Your dog may act bored while you work from home, or maybe you’re gone for hours and don’t want to leave them alone. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says your dog shouldn’t be alone more than six to eight hours a day without human company.
Doggie day care may be a good option for you and your pup. It gives them a chance to interact and play with other dogs and people. That can help prevent separation anxiety. It also gives them exercise and mental stimulation.
But is your dog cut out for all that activity? And how do you find the perfect place?
Will Your Dog Like Day Care?
You know your pup and their personality. Do they love meeting new friends at the dog park? Are they happy when you run into other dogs and people on a walk? If your dog loves playing with other dogs and has been socialized with lots of pups and people, there’s a good chance they’ll like doggie day care.
It can be great for energetic dogs who do well with lots of running and playtime. It’s made for dogs who like other dogs as well as mental and physical activity.
Dogs are usually very social animals. But how much time they like to spend with other dogs or people can depend on lots of things, such as their age, breed, and health.
Some dogs don’t like other dogs or may not have the energy or tolerance for group play. Doggie day care may not be a good option for them. It’s likely not a good option for dogs that “resource guard,” or protect their toys, food, or people by growling.
Most day cares and boarding facilities require a temperament test before your dog can stay there. That usually involves introducing them to people and other dogs to make sure they’re friendly with both. Workers will look to see if your dog is stressed or scared while they’re there.
“Make sure the test is done with a dog that has the same temperament, play style, and size as your dog,” says Susie Aga, certified dog trainer and behaviorist, and owner and founder of Atlanta Dog Trainer. A temperament test done with a calm senior dog won’t be useful if your pup will be playing in a rowdy group of young dogs.
Be wary of choosing a facility that doesn’t require a temperament test. You want to make sure the other dogs your dog might play with are well-socialized and get along with others.
Some dogs want to play right away, while others might be stressed by the other dogs or the loud environment. You should be able to tell pretty quickly if your dog is happy or unhappy in a day care situation.
Choosing a Doggie Day Care or Boarding Kennel
Make sure the place you choose for your dog is a good fit. It should be safe and clean. There should be a good team working with the dogs.
When choosing a doggie day care, start by asking your veterinarian, groomer, friends, and family about any facilities they recommend. Ask them what they liked and what kind of experiences their dogs had.
When you have a few options our list, call the doggie day care and ask:
- Can I stop by anytime for a visit so I can see the day care on a normal day?
- Do they require all dogs to be up-to-date on vaccinations and flea/tick control? Which vaccinations do they require? Is there a required waiting time after your dog gets those?
- How many dogs play together at any one time? Are they separated by size?
- Are there both indoor and outdoor play areas in case the weather is bad?
- How many play areas are there?
- What training do staff members have? (They should be trained to understand dog body language and how to de-escalate stressful situations.)
- Do staff members know first aid for dogs?
- What’s the staff-to-dog ratio? Watching too many dogs at once is hard for both dogs and people. Some organizations recommend a maximum of 10-15 dogs per staff member.
- Are there webcams so I can check on my dog?
- What happens if my dog gets sick or hurt? Which vet do they use?
- Ask about pricing and when dogs can be dropped off and picked up. Are there extra fees if you’re late? What’s the cancellation policy?
- Is it less expensive to buy a package of day care visits?
- How long has the facility been in business? Can you talk to other pet parents about why they chose this doggie day care?
Many doggie day care facilities offer boarding for overnight stays. If you’re interested in that, ask extra questions, such as:
- Can I bring bedding, toys, and food from home? If I don’t bring my dog’s food, what food will they get at day care?
- How often are dogs alone and how often can they play in a group?
- Where do they sleep? How big is their run or kennel?
- Does a staff member spend the night at the facility?
- Do rates include extras such as giving medicine, baths, playtime, or walks?
Doggie Day Care Red Flags
When you visit a doggie day care, look for possible warning signs. They may include:
One big group of dogs. “Make sure there aren’t too many dogs in one area,” says Aga. “It depends on the size of the room or the play yard, but dogs should have plenty of room to run and play.” If they’re all in one huge group, it might not be the safest for every dog. They should be separated by energy level and age, too. You don’t want to see older, calmer dogs forced to hang out with unpredictable, energetic puppies.
Not enough people. There should be plenty of attentive employees keeping an eye on the dogs. They should notice if play gets out of hand, or if any dogs look scared or injured. They should be watching dogs all the time.
