Day Care for Dogs

Dogs are great companions, but do not do well left alone for hours upon hours. For people who work long hours, or for those who need some time away, a dog day care is where your dog can be walked, fed, petted and given a chance to socialize with other dogs and with other people.

  1. Application and Acceptance

    • When you enroll your dog in dog day care, he will be evaluated for his strengths in socializing with other dogs and with people. Some centers accept only dogs that are extremely social and able to get along in a big group. Some will take both dogs that are social and those that are not, and isolate the anti-social dogs.

      After your dog is evaluated, and you have proven that he has had all necessary shots, he will be accepted to a dog day care. You will be able to make stipulations at this time as to what type of food your dog will be eating, and what he will be doing during his day, as long as it meets with the center's standards and regulations.

    How Your Dog Spends His Day

    • Most dog day cares have tightly followed schedules. Your dog will probably have a few hours of indoor play with other dogs and humans, and some time of outdoor play. Some centers have rest periods, in which your dog will be placed in an area where he can nap and relax. Your dog will be fed according to the schedule unless you have made prior arrangements or he is on a special feeding schedule. You can expect that your dog will enjoy going to dog day care, and that he will be exhausted and happy each day when you pick him up.

    Costs and Details

    • Dog day cares range from moderate to expensive. Some places may charge per day, ranging from $20 to $100. Others might charge per week, or even per hour. Some centers will allow you to drop off your dog whenever you would like him to be there. Others are membership-based day cares, which offer you unlimited care for a fee each month.

      Dog day cares are often also boarding kennels ready to accommodate your need for overnight care for your dog. Other dog day cares are also grooming centers.