How much does dog boarding cost in Virginia?

No official, dated price list exists for dog boarding in Virginia, so any single nightly figure would be a guess. What you can do is learn what moves the price and ask two or three facilities for written quotes for the same dates. The spread between them will tell you more than any average.

What drives the price

The type of stay. A kennel run, a suite with a bed, a cage-free group setting and a stay in a sitter's own home are different services. Virginia law defines a boarding establishment as a place other than an animal shelter where companion animals not owned by the proprietor are sheltered, fed, and watered in exchange for a fee.^[1] The same law says a private residential dwelling that shelters, feeds, and waters fewer than five companion animals is not a boarding establishment,^[1] so a home-based sitter and a commercial kennel can be priced and run very differently.

Dog size and number. Large dogs often cost more because they need bigger space. A second dog from the same household is frequently discounted, and sometimes not. Ask.

Length and timing. Holidays, school breaks and summer weekends fill up early and are often priced higher or carry a minimum stay. A longer booking sometimes earns a lower nightly rate.

Extras. Playtime, a walk, a bath, a training session, medication, special food and a pick-up or drop-off service are commonly add-ons. Two quotes are only comparable when they cover the same list.

Staffing and setup. Overnight supervision, indoor climate control, outdoor yards and a vet on call all cost the business money, and the price reflects them.

What you are paying for

The duty of care stays with you as the owner. Virginia law lists adequate feed, adequate water, adequate shelter that is properly cleaned, adequate exercise and veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering or disease transmission among what an owner must provide for each companion animal.^[2] A good quote makes clear how the facility provides each of those, and who decides when your dog needs a vet.

Boarding is a business, and Virginia counties, cities and towns may impose local license taxes and fees.^[3] Ask whether the facility is registered with its locality and whether it carries insurance.

Vaccination requirements also shape what you spend before you drop off. Virginia requires that the owner or custodian of a dog four months of age or older must have it currently vaccinated for rabies,^[4] and a facility may ask for more; the details are in what vaccines a dog needs for boarding in Virginia. A vet visit to bring shots up to date is a cost to plan for.

Getting quotes you can compare

Ask each facility, in writing, for:

• the price per night and what that includes
• charges for a second dog, medication, holidays, late pick-up and early drop-off
• the deposit, the cancellation terms and when you pay
• whether dogs are supervised overnight, and how often they go out
• which vet they use, and what they do in an emergency, including who pays

A quote far below the rest usually leaves something out, such as supervision, exercise time or insurance. A quote far above is worth a question about what you get for it.

Keeping the cost down

Book early, especially around holidays. Ask whether a longer stay or a multi-dog booking earns a lower rate. Pay only for add-ons your dog will use. Visit the facility first; a short trial stay or day visit lets you see whether the setting suits your dog before you commit to a long booking.

Stop and call a pro if

You do not need a licence to hire a boarding facility, but some dogs need more than a kennel. Talk to your vet first if your dog is elderly, ill, on injections, in heat, recovering from surgery or has had a recent change in behaviour. If your dog has bitten or is aggressive with other dogs or strangers, tell the facility before you book and ask a certified behaviour professional for advice, rather than hoping it will settle in.

Read what to ask a pet sitter, browse more pet services answers or see pet services on Loclis.

To get prices for your own dates, describe what you need and local pet care businesses will quote it.