| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Rescue / adoption | $350–$700 |
| Pet store / standard | $1,050–$2,100 |
| Reputable breeder | $2,100–$4,200 |
| Show quality / rare | $4,200–$8,400 |
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| Boarding Type | Per Night | 1-Week Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic kennel run | $25–$45 | $175–$315 |
| Standard boarding (indoor/outdoor) | $35–$55 | $245–$385 |
| Luxury boarding (suite, webcam) | $50–$85 | $350–$595 |
| In-home boarding (Rover, sitter) | $30–$60 | $210–$420 |
| Dog daycare (daily drop-off) | $25–$50 | — |
Holiday weeks (Christmas, Thanksgiving, July 4th) book up 2–3 months in advance and charge 20–50% surge pricing. Rover and Wag in-home sitters ($30–$60/night) are often a better value than kennels — your dog stays in a home environment with more individual attention. Daycare packages ($300–$500/month for unlimited days) are worth it for high-energy breeds that need daily socialization and exercise while you work. Payment plans and financing options are increasingly available for larger purchases, often with 0% interest for qualified buyers. Getting at least three quotes from different providers ensures you find the best combination of price, quality, and service for your specific needs.
The total cost of kennel depends on your approach to launch. A bootstrapped startup focusing on essentials will spend a fraction of what a fully-equipped operation requires. The key decision is how much infrastructure you need before generating revenue versus what can be added as the business grows.
Ongoing costs are often underestimated relative to startup costs. Monthly expenses like rent, utilities, insurance, software subscriptions, marketing, and payroll add up quickly. Model your monthly burn rate carefully and ensure you have sufficient runway to reach profitability.