Whether you're heading abroad for a month, moving cross-country, or handling a family emergency, long-term dog boarding gives you a reliable way to care for your pup when a short stay just isn't enough.
This guide covers what defines long-term boarding, how much it costs, how to prepare your dog for an extended stay, and how to pick a facility that will keep your dog happy for weeks at a time.
What Counts as Long-Term Boarding?
Most boarding facilities consider these thresholds:
- Short-term: 1–3 nights
- Standard: 4–7 nights
- Long-term: 8+ nights, often 2 weeks to several months
Long-term stays usually come with different pricing, facility accommodations, and sometimes require pre-approval or a meet-and-greet before booking.
How Much Does Long-Term Boarding Cost?
Most facilities offer weekly or multi-night discounts for extended stays. Typical pricing:
| Duration | Traditional Kennel | Luxury Facility |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $175–$350 | $350–$700 |
| 2 weeks | $325–$650 | $650–$1,300 |
| 1 month | $600–$1,250 | $1,250–$2,500 |
For a deeper breakdown by state, check out our dog boarding prices guide.
Ways to Save on Long Stays
- Ask about weekly or monthly packages
- Book during off-peak times (avoid holidays)
- Consider in-home boarding for more individual care at lower rates
- Bundle services (skip spa days you don't need)
- Commit to a longer stay upfront for better rates
Types of Long-Term Boarding Facilities
Traditional Kennels
The most affordable long-term option. Dogs get their own run or kennel, scheduled meals, and group or individual playtime. Good for easygoing dogs that don't mind a structured environment.
Luxury Boarding Resorts
Private suites, webcams, extra playtime, grooming services, and sometimes even televisions or outdoor patios. Ideal for dogs that struggle with kennel environments or owners who want peace of mind.
In-Home Boarding
Your dog stays in a caretaker's home. For long stays, this can feel much more natural than a facility — your dog gets a couch, a family routine, and individual attention. Great for anxious or senior dogs.
Veterinary Boarding
Best for dogs with medical conditions or senior dogs who need monitoring. Some vet clinics offer long-term boarding with daily health checks.
Not sure which type is right for you? See our complete guide to dog boarding for a comparison.
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Long Stay
1. Do a Trial Run
Never drop your dog off for a 3-week stay without testing the facility first. Book a weekend stay or a few days of daycare to see how your dog handles the environment.
2. Update Vaccinations Early
Make sure rabies, DHPP, bordetella, and canine influenza are up to date at least 2 weeks before drop-off. Vaccines need time to take effect.
3. Pack the Essentials
- Enough food for the entire stay, plus a few extra days
- All medications with clear instructions and extra supply
- Comfort items — a bed, blanket, or favorite toy
- Detailed care notes including routines, commands, and favorite activities
- Your vet's contact info and an emergency authorization letter
4. Leave Clear Emergency Protocols
Write out exactly what should happen in different scenarios — illness, injury, behavioral changes. Leave a backup emergency contact who can make decisions if you can't be reached.
5. Manage Your Own Goodbye
Dogs read emotional cues. Keep drop-off calm and brief. A long, anxious goodbye makes the transition harder.
Staying in Touch During the Stay
Most quality facilities offer some combination of:
- Daily photo or video updates
- Live webcams in play areas
- Text or email check-ins
- Scheduled phone calls for longer stays
Ask about communication before booking. For a month-long stay, knowing your dog is doing well makes a huge difference.
What to Watch for After a Long Stay
Most dogs adjust back to home life within a few days. Watch for:
- Extra clinginess or separation anxiety (usually temporary)
- Appetite changes in the first 24–48 hours
- Minor weight loss (common and usually normal)
- Slight coat dullness from facility shampoos or stress
- Kennel cough symptoms — watch for up to 10 days after pickup
Contact your vet if any symptoms persist beyond a few days or seem severe.
Alternatives to Long-Term Boarding
If extended boarding isn't the right fit:
- In-home pet sitter — Someone stays at your home with your dog
- Friend or family care — If someone trusted can take your dog in
- House-sitter combo — Some services offer pet care plus home security
- Relocating your dog temporarily — For very long stays, moving your dog with you might be cheaper and less stressful
Find Long-Term Boarding Near You
Ready to find the right long-term boarding option? Browse dog boarding and daycare facilities in our directory and filter for facilities that accept extended stays. Ask about weekly rates, trial stays, and communication options before you commit.