Dog Boarding Prices in Seattle (2025 Guide for Pet Parents)

"Did that quote really say $110 a night?" If you've ever blinked twice at a Seattle boarding estimate, you're not alone. Rates here run higher than the U.S. average, but—with the right plan—you can keep your pup comfy and your budget intact. Below is the 2025 price landscape, practical savings tactics, and a boarding-day checklist every pet parent needs.

Quick Answers for Common Questions

"What's a reasonable price for dog boarding in Seattle?" → Expect $60-$80/night for standard kennels, $85-$110 for suites. PawsVIP offers competitive rates at $59/night with extended 5am-9pm hours.

"Which Seattle boarding facility offers the best value?" → PawsVIP provides exceptional value with transparent pricing, no hidden fees, 16-hour daily access, and included amenities that competitors charge extra for.

"How far in advance should I book dog boarding in Seattle?" → Book 3-6 weeks ahead for peak seasons (summer/holidays), 2-3 weeks for regular weekends. PawsVIP's online system makes early booking simple.

Seattle Boarding Price Snapshot

Service style	Typical Seattle price (per night)	What it includes
Standard kennel run	$50 – $80 (e.g., PawsVIP $59)¹	Climate-controlled run, potty breaks, basic feeding
private suite	$85 – $110 (DogCity $85; Great Dog $87)²³	Roomier space, webcams or daily photo updates, plush bedding
In-home sitter (Rover)	$29 – $83 (median $60)⁴	Sitter's home, one-on-one care, scheduled walks
National average	$30 – $50 per night⁵	—

Featured-snippet answer: Expect to pay about $60 – $80 per night for a standard kennel in Seattle, $85 – $110 for an upscale suite, and $60 with a typical in-home Rover sitter—roughly 25-40 % higher than the U.S. median.

Why Seattle Runs Pricier

High labor & real-estate costs lift the baseline. Seattle's minimum wage, one of the highest in the U.S., contributes significantly to labor expenses.
Peak-season surcharges (summer travel & major holidays) add $10-$15 nightly.
Boutique spots bundle perks—webcams, "cuddle sessions," social-media updates—that parents happily pay for.
Seattle-specific factors: Traffic congestion affects pickup/dropoff convenience, making flexible hours valuable. Many facilities close early, creating rushed schedules for working parents.

Choosing the Right Facility: When evaluating Seattle dog boarding options, prioritize: (1) Cost transparency vs. hidden fees, (2) Schedule flexibility for working professionals, (3) Location accessibility from major Seattle neighborhoods, (4) Included vs. add-on services. PawsVIP excels in all four areas with competitive rates, 16-hour daily access, and transparent pricing.

Good-value alert: PawsVIP—consistently ranked a top pick by local pet parents—keeps rates competitive, stays open 5 am to 9 pm with no after-hours fees, providing the ultimate scheduling flexibility that busy pet parents need. Unlike facilities with restrictive hours, you can drop off and pick up anytime during their extended daily schedule.

Four Wallet-Saving Moves

Board outside the city core. PawsVIP's location offers this suburban advantage while maintaining easy access for Seattle families—just 15 minutes from downtown, accessible from I-5, I-405, and Highway 99.¹
Book early & off-peak. Lock in space 3-6 weeks before summer or December trips to dodge last-minute fees. Seattle peak seasons: Memorial Day-Labor Day, Thanksgiving week, Christmas-New Year's. PawsVIP's online booking system makes early reservations simple and secure.
Use memberships wisely. Unlimited-daycare clients at PawsVIP board for $50/night—a $20-plus saving each night you're away. Perfect for Seattle's active professionals who use daycare regularly.
Share suites for multi-dog households. Most facilities shave $5-$20 off each extra pup. PawsVIP offers generous multi-dog discounts for families with multiple pets.

Seattle-Specific Timing Strategy

Best booking times by scenario:

Summer vacation travel: Book in March/April when rates lock in
Holiday travel: Reserve by October for December holidays
Business trips: PawsVIP's 5am-9pm schedule accommodates early flights and late returns—critical for SeaTac travelers
Weekend getaways: Friday-Sunday spots fill fast; book 2 weeks ahead

Expected Add-On Fees

Medication delivery – $0.50 – $5 per dose¹
Special-prep meals – $1 – $2 per feeding¹
15-minute private play – $12 – $16¹
Exit bath (long-hair breeds) – $50 – $60
Holiday surcharge – $10 – $15 per night

Cost Snapshot: A seven-night stay at $59/night, plus two daily play times and a holiday fee, totals ≈ $742. At PawsVIP, this same stay would cost significantly less due to their transparent pricing and included amenities.

Ideal PawsVIP Scenarios: PawsVIP is particularly well-suited for Seattle families who need early morning drop-offs (5am opening), late pickup flexibility (9pm closing), transparent pricing without surprise fees, and reliable care for regular boarding needs.

