Best Dog Daycares & Helpful Resources

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FAQs

• Introduction

  It can be stressful for dog parents to leave their fur babies alone at home while they’re away. They worry about their pooch being anxious, lonely, bored, and destructive. Plus, safety is a concern, along with the fear that their dog will leave unwelcome surprises for them in their home. If that describes you, dog daycare may be the solution.

  
  

  Doggie daycare can help socialize your pup while ensuring that they have care, exercise, regular potty breaks, and safe supervision. Dog owners who use doggy daycare services provide additional reasons for their choice. It can offer a better quality of life for their four-legged friends, keep homes free of pet messes, and help with canine health and physical fitness.

• What is a dog daycare?

  Dog daycare is on-site, supervised daily care for dogs. Pet owners bring their animals to the daycare location on their way to work, then return at the end of the day to pick them up. There are commercial doggie daycare facilities and private, in-home options. Commercial daycare businesses usually have more staff and more dog clients than private ones.

• What happens at doggy daycare?

  Reputable, well-rated dog daycare operations typically offer several activities for the dogs they care for. That includes walks, playtime, naps, dog food, and water. Some providers also offer companionship, snuggles, and special options, such as dispensing medication, grooming, and training. When choosing a doggy daycare, ask about all the available services and whether visits or video observation are available.

• Should I take my dog to daycare?

  Answers to the following questions can help you decide on doggie daycare services.
  

  • Are you away from home for several hours most days of the week?
  • Does your pup engage in destructive behavior while you’re gone?
  • Is your pooch crated for several hours every day?
  • Does your dog walker report issues?

  These concerns may indicate the need for doggy daycare.
  

• How much is doggy daycare per day?

  Rates vary, depending on location, demand, and competition. But the national average typically ranges from $25 to $40 per day. Half-day rates may also be available. Commercial dog daycare centers commonly charge a bit more than in-home providers. Many facilities offer price breaks on weekly and monthly packages as well as discounts to multiple dog families.  
  

• How do I know if my dog likes daycare?

  The following are signs your pup likes doggy daycare. She falls asleep on the ride home, exhausted from a full day of activity or she quivers with excitement when you mention the daycare and is beside herself with joy leaving the house. Also look to see if your pup exhibits positive body language at the daycare — like a wagging tail that means they're eager to see everyone.

• How do I prepare my dog for daycare?

  They’ll be around other dogs all day, playing and interacting. So, take your pup to a dog park several times for an introduction to dog language with other canines. Bring your fur baby to the daycare to meet the staff before using the service. Plus, walk your pup before drop-off and be upbeat and positive to avoid stress.

• Do dogs learn bad habits at daycare?

  Most doggie parents happily report that their pooches don’t pick up bad habits at daycare. Though it’s not unheard of. But adequate supervision and ample activity typically keeps your pup too busy and happy to act out. If you do notice your dog exhibiting new, unwelcome behaviors — like excessive whining or barking — rule out anxiety first.

• Is a doggy daycare good for dogs?

  Sending dogs to daycare rather than leaving them home alone all day is beneficial for most pups. They get the social interaction and activity they crave. That’s typically a good idea for puppies and adolescent canines, especially high-energy breeds. However, anxious, fearful, aggressive, or reactive canines may not do well in this environment.

• When can dogs go to daycare?

  Doggy daycare providers rarely take puppies younger than 12 weeks of age. Your dog must also be dewormed and up-to-date on vaccinations. Intact females should not go to dog daycare while they’re in heat. Finally, keep sick and contagious pups home. Get treatment and wait until they’re fully recovered to take them back to daycare.

• Is doggy daycare good for puppies?

  Doggy daycare can be a wonderful experience for puppies that are at least 12 weeks old. They learn how to behave around other dogs. Also, lots of activity means they’re less likely to be bored and become destructive at home. Early positive exposure to other dogs also helps prevent your pooch from developing anxiety or aggressive behavior towards other canines.

• Can unneutered dogs go to daycare?

  It’s rare to find a dog daycare provider that accepts dogs who haven’t been neutered. That’s because intact male dogs tend to be territorial, more dominant, and often aggressive around other canines. This may cause problems and legal liability issues.

• Does dog daycare help with socialization?

  The doggy daycare experience can help your pooch maintain socialization skills. However, don’t count on a daycare provider to be the sole means of teaching your pup socialization. Dogs who already enjoy being around other canines are the best candidates for dog daycare. Daily interaction then helps build on and improve that positive behavior. 
  

• Is doggy daycare safe?

  Safety is a critical standard for dog daycare. So, choose your provider carefully. Tour the facility first. Look for cleanliness, adequate lighting, a high staff-to-dog ratio, and separate areas for large canines, small dogs, and puppies. Roomy indoor play areas and fenced-in outdoor spaces are also good signs. Finally, be sure the facility is bonded and insured. 
  

• Does doggy daycare help with separation anxiety?

  Separation anxiety is typically caused by undependable schedules, the introduction of new people, the loss of a family member, or a move. Separation anxiety can be awful for your four-legged companion. Fortunately, doggy daycare is an effective countermeasure. It gives your dog a dependable routine with lots of mental stimulation and physical exercise, lessening the effects of separation anxiety.

• Does Disney have dog daycare?

  Walt Disney World’s Best Friends Pet Care provides doggy daycare to guests while they enjoy the park. It features 17,000 square feet of indoor space and 10,000 square feet of outdoor play areas and dog runs. There’s also a 25,000 square-foot dog park. The daycare employs 75 pet care providers.

• Do you need a license to run a doggie daycare?

  Licensing requirements for dog daycare centers vary, depending on the jurisdiction. No federal licensing requirement exists. So, many state, county, and local governments establish laws, regulations, and ordinances for businesses that board animals. Check with your local government administration office and your state board of agriculture to learn about any licensing or permitting requirements in your area.