How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost in Chicago?

Planning a trip and wondering how much it will cost to board your dog in Chicago? You are not alone. One of the most common questions Chicago pet parents ask is about the real cost of dog boarding, and the answer is not always straightforward. Prices can vary dramatically based on where you board, what services are included, and even when you need care.

The good news is that understanding dog boarding costs in Chicago does not have to be confusing. In this guide, we will break down exactly what you can expect to pay across different boarding options, what affects pricing, and how to find the best value for your furry friend.

Understanding Dog Boarding Prices in Chicago

Dog boarding costs in Chicago typically range from $35 to $150 per night, depending on the type of care you choose. That is a wide range, and for good reason. The Chicago pet care market offers everything from basic kennel stays to boutique luxury boarding with spa treatments. Let us break down what each option actually costs.

Traditional Kennels typically charge between $35 and $75 per night. These are the classic boarding facilities with individual runs or kennels where your dog stays during your trip. The lower end of this range usually covers basic accommodations: a clean space, regular feeding, and a few potty breaks throughout the day. Higher-priced kennels often include more outdoor time, larger runs, or webcam access so you can check on your pup remotely.

Veterinary Boarding falls in the $40 to $80 per night range. Many veterinary clinics in Chicago offer boarding services, which can be especially valuable if your dog has medical needs. The peace of mind that comes from having veterinary staff nearby can be worth the slightly higher price point, particularly for senior dogs or those with chronic conditions.

Home Boarding through Tails ranges from $40 to $90 per night. This option has grown increasingly popular among Chicago pet parents who want their dogs to stay in a comfortable home environment rather than a facility. Your dog stays with a vetted host in their home, often with just one or two other dogs, getting individual attention and a more relaxed experience.

Luxury Boarding Facilities command premium prices of $75 to $150 per night or more. These upscale options cater to pet parents who want the absolute best for their dogs. Think private suites, gourmet meals, swimming pools, and daily grooming. While these amenities sound wonderful, many Chicago pet parents find that their dogs are perfectly happy with more modest accommodations that still provide loving care.

What Affects Dog Boarding Prices?

Several factors influence how much you will pay for dog boarding in Chicago. Understanding these can help you budget more accurately and find the right fit for your situation.

Your Dog's Size plays a significant role in pricing. Larger dogs require more space, more food, and often more physical effort to care for. At many facilities, boarding a Great Dane costs 20-30% more than boarding a Chihuahua. Some places charge a flat rate regardless of size, so this is worth asking about when comparing options.

Services Included vary widely between boarding options. A lower nightly rate might not include walks, playtime, or medication administration. Before comparing prices, make sure you understand what is actually included. At Tails, for example, hosts include walks, playtime, and basic care in their nightly rate, with no surprise add-on fees.

Holiday and Peak Season Rates can increase boarding costs by 25-50%. Planning to travel over Thanksgiving, Christmas, or during Chicago's busy summer season? Expect to pay premium prices. Many facilities also require minimum stay lengths during holidays. Booking well in advance, ideally three to four weeks ahead, can help you secure better rates and ensure availability with your preferred provider.

Length of Stay Discounts reward longer bookings at many facilities. If you are boarding your dog for a week or more, ask about weekly rates. Some kennels offer 10-15% discounts for extended stays, which can add up to meaningful savings for longer trips.

Additional Services like grooming, training sessions, or special activities come with extra charges. A bath before pickup might cost $20-50, while a full grooming session could run $50-100. These services can be convenient if you want your pup looking fresh when you return, but they also add to your total bill.

The Chicago Factor: Seasonal Booking Strategy

Chicago's boarding market has distinct seasonal patterns that savvy pet parents can use to their advantage.

Holiday Blackout Dates are the most expensive times to board. Thanksgiving week, Christmas through New Year's, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends see prices surge 25-50% and availability disappear fast. Most popular hosts on Tails are booked 3-4 weeks out for major holidays. If you know your travel dates, book early—even tentatively—to lock in availability and pricing.

