Is Doggy Daycare Good for Dogs? Deciding if it’s Right for Your Pup

Any time I’ve seen a dog daycare, I’m amazed by how many dogs can get along at once. There’s a dog daycare along the bike trail by my house where I can see the dogs playing outside, and I briefly worked at one too. While many dogs seem to thrive at these facilities, I know my dog would be extremely uncomfortable there, and I'm sure she’s not alone. So, is doggy daycare good for dogs? And how do you know if it’s right for your dog?

Is Doggy Daycare Good for Dogs?

Whether or not doggy daycare is good for dogs greatly depends on the individual dog. For dogs that are very social and have a lot of energy to get out, daycares can be great. However, it’s important for your dog to have mastered some basic training before attending daycare so the employees can easily get their attention when needed. They’re there to monitor you pup, not train them.

Doggy daycare isn’t good for all dogs because some dogs get extremely nervous in new settings, especially loud environments with lots of dogs. If your dog doesn’t do well around other dogs, a daycare isn’t ideal for them. Daycares typically do a temperament test before allowing a new dog to stay there, but if you already know that your dog is aggressive or anxious around other dogs, it’s better for everyone if you leave them home.

If your dog isn’t suitable for doggy daycare, consider hiring a dog sitter or walker to come to your home instead. That way, your dog can still get proper care while you’re away without having to leave the comfort of your home.

Pros and Cons of Dog Daycare

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a dog daycare. If you’re still unsure if doggy daycare is right for your dog, consider the pros and cons.

Benefits of Dog Daycare

Offers Socialization

If your dog loves playing with other dogs, they might not be able to get that socialization at home. Doggy daycare gives them a space to interact with other dogs, which can be a dream come true for a dog who loves to play.

Offers Mental and Physical Exercise

When your dog sits at home all day while you’re at work, they get bored and restless. This can lead to unwanted behaviors like destruction, barking, and accidents. At a doggy daycare, dogs can get exercise and keep their minds busy by interacting with the handlers and other dogs.

Main Street Veterinary Clinic emphasizes the importance of exercise for your dog’s well-being by saying, “exercise is not only beneficial for the physical health of pets but also for their mental health. Exercise helps to reduce stress and anxiety in pets. It can also improve their mood and decrease the risk of depression. Regular exercise can also improve their cognitive function and overall quality of life.”

Convenient for Busy Schedules

In an ideal world, you’d be able to walk your dog and give them puzzle toys throughout the day to keep them busy. Yet, it’s difficult to do that with a full-time job. If you’re away from the house often for work or other activities, doggy daycare can be a convenient solution. It allows your dog to remain entertained even when your schedule doesn’t allow you to care for them.

Could Include Other Services

Some doggy daycares have other services like training, grooming, and boarding that dog parents can take advantage of. This depends on the location, but it can be convenient to have a place that offers all these amazing services at one location. Your dog can take a break from daycare to get trained or groomed as needed.

Downsides of Dog Daycare

Risk of Illness and Injury

Any time your dog is around lots of other dogs, there’s always a risk of something going wrong. The staff members work hard to keep dogs safe by closely monitoring them, ensuring aggressive dogs don’t join play groups, and requiring dogs to be vaccinated. However, even with precautions in place, accidents happen. 

Dogs occasionally get sick or injured, but there are always people around to tend to their needs. Even though these instances are rare, it’s up to you to decide if taking your dog to daycare is worth that risk.

Overwhelming for Some Dogs

Not all dogs enjoy daycare, which means it could do more harm than good for your furry friend. If your dog is afraid of other dogs or reactive, an environment with a lot of dogs will likely stress them out. The whole point of dog daycare is for your dog to have fun while they’re away from you. So, if they’re anxious the whole time, they’d probably be happier and safer with someone checking on them in the comfort of your home instead.

Quality of Care Varies

Every doggy daycare is run differently. I’ve seen some with only good ratings and others with a lot of questionable reviews. It’s important to research the facility as much as you can before signing your dog up. Ask lots of questions to see if the way they operate fits your dog’s needs. If you don’t feel 100% confident leaving your dog there, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Can Be Expensive

The price for doggy daycare varies greatly. Most daycares seem to cost between $30 and $50 per day. While it might not sound like a lot, it can quickly add up if you take your dog there several days every week. If you’re on a budget, daycare might not be ideal for you at this time. Luckily, many places offer discounts to help dog parents afford care for their dogs, so ask local daycares about their specials.

Who is Dog Daycare Ideal For?

Dog daycare is geared toward dog owners with busy schedules. Yet, just because it’s convenient for you doesn’t mean it’s right for your dog.

