Boarding your rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, or other small pet requires finding someone you trust to handle specialized care while you're away. Unlike dog or cat boarding, small animal facilities are rarer and demand expertise in feeding, habitat maintenance, and temperament handling that not every pet sitter possesses. Here's what you need to know about costs, what's included, and how to find the right care.
Why Small Animal Boarding Differs from Traditional Pet Care
Small animals have specific environmental needs that go beyond daily feeding. A guinea pig needs consistent temperature control, hay rotation, and social interaction. A hamster requires a quiet space away from stress. Rabbits need daily exercise outside their enclosures and hay that's fresh daily. Standard pet boarding facilities often lack the setup, knowledge, or willingness to meet these demands, which is why many small animal owners struggle to find suitable boarding options.
Typical Pricing for Small Animal Boarding
Boarding costs for small animals typically range from $15–$40 per day, depending on the animal type, facility location, and services included.
- Rodents (hamsters, gerbils, mice): $10–$20/day
- Guinea pigs & rabbits: $20–$40/day
- Exotic small animals (chinchillas, degus): $25–$50/day
Facilities in urban areas or those with specialized exotic animal experience charge on the higher end. Some facilities offer discounts for multiple animals (e.g., $5 off per additional pet). Weekly rates sometimes offer 10–15% savings compared to daily pricing. Additional services like medication administration, special dietary needs, or enrichment activities add $5–$15/day.
What's Typically Included in Boarding
Most reputable small animal boarding providers include:
- Daily feeding with owner-supplied or facility food
- Fresh water (usually changed twice daily)
- Bedding changes and basic enclosure cleaning
- Temperature-controlled housing
- Handling and basic socialization
- Photo updates (increasingly common)
Many facilities require you to drop off your pet's existing food, hay, bedding, and any medications to ensure continuity and avoid digestive upset. Some won't accept animals unless you bring their current diet. Check whether the facility provides enclosure space or if you need to bring your pet's own cage setup.
Finding and Vetting a Small Animal Boarding Provider
Start by calling local veterinary clinics that specialize in exotic or small animals—they often have boarding referrals or offer it themselves. Search online for "small animal boarding near me" or "rabbit boarding [your city]," then read reviews specifically mentioning care quality and animal condition upon return.
When you contact a facility, ask these questions:
- Do they have experience with your specific animal type?
- What's their temperature and humidity control like?
- How often are animals fed and watered daily?
- What's their policy on medication administration?
- Can you bring your pet's food and current bedding?
- Do they require vaccination records (less common than for dogs, but worth asking)?
- Can you visit the facility beforehand?
Request a trial stay of 1–2 days before committing to a longer boarding period. This gives your pet time to acclimate and lets you observe how the facility operates.
Pre-Boarding Preparation Checklist
Schedule a visit 1–2 weeks before your departure to discuss details and potentially do a trial stay. Provide written care instructions covering feeding amounts, water schedule, temperature preferences, and any behavioral quirks. Bring enough food and hay for the entire stay—ideally in sealed containers with dates marked.
Pack any necessary medications, a comfort item (like a small cloth from home), and emergency contact information. Confirm the exact drop-off and pick-up times, cancellation policies, and payment methods. Leave your veterinarian's contact information in case of health issues.
When to Book and How Far Ahead
Small animal boarding fills quickly during holidays and summer vacation. Book 4–8 weeks in advance for peak travel seasons (December, summer break). For off-season trips, 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient.
Mercoly helps you compare trusted small animal boarding providers, check availability, and read verified customer reviews all in one place, saving time on your search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I board my small animal at a traditional dog and cat facility? Most standard pet boarding facilities aren't equipped for small animal care—they lack proper temperature control, appropriate handling knowledge, and specialized housing. Always ask about small animal experience before booking.
Q: What happens if my pet gets sick while boarding? Reputable facilities contact you immediately and take your pet to the emergency vet if needed. Clarify whether you'll be charged for vet visits and ensure your contact information is clear and accessible.
Q: Is it cheaper to hire a pet sitter instead of boarding? Pet sitters typically charge $15–$30 per visit, and small animals need daily care, so costs are similar. Sitters work best for shorter absences (under 5 days) but require trusted access to your home.
Find a certified small animal boarding provider near you today using Mercoly's vetted supplier directory.