Summer Festival Season (June-August) brings unique challenges. Lollapalooza weekend, Taste of Chicago, and the Air and Water Show attract visitors while many Chicagoans travel, creating a perfect storm of high demand. August is particularly tight as families squeeze in last vacations before school starts.

The "Sweet Spot" Seasons for booking are mid-January through March and mid-September through mid-November (excluding Thanksgiving). Demand drops, prices stabilize, and you'll have more host options to choose from. If your travel is flexible, these shoulder seasons offer the best combination of availability and value.

Winter Considerations for boarding include making sure your host has safe outdoor access for potty breaks. Ask whether they have a fenced yard, how they handle icy conditions, and whether they use paw-safe de-icers. Dogs boarding during a Polar Vortex event may need shorter outdoor time and extra indoor enrichment.

Comparing Your Options: What Do You Actually Get?

When evaluating dog boarding costs in Chicago, the nightly rate only tells part of the story. What matters more is what your dog actually experiences during their stay.

Boarding Type	Cost/Night	Environment	Dogs Per Caregiver	Best For
Traditional Kennel	$35-75	Kennel runs in facility	20-50+	Short notice; standardized care
Veterinary Boarding	$40-80	Clinic setting	Varies	Dogs with medical needs
Home Boarding (Tails)	$40-90	Private home; couch/bed	2-4	Anxious dogs; individual attention
Luxury Boarding	$75-150+	Private suites; amenities	10-20	Pampering; premium amenities

At a Traditional Kennel, your dog typically stays in an individual run within a larger facility. They will have scheduled feeding times, potty breaks, and some outdoor time. The environment can be noisy with many dogs barking, which can be stressful for some pups. Staff members rotate through shifts, so your dog might interact with several different caregivers. The upside is that these facilities are often available on short notice and have standardized procedures.

With Home Boarding through Tails, your dog stays in someone's actual home, often sleeping on the couch or in a dog bed rather than a cage. Hosts typically care for just two to four dogs at a time, so your pup gets much more individual attention. The environment is quieter and more familiar, which can significantly reduce stress for dogs who struggle in kennel settings. You will receive daily photo and video updates through the Tails app, so you can see exactly how your furry friend is doing.

Veterinary Boarding is ideal for dogs with medical needs. Staff can administer medications, monitor health conditions, and respond quickly if something goes wrong. However, the environment is similar to a traditional kennel, and individual attention may be limited unless you pay for additional services.

Luxury Boarding offers premium amenities, but it is worth asking whether your dog actually benefits from features like flat-screen TVs in their suite or aromatherapy treatments. Some dogs genuinely enjoy the extra pampering, while others would be just as happy in a loving home environment at half the cost.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Transparency in pricing matters, and unfortunately, not all boarding providers are upfront about their full costs. Here are some hidden fees that can catch Chicago pet parents off guard.

Feeding Fees sometimes apply if your dog eats food provided by the facility rather than bringing their own. This can add $5-15 per day. Ask whether you should pack your dog's regular food, which is often better for their digestion anyway.

Medication Administration often carries an additional charge, typically $5-10 per day. If your dog takes daily medications, this fee adds up quickly over a week-long stay.

Late Pickup Fees can be steep if you return later than scheduled. Some facilities charge by the hour, while others charge a full additional night if you are even an hour late.

Surge Pricing during holidays is not always clearly advertised. Always ask about holiday rates when booking around major holidays or Chicago events like Lollapalooza weekend.

Required Extras like a meet-and-greet fee, temperament testing, or mandatory vaccination updates can add $25-75 to your first booking. While these are often one-time costs, they are worth factoring into your decision.

At Tails, we believe in transparent pricing. What you see is what you pay, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Hosts set their own rates and clearly list what is included, so you know exactly what to expect before booking.

Getting the Best Value for Your Money

Finding affordable dog boarding in Chicago does not mean settling for subpar care. Here are strategies to get the best value for your budget.

Book Early for holiday and peak travel times. Not only will you have more options to choose from, but some providers offer lower rates for bookings made well in advance.

Consider Home Boarding as an alternative to kennels. Many pet parents are surprised to find that home boarding through Tails costs about the same as traditional kennels while offering a more personalized experience with daily updates and a home environment.

