How Much Does Dog Sitting & Dog Boarding Cost in Canada? 2026 Price Guide
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View 2 More +There’s nothing better than planning a vacation, but if you have a dog, you’ll have to consider how they will be taken care of while you’re away. Should you hire a dog sitter or take your pup to a boarding facility? There are advantages and disadvantages to each, along with costs to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of dog sitting and dog boarding in Canada to help you budget accordingly.
Reasons to Consider Dog Sitting Over Dog Boarding
There are many reasons to consider hiring a professional dog sitter when you're away from home.
A few benefits of hiring a sitter over boarding your dog in a facility:
Unfortunately, hiring an in-home dog sitter isn’t the answer for everyone, and it comes with a few downsides.
- You have to hire a trustworthy professional: You’ll want to do background research on any pet sitter you hire. No specific qualifications are required to advertise dog-sitting services, so it can be tricky to ensure that you’re hiring a trustworthy professional.
- A stranger is staying in your home: Ask yourself whether you are comfortable with a stranger having full access to your home while you’re away.
Reasons to Consider Dog Boarding over Dog Sitting
Dog boarding involves taking your dog to a facility where it will be cared for alongside other dogs. This is usually a less expensive choice than hiring a personalized pet sitter, but it has its own pros and cons.
Here are a few advantages of dog boarding:
Disadvantages of dog boarding:
How Much Does Dog Sitting & Dog Boarding Cost?
The cost of dog sitting depends on various factors, including the length of time needed, the location, and the type of service required. Generally, dog sitting rates start at around $25 per day. However, if you live in a major city or require special services (such as overnight stays or walks), you can expect to pay closer to $40–$50 per day.
Cost of Dog Boarding by Province
The cost of dog boarding can vary greatly depending on your province. For example, in Alberta, the average dog boarding cost is $25 per night. However, the average cost in Quebec is only $15 per night.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
When trying to figure out how much dog sitting will cost, it's important to consider any additional costs that may arise. For example, if you're hiring a dog sitter to stay at your house while you're away, you'll need to factor in the cost of food and any other supplies that they'll need. Additionally, if you have a particularly high-energy dog, you may need to pay for extra walks or playtime.
Some dog sitters offer additional services like bathing and grooming, which can add to the overall cost. That said, these services can be worth it if it means your dog will be comfortable and relaxed while you're away.
Ultimately, the cost of dog sitting will vary depending on your individual needs and the services that you select. By taking into account all the potential costs up front, you can be sure you're getting the best possible value for your money.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Sitting & Dog Boarding?
If you're like most pet parents, you want to do everything that you can to keep your furry family member healthy and happy. Part of that includes making sure they're taken care of while you’re away. The costs of dog sitting or boarding can add up. Does pet insurance cover dog sitting?
The answer is maybe. It depends on the specific policy and the type of coverage that you have. Some policies will cover dog sitting if it's considered medically necessary, while others will only cover expenses related to accidents or illnesses.
To be sure, check with your insurance company before you book a dog sitter. That way, you'll know exactly what is and isn't covered.
Conclusion
The cost of dog sitting and boarding can vary considerably depending on where you live and the type of care that you wish your dog to receive. There are pros and cons to hiring an in-home sitter or taking your dog to a boarding facility. You can expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $50 per day, depending on your care type.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Jayme Burrows, Shutterstock
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Chelsie is a freelance writer who is passionate about helping owners and pets live their best lives. She resides in rural Alberta, Canada with her husband and two sons, and is currently a pet parent to four horses, four cats, and a Border Collie .
