Is Doggy Daycare Good for Dogs? Tips for Choosing a Daycare

Until society finally catches up and lets us bring our dogs literally everywhere, we’re stuck leaving them behind now and then — for work trips, vacations, or the occasional sanity-saving weekend away. The good news? There are tons of boarding and daycare spots out there, run by true dog people who get it. 

Unfortunately, they’re not all created equal. Some places are fantastic, others not so much. So we put together a list of questions to help you sniff out the good ones, because your pup deserves more than just a place to crash.

One note: Although dog daycares and kennels serve different functions, we combine them for this tip sheet because they have many issues in common, several facilities offer both daycare and boarding options, and it all comes down to the same difficult decision — where to leave your best friend for a few hours, days, or longer.

Is doggie daycare good for dogs​?

Is daycare good for dogs? That depends. Many dogs are missing out on the basics — such as exercise, mental stimulation, and play — which can often lead to behavioral issues. A good daycare can totally help with all of that. But here’s the catch: Daycare isn’t some magical cure-all. It’s not the right call for every dog. There’s a lot to think through before signing up your pup for your local dog hangout.

A great daycare can be a dream for the right dog. But for some, being in a group play situation with a large group of dogs is way too much. And that’s okay. Dogs, just like us, have different personalities and different life experiences. The key is knowing who your dog is — and choosing accordingly.

Tips for choosing a doggie daycare

When choosing a daycare for your dog, it’s important to ask the right questions up front. Here are eight things to think through before handing over the leash.

1. Does the facility pass the sniff test?

Follow your nose. A kennel will obviously smell doggy, but it shouldn’t be stinky, nor should it smell like a bleach spill. Daycares and kennels should be disinfected routinely. Ask about cleaning procedures and products, especially if your pup is sensitive.

2. What about the nonnegotiables?

In addition to a sanitary environment, there are a few other essential criteria for leaving your dog in the care of others. Dog daycare expert Robin Bennett says facilities should require proof of up-to-date vaccines, provide enough space (70 to 100 square feet per dog for off-leash play), segregate areas for large and small dogs, and employ enough knowledgeable employees (around one person for every 10 to 15 dogs). She also recommends asking if employees have education in behavior, positive training, and first aid.

3. Can I observe and visit?

Don’t just hit and run — hang around. Drop by when you aren’t expected, and be sure you have a chance to observe your dog in the mix. Most facilities require trial runs and some sort of temperament evaluation if dogs will be mixing. If they don’t assess your dog, that’s not a good sign.

Read this related article on Kinship

Should You Send Your Pup to Dog Daycare?

For healthy, active, social dogs, daycare can be a great outlet for getting exercise and social enrichment. Read more.

4. Is the joint escape-proof?

You’re leaving your dog behind, and they may want desperately to get back to you. Some dogs can be ingenious about launching their own incredible journey. The Pet Care Association of America recommends looking for sturdy, well-maintained fencing, gates, and dividers between runs. Don’t rely on staffers to realize Houdini has special skills. If your dog is an escape artist, fess up so they can take extra precautions.

5. How did my dog perform?

Engaged supervisors will be happy to provide a report when you pick up your dog (and they’ll pay more attention to your dog in the future). You’ll learn a lot about attentiveness based on what they tell you, and you might discover if something is amiss. Some facilities will send emails while you’re vacationing with information about your dog’s status.

If your dog just isn’t themselves in group play or when they return home — something might be going down when you’re not looking. Dog behaviorist and trainer Karen B. London, PhD, says bullying can be a problem in off-leash daycare and boarding environments, especially if supervision is lax. 

6. What do other clients say?

Online reviews are just a starting point. You need more information than a listing or advertisement can provide. Some facilities are accredited by the Better Business Bureau, which is a good start. You can ask for references, but honestly, is a daycare going to give you the name of someone who might report a bad experience? Your best bet is asking your friends at agility or obedience classes, the dog park, your pet supply shop, and so on. Also, tap other folks in the know via social media.

7. What’s my emergency plan?

Line up your kennel before you need it. Don’t make such an important decision when you’re under pressure. Also, if you know you don’t have friends or family who can help you out in a pinch, it’s good to be ready with a local kennel you’ve thoroughly checked out, in case of emergency. If you need to leave home quickly, the last thing you need to fret over is this important decision.

8. What do I need for my peace of mind?

A color TV and ocean views may not really matter to your dog, but they matter to you. It’s perfectly normal to want your dog to have a just-like-home experience when you are boarding them. These days, kennels go the distance to alleviate your worries, especially about whether your dog is getting enough human touch. You might find (and pay a little extra for) bonus options, like “cuddle services,” massage, and bedtime stories.

Commonly asked questions

How much is doggy daycare a day?

The average cost of doggy daycare depends on the location and package, but typically you can expect to pay between $40 and $65 a day.

Does doggie daycare help with socialization?

Yes, a good daycare can help some dogs be social. If your dog likes being around other dogs but doesn’t have regular dog friends, daycare can be a great way to get that social time in. Doggie daycare isn’t the right place for puppies who need developmental socialization — meaning structured, positive exposure to new people, sounds, environments, and experiences.

Does doggy daycare help with separation anxiety?

With time and patience, daycare can help some dogs with separation anxiety — but it depends on the root of the anxiety. If a dog is specifically anxious about being away from their person, daycare isn’t a cure. It might even make things worse. But if the issue is more about not wanting to be alone, being around other dogs and people at daycare can be helpful. It’s not a cure-all, but for the right dog, it can be part of the solution.

What are the characteristics of a qualified doggie daycare?

A qualified doggie daycare should have trained staff who understand dog behavior, supervise play at all times, and have a safe dog-to-staff ratio. Dogs should be grouped by size and play style, and the facility should be clean, secure, and require up-to-date vaccinations and a behavior assessment before your dog is accepted.