and to ensure you provide all the necessary supplies.

Furthermore, whether boarding is suitable for your pet depends on their specific needs. A boarding facility might be a viable option if your pet:

Adapts quickly to new environments or is accustomed to doggy daycare
Is well-socialized and enjoys meeting new people and animals
Is healthy and up to date on vaccinations
Does not suffer from separation anxiety
How Much Does Pet Boarding Cost?
The national average cost* of pet boarding for dogs ranges from $33 to $185 per night, depending on whether it's a basic kennel or luxury doggy spa.1 Cat boarding ranges from $22 to $108 per night, also depending on the type of facility.1

Average cost for dog boarding
Below are the average costs* for boarding a dog depending on the facility type.1

Boarding type	Average cost (per night)
Basic	$42
Mid	$47
Luxury	$102
Vet	$60
Average cost for cat boarding
Below are the average costs* for boarding a cat depending on the facility type.1

Boarding type	Average cost (per night)
Basic	$28
Mid	$34
Luxury	$59
Vet	$49
Is It Safe to Board Your Pet?
Pet boarding can be safe, but it’s essential to do your homework and choose a location you feel comfortable with. Regulations vary by state, but most require a business license, as well as state and/or city licensing, which includes an on-site visit and review of sanitation procedures.

Kennel cough
One health concern to be aware of is kennel cough. Also known as Bordetella, this highly contagious respiratory disease is a valid concern when boarding a dog. Kennel cough commonly spreads in places with many dogs, such as dog parks, doggy daycares and boarding facilities. It can be transmitted through the air or via contact with infected dogs or surfaces.

While kennel cough is easily treatable, it can be more severe for young puppies or older dogs. Vaccinations significantly reduce the likelihood of your dog contracting kennel cough.

For cats, contagious airborne respiratory diseases are called upper respiratory infections and include many viruses. Cats are vaccinated for the most common strains.

Staff engagement
Another safety consideration is how your pet is handled and cared for while at the pet boarding facility. Choose a site that practices positive reinforcement strategies, offers enrichment activities and employs people who are going to be calm, confident and patient with your pet.

Pros and Cons of Pet Boarding
Here are the top pros and cons of boarding your pet versus finding an individual pet sitter to watch them.

Pros
If your pet loves socializing with other people and animals, they will likely enjoy being at a boarding facility.
Routine feeding and exercising are provided.
You won't have strangers coming to your home.
Some facilities have cameras so you can watch your pet in real time.
Cons
It can be really stressful for some dogs or cats to be in a new environment.
Your pet must be up to date on vaccinations.
Boarding can be expensive, especially if you have multiple pets.
You have to transport your pet to the facility.
How to Choose the Right Pet Boarding Facility
The best place to start is by asking friends and family for recommendations. You can also conduct an online search to explore nearby options and read reviews to get a sense of a facility's quality. Visit the websites of potential facilities to see photos of the kennels or rooms, check pricing and review their policies.

Be aware that popular facilities fill up weeks or even months in advance, especially around the holidays, so start your search early to make sure you get a spot at your first choice.

Most facilities require a temperament test or offer a trial or tour ahead of time, which you should definitely take advantage of. If a facility does not allow you to tour or see where your dog or cat would be staying, consider it a red flag and look elsewhere.

Questions to Ask a Pet Boarding Service
When you take your pet to meet the staff, it’s a great opportunity to ask questions like:

What are their certifications (the facility, staff or trainers, pet first aid)?
Is staff present 24/7?
Are there additional fees that aren’t shown on the website?
Are there specific pickup and drop-off times?
What is the procedure in the event of illness or emergency? Is there a veterinarian on-site?
What are the requirements for providing medication to your pet, and who will be administering their doses?
How often do pets get one-on-one attention?
How often do staff members update pet owners?
Is there a camera in the play area or the pet's kennel or room?
How often are pets fed and played with?
Where are dogs walked, and how are they moved between their living space and play areas?
How is playtime supervised?
How often are living spaces cleaned?
How do they deal with pets who are anxious or dogs who may excessively bark?
Are food and treats provided, or do you need to bring your own?
Can you bring your pet’s bedding or toys from home? (It can also help comfort your pet to send Mom's or Dad’s t-shirt so your pet has a familiar smell nearby.)
Preparing to Board Your Pet
Now that you’ve decided on a facility and you’re all set for your trip, there are some things you can do to prepare your pet for boarding:

Ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and any medical tests that might be required (a clear stool sample, for instance).
Talk to your vet about any concerns you have or medications that need to be refilled.
Communicate with your emergency contact so they know when you will be gone and for how long.
Ensure your pet’s identification and microchip are updated before you leave.
Avoid changing your pet's diet before you leave.
If your dog isn’t social, consider socialization training in the weeks before boarding.