If you’ve ever searched for dog boarding near Princeton and come up empty on pricing, you’re not alone. Most kennels don’t publish their rates online — which makes it hard to budget for a trip and even harder to compare your options.
This post breaks down what dog boarding typically costs in central Minnesota, what’s actually included (and what isn’t), and why the cheapest option isn’t always the best deal for your dog.
What Does Dog Boarding Cost in the Princeton, MN Area?
Boarding rates in central Minnesota generally range from around $35 to $65 per night depending on the facility, the size of your dog, and what’s included in the base rate.
At Country Pup Kennel in Princeton, overnight boarding starts at $50/night for a 3×6 or 4×6 private suite, and $58/night for a 5×6 or 8×6 family suite — ideal for multi-dog households or larger breeds that need more room.
If you’re bringing a second dog, add $47/night for standard suites or $55/night for family suites. That’s still competitive for two dogs sharing a facility that includes 24/7 awake staff and complimentary daycare — more on that below.
What’s Actually Included in the Base Rate?
This is where boarding facilities differ the most — and where the “cheap” option can quietly become the expensive one.
At CPK, every boarding stay includes:
- A private suite with a raised bed, stainless steel bowls, and daily cleaning with natural products
- Complimentary daycare — your dog joins structured play groups during the day, matched by size, age, and temperament. No add-on fee, no upgrade required.
- 24/7 awake staff actively monitoring every kennel through the night — not just someone sleeping on-site, but a team that’s actually watching
- Daily wellness checks with immediate owner notification if anything comes up
- Soothing music played throughout all kennel areas
That daycare inclusion alone changes the math significantly. At most facilities, daycare is a $20–$30/day add-on. At CPK, it’s built into every stay.
Pickup timing matters too: pick up your dog by 10am and that day is free. After 10am, a half or full daycare rate applies depending on the time — so if you’re returning from a trip, earlier is better.
Optional Add-Ons
If you want to make your dog’s stay a little extra special, CPK offers several upgrades:
- Kennel suite camera — $10/day to watch your dog from your phone, anytime
- Doggie Spa Bath — $30+ for a full wash, dry, and brush-out
- 1-on-1 Playtime — $15 for 15 minutes of individual attention
- 1-on-1 Cuddle Time — $15 for 15 minutes one-on-one
- 1-on-1 Walk — $20 to explore the 35 acres
- Kong or Frozen Treat — $5 at bedtime
None of these are required — but they’re good to know about if your dog does better with extra individual attention or you just want the peace of mind of checking in on camera.
What About Deposits and Cancellations?
CPK requires a 50% deposit at booking to hold your reservation. The remainder is due at check-in. If the deposit isn’t received, the reservation is released.
Cancellation policy:
- 72+ hours before your stay: no fee
- Within 72 hours: 25% cancellation fee
- Within 48 hours: full deposit is forfeited
- Holiday stays: non-refundable, 2-night minimum
Holiday weekends — Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas — book fast. If you’re planning travel around a holiday, reserve as early as possible.
Weekly discount: Stays of 8+ nights qualify for a discount. If you’re planning an extended trip, ask about it when you book.
What Hidden Costs Should You Watch For?
When comparing boarding facilities, a few things catch owners off guard:
- Daycare not included. Many kennels charge extra for any daytime play or supervision. A $35/night rate can quickly become $55+ once you add basic daytime care.
- Food prep fees. At CPK, food should be pre-measured per meal in labeled bags. If it’s not, there’s a $25/pet fee. Forget food entirely and they’ll feed from the shop — also $25/pet.
- Vaccination requirements. All boarding dogs must be current on DHPP or DAPP, Rabies, Bordetella, and Flea/Tick Preventative, plus a negative fecal test within the last year from your vet. Vaccinations must be given at least 2 weeks before the stay. This isn’t unique to CPK — any reputable facility requires it — but it’s worth knowing before you book.
What Makes CPK Worth the Rate?
A lot of boarding facilities are fine. Your dog sleeps in a run, gets fed twice a day, and comes home in one piece.
CPK was built around a different standard. Mark and Sam Mason founded it because they couldn’t find anywhere they’d truly trust with their own dogs. A few things you won’t find at most kennels within 50 miles:
- 24/7 awake staff — actively monitoring, not just sleeping on-site
- A negative pressure isolation room — the same technology used in hospitals, used immediately if any dog shows signs of illness
- A veterinary partnership with Zimmerman Vet Clinic for immediate care if anything comes up
- Complimentary daycare included — not an upsell
They’re also rated 4.9 stars on Google with 80+ five-star reviews in their first year. That’s not a marketing number — that’s families from Minneapolis driving an hour because they couldn’t find anything closer they trusted.
How Do You Get Started?
Every new dog at CPK starts with a free Meet & Greet — no commitment, no charge. You see the facility, they meet your dog, and you decide if it’s the right fit. Most families leave wishing they’d come in sooner.
Call 763-220-5885 to schedule yours, or request one online at countrypupkennel.com.