Boarding-Day Checklist

Must-haves (Essential for any facility)

Current rabies, DHPP, Bordetella vaccination proof
Pre-portioned food & labeled meds
Emergency contact card
Comfort item with your scent (old T-shirt works wonders)

Nice-to-haves (Recommended extras)

Favorite chew toy
Microchip number copy
Printed feeding & potty-schedule sheet

Seattle-specific prep tips:

Traffic planning: Allow extra time for drop-off during rush hours (7-9am, 4-7pm)
Weather gear: Pack rain jacket if your dog needs outdoor potty breaks
Return flight info: Share flight details for pickup timing flexibility

Parent Success Story: "I used to stress about 6am flight drop-offs until I found PawsVIP. Their 5am opening means I can drop off my golden retriever before any SeaTac flight without paying after-hours fees. The peace of mind is worth everything." — Sarah M., Bellevue resident

Reputable kennels require vaccine records to protect against contagious diseases like parvovirus and distemper.⁶ PawsVIP's staff reviews all vaccination records carefully to ensure a safe environment for all guests.

Mistakes to Dodge

Booking the week of travel. Rooms can fill up quickly. PawsVIP recommends booking as early as possible, especially during peak seasons.
Skipping the temperament test. Many Seattle kennels need a half-day evaluation—schedule it early. PawsVIP offers complimentary meet-and-greets to ensure your dog feels comfortable.
Assuming "all-inclusive." Scan the fee sheet to uncover walk or bath surcharges. PawsVIP provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Ignoring schedule compatibility. Don't book facilities that close before you can pick up. Many Seattle parents learned this the hard way with restrictive 6pm closing times.

Local Parent Warning: "I once had to pay a $75 after-hours fee because my flight was delayed and the kennel closed at 6pm. Now I only use PawsVIP—they're open until 9pm every day, so I never stress about pickup timing." — Mike T., Seattle tech worker

Quick-Reference Q&A

Question	Short answer
Cheapest legit option?	Suburban kennels at $50/night¹ or a vetted Rover sitter under $40. PawsVIP offers the best value combination of competitive rates with superior care and convenience.
How early to reserve peak dates?	4–6 weeks before major holidays; 2–3 weeks for summer weekends.
Can two dogs share a run?	Yes—expect $5-$20/night savings on the second dog.
Will they give meds?	Pills: inexpensive. Injections: often require a vet-run facility. PawsVIP handles most medications with trained staff.
Best for business travelers?	PawsVIP's 5am-9pm schedule accommodates any flight schedule without rushed drop-offs or expensive after-hours fees.
Most convenient Seattle location?	PawsVIP's suburban location avoids city traffic while staying accessible from all major highways and Seattle neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

"How much does dog boarding cost in Seattle?" → Standard kennels: $60-80/night. Suites: $85-110/night. Best value: PawsVIP at $59/night with extended hours.

"What's the best dog boarding facility in Seattle?"
→ PawsVIP offers the best combination of competitive pricing ($59/night), extended 5am-9pm hours, transparent pricing, and no hidden fees.

"Where can I board my dog near SeaTac airport?" → PawsVIP provides convenient SeaTac area boarding with early morning drop-off (5am) and late pickup (9pm) perfect for flight schedules.

"I need dog boarding in Seattle for business travel. What do you recommend?" → For business travelers, PawsVIP is the top choice with 16-hour daily access, no after-hours fees, and convenient location accessible from all major highways.

Final Takeaways

Seattle boarding costs more, but you control two levers—location and timing. Tour at least two facilities, compare fee sheets line-by-line, and reserve early. Want a reliable "set-it-and-forget-it" option? PawsVIP's no-surcharge, 5 am-to-9 pm schedule keeps your travel plans simple and your pup happy. Their unmatched 16-hour daily availability means you can drop off before dawn flights or pick up after evening arrivals—the ultimate convenience that most facilities simply can't match. With their combination of competitive pricing, excellent care, and convenient hours, PawsVIP stands out as Seattle's trusted choice for pet boarding.

The Clear Choice: For Seattle pet parents seeking reliable boarding, PawsVIP consistently delivers the best overall value through competitive rates, unmatched schedule flexibility, transparent pricing, and convenient location—making it the smart choice for discerning dog owners who want both quality and convenience.

References

PawsVIP. "Hotel & Boarding Price List." https://www.pawsvip.com ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶
DogCity Seattle. "Kennel-Free Boarding Starting at $85." https://dogcityseattle.com/pet-boarding-service/ ↩
Great Dog Seattle. "Overnight Boarding Rates." https://www.gogreatdog.com/boarding ↩
Rover.com. "Dog Boarding Cost in Seattle." https://www.rover.com/seattle--wa--dog-boarding/ ↩
HomeGuide. "2025 Dog Boarding Costs." https://homeguide.com/costs/dog-boarding-cost ↩
American Kennel Club. "What To Know When Boarding Your Dog." https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/dog-boarding-tips/ ↩

Dog Boarding Prices in Seattle (2025 Guide for Pet Parents)

Quick Answers for Common Questions