Dog daycare: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What dog daycare is

A dog daycare gives your dog supervised daytime play, rest and social time with other dogs while you work or are out. Most daycares ask for a temperament check and vaccination records before the first visit.

Signs you need it

  • You are at work during the day and your dog is alone for long hours
  • Your dog has more energy than it can use at home during the day
  • Your dog enjoys play and does well around other dogs
  • Your dog gets bored, destructive or restless when it is left alone
  • You want a daytime routine with staff who watch the dogs closely

What the pro does

  • Asks for your dog's vaccination records, health history and daily routine
  • Runs a temperament check or a trial day to see how your dog plays with others
  • Sorts dogs into play groups by size, energy and temperament
  • Supervises play, rest and feeding, and gives quiet time when a dog needs it
  • Watches for signs of stress, overheating, fights or injuries during the day
  • Sends you a daily report on how your dog's day went

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The number of days per week and whether the dog attends full or half days
  • Whether the dog needs a temperament check or a trial day before booking
  • Whether the dog needs extra supervision, separate play or a quiet area
  • Whether baths, grooming or extra walks are included
  • Whether the daycare offers a pick-up or drop-off service
  • Whether a daily report or photo updates are included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The days, the hours and whether the dog attends a full or half day
  • Whether the temperament check and trial day are included
  • Whether vaccination records are required before the first visit
  • The baths, grooming, extra walks or pick-up service included
  • The cancellation and late pick-up terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What vaccinations do you require, and when do you check them?
  • How do you split the dogs into play groups?
  • Who supervises the play area, and how many staff are on the floor at a time?
  • What happens if my dog is injured or fights with another dog?
  • Can I see the play area and the rest area before I book?
  • How will I know how my dog did during the day?
  • Do you accept dogs that are not spayed or neutered, and how do you manage them?

Red flags

  • Lets dogs of very different sizes play together with no separation
  • Does not check vaccination records or ask about past fights
  • Will not show the play area or lets you see only the front room
  • Does not have a plan for dogs that are overheated or injured
  • Leaves staff unable to see every dog at all times

What you can do yourself

You can prepare for daycare by walking your dog before drop-off, bringing a familiar toy, and making sure the collar and tags fit. Practice short time apart at home, so your dog is used to being away. Choose a daycare when your dog needs supervised play with other dogs during the day, or when you need a steady routine while you work.

Licenses and permits

Some cities and counties license dog daycares or require a permit to run one, so check with your local city, county or animal control office. No state license is usually required for daycare alone, but check local rules, and ask the daycare to show its license.

Dog daycare questions

Is my dog ready for daycare?

Most daycares run a temperament check or a trial day first. Tell the staff about your dog's history with other dogs, and ask them to explain what they see during the trial.

What should I bring on the first day?

Bring the vaccination records, your dog's collar and tags, any medication in labeled bags, and a familiar toy or bed if the daycare allows it.

What if my dog gets hurt during play?

The daycare should stop the play, check the dog, and contact you right away. Ask what their plan is for a bite or a serious injury, and which veterinarian they use.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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