What does dog boarding really cost?
Going away on holiday or travelling for work, and looking for somewhere to leave your dog? The question of what dog boarding costs comes up every single time — and the answers vary by a factor of three or more depending on the type of establishment. This guide covers everything: the price ranges, what justifies the differences, and how to choose the right option for your budget and your dog’s needs.
1. The different types of boarding and their rates
| Type of boarding | Average price / night | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional kennel | €15 – 20 | Accommodation, food, cleaning — few or no outings |
| Kennel with exercise yard | €20 – 30 | Kennel run plus access to an outdoor area for a few hours a day |
| Home boarding | €25 – 35 | Accommodation in a private home, family atmosphere |
| Premium canine resort | €40 – 100 | Individual suites, activities, transport, personalised care |
What these figures don’t tell you: in a kennel charging €15 a night, walks are often an optional extra (a further €5 to €10), and sometimes food is too. The true all-in cost can quickly exceed that of a higher-quality boarding facility.
2. The factors that make prices vary
- Location: boarding in the Paris region costs 30 to 50% more than in the provinces.
- Season: July and August, Christmas and the May bank holidays carry surcharges of 10 to 30%.
- The size of your dog: some facilities apply a supplement for dogs over 25 kg.
- The services included: door-to-door transport, baths, training, veterinary monitoring.
- The number of dogs: a reduced rate is often offered for a second dog.
- The length of stay: sliding-scale reductions are frequently applied beyond 7 or 14 nights.
3. What to budget, by length of stay
| Length of stay | Standard boarding (€20/night) | Premium boarding (€95/night) |
|---|---|---|
| A weekend (2 nights) | ~€40 | ~€190 |
| One week | ~€140 | ~€665 |
| Two weeks | ~€280 | ~€1,330 |
| One month | ~€600 | ~€2,850 |
4. Standard boarding versus a canine resort: what are you actually paying for?
A dog in a traditional kennel at €15–20 a night spends most of its time in a run, with one or two daily walks on the lead. It is safe, but it may develop stress, separation anxiety and destructive behaviour once home.
A premium canine resort such as Dog Valley works differently:
- Five hectares of countryside at Saint-Chéron — around twelve acres of private woodland, a swimming pool, a natural pond and scent gardens
- Individual 10 m² suites with a private terrace — no kennel runs
- Transport included from your home anywhere in the Paris region, in both directions
- Small groups: never more than seven dogs, so every dog is supervised individually
- Enrichment activities: balance and coordination work, scent games, and social interaction matched to each dog
The result is a dog that comes home settled, sociable and balanced. At Dog Valley the rate is €95 a night, all inclusive — accommodation, activities and transport across the Paris region. No surprises, no hidden extras.
5. Daycare: an overlooked alternative
If your dog is left alone at home during the day, daycare is an often underestimated solution:
- Dog walker: €10 – 20 an hour for one to two hours out
- Urban daycare: €20 – 40 a day in an indoor facility with a few outings
- Resort daycare: a full day in open countryside, transport included
At Dog Valley, daycare follows exactly the same standard as overnight boarding: your dog is collected from your home in the morning, spends the day on the estate, and comes home in the late afternoon relaxed and content.
6. What to check before you book
- Is transport included, or charged as an extra?
- Are walks and outings covered by the quoted rate?
- How many dogs are looked after at the same time?
- Does the facility hold the ACACED certificate, the French professional qualification for animal care?
- Can you visit the premises before booking?
- Will your dog receive individual attention and daily updates during the stay?
Conclusion
Dog boarding costs anywhere from €15 to over €100 a night depending on the type of establishment, its location and the services included. Price alone is no guide to quality: a low-cost kennel can end up costing as much as a far better facility once the extras are added, while giving your dog a much less rewarding experience.
If you are looking for a premium option in the Paris region, Dog Valley at Saint-Chéron offers a five-star canine resort with transport included, at €95 a night all inclusive.
👉 Book your dog’s next escape at dogvalley.fr
