Short answer: Cage-free dog boarding on the North Shore runs about $80–$125 a night at Pawmenities in Lynnfield, depending on your dog's size and age. Your dog sleeps in a home-style space with staff on site around the clock, you get daily photo updates, and families from Wakefield, Reading, Peabody, Danvers and the rest of the North Shore can drop off close to home instead of driving into Boston.
Planning your first trip away from your dog is stressful. You want to know where they'll sleep, who's watching them at 2 a.m., what it costs, and what to pack. This guide covers all of it for North Shore families, from the first booking to pickup day.
What boarding costs on the North Shore
Our nightly rate depends on two things: your dog's size and their age. Rates are per dog, per night.
- Small (1–20 lb): $110 puppy, $80 adult, $90 senior
- Medium (20–50 lb): $115 puppy, $85 adult, $95 senior
- Large (50–75 lb): $120 puppy, $90 adult, $100 senior
- Extra large (75+ lb): $125 puppy, $95 adult, $105 senior
Larger dogs count as seniors sooner, because they age faster. A 10 lb, 3-year-old dog boarding for two nights comes to $160. Your exact total is confirmed by our team when your booking is approved, and optional extras like nature walks, grooming or the Slumber Package are priced separately.
Why cage-free matters
A traditional kennel puts your dog in a run for most of the day and night. In a cage-free setup your dog moves around a home-style space, rests where they feel comfortable, and spends the day with people and calm, well-matched dogs. Most dogs come home relaxed rather than wound up, because they weren't spending hours alone behind a gate. Read more in our guide to cage-free vs. kennel boarding.
Who's watching overnight
Staff are on site around the clock, including overnight. If your dog needs a late-night potty break, a medication on schedule or some reassurance at 3 a.m., someone is there. Nervous or reactive dogs are welcome too. Just tell us up front, and we'll give them individual one-on-one care away from the group.
Wondering what your dog's day looks like? See how it works →
Before your first stay
A smooth first stay mostly comes down to paperwork and packing:
- Vaccines: rabies, DHPP and Bordetella, all current. Bordetella must be within six months for dogs under one year. See vaccines required for boarding.
- Food: bring your dog's regular food, portioned or with clear feeding notes. Switching food during a stay is the most common cause of upset stomachs.
- Medications: in their original labeled containers, with times written down.
- Something from home: a blanket or worn T-shirt helps your dog settle.
Spay or neuter isn't required. Intact dogs are welcome at any age. Our boarding packing list has the full checklist.
Getting there from around the North Shore
The Lynnfield location sits near Route 1 and Route 128, so most North Shore towns are a short drive: about five minutes from Wakefield, ten from Reading, and 12–15 from Danvers or Peabody. Parking is easy. If drop-off doesn't fit your schedule, daycare members get free chauffeur pickup and drop-off. Everyone else can book a one-way ride for $25 (shared shuttle) or $40 (private chauffeur) within three miles of the location.
Holidays and busy weekends
Thanksgiving, the December holidays, February and April school vacations, and summer weekends fill up first. Book as soon as your dates are set. A deposit holds your spot, and our policies page explains cancellations.
Pairing boarding with daycare or training
Dogs that already know the space through daycare on the North Shore usually walk in for their first overnight like it's a sleepover with friends. If you're going away for a week or more, you can also turn the stay into a board & train program so your dog comes home with new skills.