Ask About Multi-Pet Discounts if you have more than one dog. Many providers offer 10-20% off for additional pets from the same family.

Look for Length-of-Stay Discounts for trips longer than a week. Extended stay rates can reduce your nightly cost significantly.

Use Meet-and-Greets Wisely by doing a free meet-and-greet through Tails before committing to a booking. This helps ensure the host is a good fit for your dog, avoiding the cost and stress of switching providers later.

What Chicago Pet Parents Should Expect in 2025

Dog boarding costs in Chicago have increased modestly over the past few years, driven by rising operational costs and increased demand for quality pet care. The average Chicago pet parent now spends about $55-65 per night for overnight boarding, though this varies based on neighborhood and level of service.

The home boarding market has grown significantly as pet parents seek alternatives to traditional kennels. Platforms like Tails have made it easier than ever to find vetted hosts in neighborhoods across Chicago, from Lincoln Park and Lakeview to Logan Square and the West Loop. This competition has helped keep prices reasonable while improving care quality.

For budget-conscious pet parents, the sweet spot tends to be home boarding in the $40-60 per night range. At this price point, you can find experienced hosts who provide excellent care, daily updates, and a comfortable home environment for your pup.

Find Your Perfect Boarding Match

Choosing where to board your dog involves more than just comparing prices. You want a safe environment, quality care, and peace of mind knowing your furry friend is happy while you are away. The right boarding option depends on your dog's personality, your budget, and your expectations for communication and care.

With Tails, you can browse host profiles in your Chicago neighborhood, read reviews from other pet parents, and schedule a free meet-and-greet before booking. Every host is background-checked and home-inspected, so you can book with confidence.

Ready to find trusted boarding for your pup? Explore Chicago Boarding Hosts

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cancellation policy for dog boarding? Cancellation policies vary by provider, but Tails uses a standardized policy for boarding so you always know what to expect. Cancel 7+ days before your reservation for a full refund. Cancel 3-7 days before for a 75% refund. Cancel 1-3 days before for a 50% refund. Cancel less than 24 hours before for a 25% refund. Traditional kennels often require 48-72 hour notice and may charge a cancellation fee. Always confirm the policy when booking, especially for holiday reservations.

What should I pack for my dog's boarding stay? Bring enough of your dog's regular food for the entire stay (plus a day or two extra), clearly labeled with feeding instructions. Include any medications with dosing instructions. A familiar item like their favorite blanket or toy can help reduce anxiety. Bring their regular leash and collar with ID tags. Most boarding hosts provide beds, bowls, and treats, but check with your specific provider. Avoid bringing valuable items or too many toys that could get lost or cause conflicts with other dogs.

How much should I budget for dog boarding in Chicago per week? For a week-long stay, budget between $245 and $525 depending on the type of boarding you choose. Traditional kennels run about $245-525 per week, while home boarding through Tails typically costs $280-630. Many providers offer weekly discounts of 10-15%, so ask about extended stay rates when booking.

Are holiday boarding rates significantly higher in Chicago? Yes, expect to pay 25-50% more during major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Fourth of July. Summer weekends and Chicago festival weekends can also command higher rates. Book at least three to four weeks in advance for holiday travel to secure availability and better pricing.

What is included in a typical dog boarding rate? Basic rates usually include overnight accommodation, feeding (you provide the food), and several potty breaks per day. Walks, extended playtime, and medication administration may cost extra at some facilities. With Tails home boarding, most hosts include walks, playtime, and basic care in their nightly rate.

Is home boarding cheaper than a traditional kennel? Home boarding through Tails is competitively priced with traditional kennels, typically ranging from $40-90 per night compared to kennels at $35-75. While prices are similar, many pet parents find home boarding offers better value because of the individual attention, home environment, and daily photo updates included in the rate.

Do larger dogs cost more to board in Chicago? Often yes, though it varies by provider. Many facilities charge 15-30% more for large and giant breed dogs due to the additional space and food required. Some home boarding hosts on Tails charge the same rate regardless of size, so it is worth comparing options if you have a larger pup.