Dog boarding in Denver costs $49–$70 per night at most kennels in 2026, with the metro median sitting around $50/night. That’s slightly above the national average of $45/night — but Denver’s altitude, active dog culture, and well-trained staff generally justify it. Whether you’re heading into the mountains for a ski weekend or flying out for work, here’s exactly what you’ll pay and where to book.
This guide is for informational purposes. Always contact providers directly for current pricing and availability.
Denver Dog Boarding Prices at a Glance (2026)
Denver boarding prices cluster in the $49–$70/night range for standard overnight stays. Rover sitters run lower ($26–$55/night) while luxury facilities push $70–$90/night. Here’s how the major facilities stack up:
| Facility | Overnight Rate | Daycare Included? | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bark & Play Denver | $70/night (1 dog) · $60/dog (2+) | ✅ Yes | Indoor facility |
| Club ULD Denver | $68/night | ✅ Yes | Indoor facility |
| Daily Wag Denver | $52/night | ✅ Yes (except departure day) | Indoor facility |
| Happy Tails Dog Ranch | $49/night | ✅ Yes | 22-acre ranch (Berthoud) |
| Camp Bow Wow LoDo | ~$50–55/night | ✅ Yes | Indoor facility, LoDo |
| Rover (in-home sitters) | $26–$66/night | Varies by sitter | Sitter’s home |
| Doggie Dude Ranch | ~$45–55/night | ✅ Yes + pool | Ranch/country |
Sources: facility websites, Care.com Denver data (March 2026). Rates subject to change — always confirm directly.
Holiday surcharges are common across all Denver kennels. Expect an extra $5–$15/night during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Book 2–3 weeks out minimum for holiday weekends — Denver kennels fill fast.
If you’re comparing boarding vs. leaving your dog with a pet sitter at home, the decision usually comes down to your dog’s personality and your budget. Our guide on boarding vs pet sitting breaks down the full cost comparison.
7 Best Dog Boarding Facilities in Denver, CO
Denver has a wide range of boarding options — from downtown indoor play facilities to ranch-style retreats 30 minutes north. Here are the ones consistently rated highest by Denver dog owners:
1. Bark & Play Denver
Rate: $70/night (1 dog), $60/dog for 2+ dogs
One of Denver’s most popular boarding spots, Bark & Play is a social, play-heavy facility that includes full daycare access with every overnight stay. Staff-to-dog ratios are high, and dogs sleep in a calm, supervised area overnight. Good fit for social, high-energy dogs who need stimulation.
- Daycare included with boarding
- Multi-dog household discount built in
- Well-reviewed for communication and updates to owners
2. Club ULD Denver
Rate: $68/night
Club ULD (Unleashed Dog) runs a play-group model where dogs spend their days in supervised off-leash play, then board overnight in the same familiar space. Popular with Denver dog owners who want their dogs to genuinely enjoy the stay — not just be crated.
- Dogs stay in the same space they played in all day
- Strong reputation for anxious dogs adapting well
- Located in central Denver
3. Daily Wag Denver
Rate: $52/night (includes daycare, except departure day)
Daily Wag threads the needle between price and quality — $52/night with full daycare included puts it in the mid-range while offering facilities comparable to pricier competitors. The one caveat: daycare isn’t included on the day your dog goes home. Pick up early to avoid an add-on charge.
- Good value for the price point
- Clean, well-run facility with positive reviews
- Note departure-day daycare policy before booking
4. Camp Bow Wow (LoDo & Denver Central)
Rate: ~$50–55/night
Camp Bow Wow is the national chain that local Denver owners actually use — largely because the LoDo and Denver Central locations are well-managed, consistently staffed, and convenient for downtown residents. Live webcam access lets you check in on your dog any time. Owner-operated since 2008.
- Live webcam access 24/7
- Standardized safety protocols across locations
- Convenient for Capitol Hill, Five Points, LoDo residents
5. Happy Tails Dog Ranch (Berthoud / North Denver area)
Rate: $49/night (includes daycare)
If your dog does better with open space than indoor kennels, Happy Tails — 22 acres between Boulder and Fort Collins — is worth the 45-minute drive. At $49/night with daycare included, it’s the best value on this list. Intact dogs over 8 months add $10/night.
