Low-Cost Dog Boarding Options

Boarding your dog is necessary when you go away for extended periods of time. For absences of one or two days, ask a family member or a neighbor to visit, feed and walk your dog. However, leaving the dog alone in your home for a longer period can result in it becoming lonely and anxious about your return. Boarding costs at the time of publication range from $20 to $60 a day depending on the size of the dog, and if you need to board a large pet for several weeks this becomes very expensive.

  1. Try Your Vet

    • Some veterinary hospitals offer dog boarding, and they are fully equipped to care for pets in their facility. Although the dog is unlikely to receive much individual attention and will spend the entire period in a cage, it will be taken out to relieve itself approximately once every four hours and will be fed and cared for. You can be sure that even if the dog does not have a great time, it will be in very good hands.

    Non-Profit Organizations

    • Organizations such as Animal Care and Control in New York City offer a "safety-net" program that provides low-cost boarding options in times of crisis. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, or have recently lost your home through eviction, house fire or domestic violence, or need to be hospitalized, the program offers reduced rates at participating facilities. At the time of publication, rates were $11 to $15 per day regardless of size. New Yorkers can also board unwanted pets while they search for new homes for them.

    Animal Shelters

    • Some privately owned and managed animal shelters offer boarding for pets. Many of them struggle to find money to support the animals they help, and boarding fees provide a source of income. The Humane Society of the United States provides a list of shelters in each state that can be contacted to see if they offer this service.

    Private Boarding

    • Check with your local vet, pet store, doggy day care manager or dog walker to find out if he can recommend someone who does private boarding. Many people are not set up to run a full-service boarding facility, but will take one or two dogs into their homes for short periods. If you supply the dog's own food, this should reduce the cost; and provided you check references diligently, your dog should have good care and attention while you are away.