Dog daycare is great for…

• Well-socialized dogs

• Well-trained dogs

• Dogs who love playing with other dogs

• Dogs with lots of energy

• Dogs with separation anxiety

Dog daycare is not ideal for…

• Anxious dogs

• Reactive or aggressive dogs

• Low-energy dogs

• Dogs with health concerns

The reality is that many dogs would not do well in a daycare environment. However, daycares are great for the dogs that need extra attention and socialization. You know your dog better than anyone, so it’s up to you to determine if they’d be a good candidate for daycare or not.

What to Look for in a Good Doggy Daycare

There are so many dog daycares out there, so it’s important to choose one that you trust. Preventative Vet says, “The dog daycare and boarding industry is under-regulated, so it’s important you find a daycare where your dog will be safe, happy, and well cared for. There are a few things to consider when interviewing different dog daycares, including the style of daycare, staff-to-dog ratio, staff experience and training, cleaning procedures, dog handling and training methods ... and more!”

Before booking with a dog daycare, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. A business that truly cares about your dog will be happy to answer your questions to put your mind at ease. Keep the following in mind when choosing a good doggy daycare.

Daycare Style

Find out how the daycare operates. Do they separate dogs by size or temperament? How do they conduct a temperament test for new dogs? Do they have any breed restrictions? You should be able to find most, if not all, of these details on their website, but feel free to ask if you’re unsure of anything.

Staff-to-Dog Ratio

For some dog parents, the number of dogs in a group is important. Find out how many dogs are typically in a group at a time and how many employees monitor those dogs. The daycare I briefly worked at would have up to 25 dogs per staff member, but it was usually closer to 15 to 20. Some places have larger groups if monitored by more than one employee, and some even have smaller groups so each dog gets more attention. Think about which group size you’re most comfortable with.

Staff Experience

Since the staff members will be the ones hanging out with your dog, you’re putting a lot of trust in them. Find out what the training process is like for employees and how much experience they have with dogs. Find out if there’s a certified dog trainer or behaviorist on-site to help with introducing new dogs. While the experience level will likely vary, leaving your dog with people who know a lot about dog behavior is ideal.

Daycare Layout

Most dog daycares have large fenced-in areas for playtime and kennels for resting time. However, each daycare looks different. Some fenced-in areas have agility equipment and toys while others are a little more bare. Some kennels have comfortable beds while others only include a thin blanket. Ask to see if your can tour the facility to help you get a better idea of if your dog will be comfortable there.

Cleaning Procedures

Most daycares smell a little like urine, but that’s expected since the staff are constantly cleaning up after dogs. Yet, if the urine or feces smell is very strong all the time, it’s normal to question the cleanliness. A good doggy daycare should have a detailed cleaning procedure in place, which should involve immediately cleaning up accidents and wiping down all surfaces at the end of the day. If the facility isn’t cleaned enough, it’s easier for dogs to get sick.

Additional Services

Do you only need daycare? Or would it be beneficial for the location to also offer boarding, training, grooming, and other services? This is something to ask yourself when choosing a location. While some dog parents only need someone to watch their dog during the day, others love to get their dog’s haircut while they’re there. It’s completely up to you.

Prices

Finally, take pricing into account when choosing a daycare. Make sure the daycare fits your budget while still giving your dog the best care possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much is Dog Daycare?

Dog daycare typically costs between $30 and $50 per day, but it depends on the location. Some places offer prices per hour or discounts for bundles of several days. Contact your local doggy daycares to find out how much they charge.

Can Dog Daycare Help with Separation Anxiety?

Yes, for some dogs, doggy daycare can be great for separation anxiety. It ensures your dog is always around people and dogs rather than being home alone. However, some dogs may still get anxious since you’re not there. If you’re struggling to work on separation anxiety with your dog, consult an experienced trainer.

Will My Dog Like Daycare?

It depends on your dog’s temperament. Social, active dogs usually love dog daycare while nervous, low-energy dogs aren’t as fond of it. You know your dog best, so think about how they’ll react in a room with a bunch of other dogs.

Where Can I Find a Doggy Daycare Near Me?

Searching “doggy daycare near me” can give you a list of some dog daycare businesses in your area. Rather than just choosing the first one you find, look at the details for each one and select one that has positive reviews while also fitting your dog’s needs.

Deciding if Doggy Daycare is Good for Your Dog

Whether or not doggy daycare is good depends on your dog’s needs and personality. If your dog gets restless when you leave them alone all day and they would love to play with other dogs, daycare is a great option. However, if being around a lot of dogs is stressful for your pup, you may want to consider other options. Every dog is unique, so it’s up to you to determine what’s best for them.