- 22 acres, open-air ranch environment
- $49/night all-in — best price on this list
- Multi-dog family discount: 10% off same-kennel bookings
- Best for dogs that get anxious in urban indoor facilities
6. Doggie Dude Ranch (Watkins, CO)
Rate: ~$45–55/night (includes pool access, seasonal)
East of Denver near Watkins, Doggie Dude Ranch is a full country-style resort with an in-ground dog pool (seasonal), open play areas, and a “luxury all-inclusive” positioning. Long-stay discounts kick in at 10 nights (10% off), 20 nights (15% off), and 30 nights (20% off) — worth noting if you travel frequently.
- In-ground pool for dogs (seasonal)
- Long-stay discounts up to 20%
- Free bath included with 5-night stays
7. Rover (In-Home Sitters Across Denver)
Rate: $26–$66/night
For dogs who do better one-on-one than in group settings, Rover connects you with local in-home sitters across every Denver neighborhood. The wide price range reflects experience and location — sitters in Washington Park and Cherry Creek typically charge more than those in Aurora or Arvada. Read reviews carefully and book a meet-and-greet first.
- One-on-one attention in a home environment
- Good option for anxious dogs or senior dogs
- Vet your sitter with reviews and a meet-and-greet
Types of Dog Boarding in Denver: Which Is Right for Your Dog?
Not every dog does well in every boarding setup. Denver offers three main styles — and matching your dog’s personality to the right type makes a real difference.
Group Play Boarding
Most Denver kennels (Club ULD, Bark & Play, Camp Bow Wow) run this model: dogs spend the day in supervised off-leash play groups, then sleep in individual spaces overnight. Best for: social, vaccinated dogs who like other dogs. Not ideal for dogs with a history of dog-on-dog aggression.
Ranch / Outdoor Boarding
Facilities like Happy Tails Dog Ranch and Doggie Dude Ranch offer open acreage, less concrete, and a calmer pace. Best for: high-energy dogs, breeds that don’t do well in small indoor spaces, or dogs that get anxious in urban settings. Expect a 30–45 minute drive from central Denver.
In-Home Sitter Boarding (Rover)
A local sitter hosts your dog at their house. Smaller group, more personal attention, home environment. Best for: anxious dogs, senior dogs, dogs that don’t play well with others, or dogs used to a quieter household. Vet your sitter thoroughly — quality varies significantly.
Veterinary Boarding
Some Denver vet clinics offer overnight boarding, often at lower rates. Not always the most stimulating environment, but good for dogs with medical needs requiring supervision. If your dog is on medication or recovering from a procedure, this is worth asking your vet about. For help understanding vet costs in Denver, see our overview of vet care costs in 2026.
What’s Included — and What Costs Extra
Denver kennels have gotten better at “all-inclusive” pricing, but there are still add-ons that can quietly inflate your bill. Here’s what to ask about before you book:
| Service | Usually Included? | Extra Cost If Not |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime group play | ✅ Most Denver facilities | $20–30/day add-on |
| Meals (your food provided) | ✅ Yes | $5–10/meal if facility feeds |
| Medication administration | ❌ Usually extra | $5–15/day |
| Bath/grooming on departure | ❌ Usually extra | $30–65 depending on breed |
| Report cards / photo updates | ✅ Most facilities | — |
| Holiday surcharge | ❌ Almost always extra | $5–15/night |
| Late pickup fee | ❌ Extra if past checkout | Full day of daycare (~$26–35) |
Pro tip: Always ask about the late pickup policy. Several Denver facilities charge a full day of daycare if you pick up even one hour past their checkout time. Happy Tails, for example, charges $26 extra for late pickups on weekdays.
If your dog needs a bath before coming home, it’s often cheaper to book that separately at a grooming salon. Check our guide on how much dog grooming costs in 2026 for Denver-area grooming prices.
How to Choose the Right Dog Boarding Facility in Denver
Denver has dozens of boarding options, so the real challenge is matching your dog to the right environment. Here’s what actually matters:
Check vaccination requirements before you tour
Every reputable Denver facility requires proof of rabies, DHPP (distemper/parvo), and Bordetella (kennel cough). Some also require canine influenza vaccination. Have your vet records ready — most places won’t board without them on file.
