If you're planning a trip and pricing out where your dog will stay, you've probably noticed that boarding rates in Orlando are all over the map. Some places list one low nightly number. Others don't list prices at all. We think pet parents deserve a straight answer, so here it is.

The short answer

Most dog boarding in the Orlando area falls somewhere between about $40 and $100 or more per night, depending on the type of room, how much play and attention is included, and the time of year. At The Ark Pet Spa and Hotel in the Packing District, a standard room is $65 per night and a suite is $90 per night, with daytime play included.

What does dog boarding cost per day?

A nightly boarding rate usually covers one overnight plus the day around it. The real question is what that rate includes. At many facilities, the base price covers the room only, and play time, walks, and extras are added on. At The Ark, boarding dogs spend the day in our supervised playgroups with our daycare pups, then head back to their rooms for scheduled meals and rest. That play time is part of the stay, not an add-on.

• Standard room: $65 per night
• Suite: $90 per night, with more space and a quieter setting
• Each additional dog sharing a room: 40% off
• Cats: $36 per night in a dedicated cat room
• Optional home-cooked meals from Rick's Dog Deli: $5 per day

What does it cost to board a dog for 3 days?

For a typical long weekend, three nights in a standard room at The Ark is $195. In a suite, it's $270. Bringing two dogs who share a room? The second pup is 40% off, so three nights for two dogs in a standard room comes to $312.

Why is dog boarding so expensive?

It's a fair question. A quality boarding stay is closer to a hotel and a full day of care than a place to sleep. Here's what goes into the rate:

• Trained people. Our team is trained in pet behavior, playgroup management, and pet CPR and first aid.
• Supervised play all day. Dogs are grouped by size and playstyle and watched by staff, not left alone in a run.
• Cleaning. We use veterinarian-grade disinfectants and follow or exceed industry cleaning standards.
• Safety systems. Monitored security, smoke, carbon monoxide, motion, and temperature alarms, plus 24/7 video surveillance.
• Peace of mind. Live pet cams so you can check in from wherever you are.

When you compare prices, compare what's included. A lower nightly rate that charges separately for play, walks, or check-ins can end up costing more than an all-inclusive stay.

What is the cheapest way to board a dog?

The lowest price isn't always the lowest cost, but there are smart ways to save:

• Stay longer. At The Ark, stays of 6 or more nights get 10% off plus a free kennel bath. Stays of 12 or more nights get 20% off plus a free kennel bath.
• Room together. Siblings sharing a room save 40% on each additional dog.
• Bring your own food. House food is available, but bringing your dog's regular food keeps costs down and keeps tummies happy.
• Book early and avoid peak dates when you can (more on that below).

Holiday and peak season pricing

Like hotels and airlines, boarding facilities see the most demand around holidays and summer travel. At The Ark, nightly rates increase 10% during peak periods, including November 22 to December 2 and December 20 to January 2, and a 2-night minimum applies on those dates. Holiday rooms fill fast, so we recommend booking Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's stays as early as possible.

What you need before your dog's first stay

• Proof of current Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper/Parvo vaccines
• Dogs 8 months and older must be spayed or neutered
• A completed assessment day, so we can get to know your dog's personality and playstyle
• A 25% deposit at booking

There are no breed restrictions. We assess every dog as an individual.

The bottom line

In Orlando, you can expect to pay roughly $40 to $100 or more per night for dog boarding. The best value is a stay where your dog is genuinely cared for, played with, and safe, and where you can see it for yourself on a pet cam. That's what we've built at The Ark.

Ready to book? Reserve your dog's stay through our online portal or call us at 407-777-2710. And when you pick up, Dougie's Dog Bar is right next door if you'd like to celebrate the reunion.