Booking your dog into boarding for the first time usually comes with one immediate question: what this is going to cost?
Prices vary more than people expect, based on size, AC vs non-AC kennels, whether food is included, and add-ons like swimming or grooming.
Here's a clear breakdown of what to expect, and what to watch for.
Quick answer: standard dog boarding in Chennai typically runs ₹700-1,200 per night, with daycare around ₹500-800 per day. Rates go up for larger dogs, AC kennels, and included food, and can run higher at facilities offering pool access, grooming, or premium amenities.
What Drives the Price
Dog size. Most facilities charge more for medium, large, and giant breeds than for small dogs, since larger dogs need more space and food.
AC vs non-AC kennels. Air-conditioned kennels typically cost more than fan-cooled ones, though given Chennai's climate, this is usually worth paying for rather than a place to cut costs.
Whether food is included. Some facilities bundle food into the nightly rate, others charge it separately per meal. Always ask specifically, since "₹800 a night" can mean very different total costs depending on this one detail.
Length of stay. Some facilities offer lower per-night rates for longer stays, worth asking about directly if you're planning an extended trip.
Add-ons. Swimming and grooming sessions are usually priced separately from the base boarding rate, and can add up meaningfully if booked daily.
Typical Price Ranges in Chennai
Day boarding/daycare: roughly ₹800 per day, excluding food.
Overnight boarding: roughly ₹700-1,200 per night, excluding food, for standard facilities. Premium or resort-style boarding can run higher.
Food: if charged separately, typically ₹200-250 per meal, depending on the facility.
Grooming: roughly ₹800-1,500 for a basic package (bath, dry, nails, ears), more for full styling.
Swimming: roughly ₹800-1,500 per session where available as a standalone service.
These are general market ranges, not a quote, actual pricing varies by facility and location within the city.
Questions to Ask Before Assuming a Quoted Price Is the Full Cost
Does this include food, or is that separate? This single question changes the real total more than almost anything else.
Are there extra charges for AC kennels specifically? Some facilities price this as a separate tier.
What's included in a "day" or "night," exactly? Playtime, walks, and supervision levels can vary even at similar price points.
Is pricing published anywhere, or do I have to ask each time? Facilities that publish their rates upfront tend to be more consistent about what you're paying for.
Is there a custom rate for regular use? If you're boarding for 15 days or more, ask whether the facility offers anything beyond the standard per-day rate.
What Boarding Costs at Sam's Pawmates
Everything here is priced individually and published upfront, so there's no guessing before you book:
Day Boarding: ₹800 (9am-6pm, food charged separately)
Overnight Boarding: ₹1,000 per night (food charged separately)
Meals: ₹175 per meal, home-cooked egg, chicken, vegetable, or curd rice, or send your dog's usual food instead
Swimming: ₹1,000 per session
Dog Run: ₹500 per session
Basic Shower (after swimming): ₹800
Basic Grooming: ₹1,200 (shampoo bath, drying, nail clipping, ear cleaning)
Monthly Swimming Package: ₹5,000 (5 swims plus 1 free, weekdays only)
Pawdate Package: ₹3,300 (swimming, socialising, and grooming in one day)
Custom packages start at 15+ days of boarding, on request rather than the standard per-day rate each time.
We're based in Chennai, in OMR Perumbakkam. 34 individually air-conditioned kennels are included in the standard boarding rate, not an upgrade you have to pay extra for.
Getting a Clear Answer Before You Book
The real cost of boarding almost always comes down to what's included versus what's charged separately, ask that question directly with any facility you're considering, and use published pricing (where available) as a genuine signal of how transparent a place is likely to be about everything else too.
If you'd like a full breakdown before booking, get in touch with Sam's Pawmates or check current pricing directly on our site.
Sam's Pawmates is named after Sam, a Golden Retriever who's very much a real dog and not just a mascot. Every part of the space, from the pool to the kennels to how staff spend time with each dog, was built around what we'd want for him. That's the standard we hold every dog who stays with us to.