Ask about your dog’s typical group size
Group-play facilities vary enormously. “Play group” can mean 6 dogs or 40 dogs. If your dog is small, anxious, or reactive, ask explicitly how many dogs will be in their group and whether there’s separation by size/temperament. This single question tells you more about a facility than most marketing claims.
Visit in person — unannounced if possible
A quick visit during daytime hours tells you more than any review. Watch how staff interact with dogs in the play area. Check that floors are clean and dry. If a facility is reluctant to show you around during business hours, that’s a red flag.
Book a trial day before a long stay
Most Denver facilities offer a daycare trial day (often discounted) before an overnight booking. Use it. You’ll know immediately if the facility is a good fit — and your dog won’t be stressed out during a week-long work trip.
Consider distance from your home or airport
Drop-off when you’re rushing to DIA is real. Camp Bow Wow LoDo, Club ULD, and Bark & Play Denver are all central. For those flying out of DIA, a facility in Aurora or Stapleton might actually save you 30 minutes each way.
Dog Boarding by Denver Neighborhood
Denver’s boarding facilities aren’t evenly distributed. Here’s a rough guide to what’s accessible by area:
- LoDo / Downtown Denver: Camp Bow Wow LoDo — convenient for downtown residents, walker-accessible
- Central / Highlands: Bark & Play Denver, Club ULD Denver — most popular for central Denver neighborhoods
- South Denver / Englewood: K-9 Castle (Denver/Lakewood) — well-regarded for south side families
- Aurora / Southeast Denver: Camp Bow Wow Denver Southeast — convenient before DIA trips
- North Denver / Boulder corridor: Happy Tails Dog Ranch (Berthoud) — best ranch option, 45 min from Denver
- East Denver / Watkins: Doggie Dude Ranch — country resort feel, 30 min east of downtown
- All neighborhoods: Rover in-home sitters are available metro-wide
If you’re still deciding between boarding and a local dog walker for shorter trips, our comparison of how much dog boarding costs nationally gives useful context on whether Denver’s prices are in line with what you’d pay elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Boarding in Denver
How much does dog boarding cost in Denver, CO in 2026?
Dog boarding in Denver averages $49–$70 per night at established kennels, with a metro median of around $50/night as of 2026. Rover in-home sitters run lower at $26–$55/night. Most facilities include daytime group play in the overnight rate.
What vaccines does my dog need for boarding in Denver?
Most Denver boarding facilities require rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella (kennel cough). Some also require the canine influenza vaccine. Bring printed proof from your vet — facilities typically need records on file 48–72 hours before your first stay.
How far in advance should I book dog boarding in Denver?
For regular weekends, 1–2 weeks advance is usually sufficient. For holiday periods — Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, Labor Day — book 3–4 weeks out. Denver kennels fill up quickly during ski season and major holiday weekends.
Are there dog boarding options near Denver International Airport?
Yes. Camp Bow Wow Denver Southeast is a convenient drop-off for DIA travelers. Several Rover sitters in Stapleton, Aurora, and Green Valley Ranch areas are also close to the airport with flexible pickup/drop-off timing.
What’s the difference between boarding and dog daycare in Denver?
Daycare means your dog visits for daytime hours and comes home at night. Boarding includes overnight stays. Many Denver facilities offer both — and most include daytime group play as part of the boarding rate.
Is Rover a reliable option for dog boarding in Denver?
Rover can be excellent in Denver — the city has a large community of experienced pet sitters. The key is vetting: read at least 10 reviews, check for recent activity, and always do a meet-and-greet before booking an overnight.
Do Denver kennels charge extra for large dogs?
Some do, some don’t. Bark & Play and Club ULD price by the stay rather than weight. Others may charge $5–15 more per night for dogs over 50 lbs. Always confirm the rate for your dog’s specific size when inquiring.
Ready to Book Dog Boarding in Denver?
Denver is genuinely one of the better cities in the US for dog boarding — good facilities, reasonable prices, and plenty of options across every neighborhood and budget. The $49–$70/night range puts you in well-staffed, play-inclusive facilities. Go lower with Rover for one-on-one home care; go higher if you want luxury suites or specialized care.
The most important thing: visit in person and book a trial day before committing to a week-long stay. Your dog will thank you.
Browse verified dog boarding listings in Denver, CO to compare options, read reviews, and find the right fit for your dog.
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