Dirtiness or disarray. Poop should be picked up immediately, with pooper scoopers or mop buckets readily available. Fences and gates shouldn’t be rusty, broken, or sagging. Facilities should look and smell clean.
No temperament test. Be wary of a day care that doesn’t require a temperament test for new dogs. The test should be done with a dog that’s similar to the size, energy, and play style of your dog.
Visiting a Doggie Day Care or Boarding Facility
Once a place sounds promising, go see it in person. Look around to see where the dogs play, sleep, and meet some of the workers. Look for things such as:
- Does it smell clean or does it smell like deodorizers are covering up odors? Cleanliness and good ventilation are important to avoid diseases from spreading.
- Do fences and crates look secure? Are there any gaps in fences or gates where my dog could escape or get hurt? Are there rusty spots or rough edges? Are there objects by the fence that my dog might climb on and escape?
- How do employees act with dogs? Are they loving and playful?
- Is there fresh water available at all times and in many places?
- Is poop cleaned up quickly?
- Is there a quiet spot where dogs can go if they’re overwhelmed and need a break?
- Are indoor areas kept at a comfortable temperature? Are there shaded areas outside?
- Will I get a daily report on my pet?
How to Tell if Your Dog Likes Doggie Day Care
Your dog should come home from day care tired but happy. They should be relaxed and not stressed after playing all day.
When you drop off your pup, their tail should be wagging and they should be alert. That means they’re excited to arrive and ready to play. They should be happy when they see and hear other dogs and people.
If you have to urge your dog to go in, then it’s probably not a good fit. You might find a different place they like better. Consider that day care might not be fun for your pet.
You know your dog best, so trust your instincts. It can be hard for your pet to be away from you. But they should have fun when they hang out with their canine buddies.
How Much Does Doggie Day Care Cost?
How much doggie day care costs depends on many factors including where you live, the facility, and any extras that might be offered. Half days are typically less costly than full days of care. Many centers offer packages, so buying 10 or 20 days in advance can reduce the overall cost.
In general, day care ranges from about $30 to $60 per day, says Aga. Just be sure to ask if the cost includes everything or if you have to pay extra for things such as nap time, medication, or temperament tests before you can even enroll. Some places also offer extra services, like grooming, training, or late pickup, for a fee.
Takeaways
- Doggie day care gives your dog a chance to interact and play with other dogs, which can ease boredom and help prevent separation anxiety.
- Make sure the day care you choose is a good fit for your dog. Ask your vet, groomer, or dog-owning friends to make recommendations.
- Visit a facility before signing up and look for safety, cleanliness, and how the dogs are sorted into groups.
- Take your dog for a temperament test and see if they are eager to run and play or become overwhelmed by all the activity.
Doggie Day Care FAQs
What should I look for in a dog day care or kennel?
Look for cleanliness, and safety measures like secure fences, gates, and latches. Make sure dogs are grouped by physical size, personality, and energy level. There should be separate play yards so that dogs don’t have to run around in huge groups. The ratio of people to dogs is also important. All dogs should be temperament tested to make sure they have the personality for group play. Poop should be cleaned up immediately, and there should be water bowls. If it’s an indoor facility, floors and artificial turf should be disinfected regularly.
What qualifications should a doggy day care staff have?
They should be familiar with dog behavior and know what to look for. They should watch the dogs constantly and not be on their phones. They should spot when dogs aren’t getting along or they’re overwhelmed. They also should know how to calm dogs and de-escalate when situations could be getting tense. They should have first aid skills.
Does doggy day care help with separation anxiety?
Doggie day care won’t cure your dog’s separation anxiety, but it can help lessen their anxiety about being alone. Going to day care may help build their confidence, which can also help with separation anxiety. Work with a dog behaviorist or trainer to address your dog's separation anxiety. Going to doggie day care may be part of their treatment plan.
Show Sources
SOURCES:
American Kennel Club: “How to Choose a Daycare for Your Dog,” “Alone Time for Dogs: How Much Is Too Much?” “Doggie Daycare Decisions,” “What To Know and Look For When Boarding Your Dog.”
The Humane Society of the United States: “Letting down the guard.”
Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation: “Choosing a Boarding Facility.”
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: “Choosing dog boarding kennels and daycare.”
Professional Animal Care Certification Council: “Choosing a Pet Care Provider.”
Support Dog Certification: “What You Need to Consider When Choosing a Dog Daycare?”
