
Dog Boarding Prices in Seattle (2025 Guide for Pet Parents)
Find out what dog boarding really costs in Seattle—standard kennels, luxury suites, and in-home sitters—plus money-saving tips and a boarding-day checklist.
"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.
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 |
Luxury/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.
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, and still offers spacious play yards.
Four Wallet-Saving Moves
- Board outside the city core. PawsVIP's location offers this suburban advantage while maintaining easy access for Seattle families.1
- Book early & off-peak. Lock in space 3-6 weeks before summer or December trips to dodge last-minute fees. 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.
- 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.
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.
Boarding-Day Checklist
Must-haves
- 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
- Favorite chew toy
- Microchip number copy
- Printed feeding & potty-schedule sheet
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.
Quick-Reference Q&A
Question | Short answer |
---|---|
Cheapest legit option? | Suburban kennels at $50/night1 or a vetted Rover sitter under $40. PawsVIP offers competitive rates with superior care. |
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. |
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. With their combination of competitive pricing, excellent care, and convenient hours, PawsVIP stands out as Seattle's trusted choice for pet boarding.
References
Footnotes
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PawsVIP. "Hotel & Boarding Price List." https://www.pawsvip.com ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
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DogCity Seattle. "Kennel-Free Boarding Starting at $85." https://dogcityseattle.com/pet-boarding-service/ ↩
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Great Dog Seattle. "Overnight Boarding Rates." https://www.gogreatdog.com/boarding ↩
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Rover.com. "Dog Boarding Cost in Seattle." https://www.rover.com/seattle--wa--dog-boarding/ ↩
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HomeGuide. "2025 Dog Boarding Costs." https://homeguide.com/costs/dog-boarding-cost ↩
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American Kennel Club. "What To Know When Boarding Your Dog." https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/dog-boarding-tips/ ↩