What Happens at Dog Daycare?
At dog daycare, dogs are dropped off in the morning, checked in and placed in supervised play groups matched by size, age and energy. The day mixes play, rest or nap time, potty breaks and sometimes meals, enrichment or training, until pickup. Good daycares require current vaccines, evaluate each dog's temperament first, keep groups small and give dogs a quiet place to rest.
Doggy daycare works like child daycare for dogs: you drop your dog off, staff supervise play and rest, and you pick your dog up at the end of the day.
Before the first day
- Vaccine records: rabies, DHPP and Bordetella are typical requirements (PetSmart's Day Camp requires all three).
- Temperament evaluation: staff watch how your dog behaves with people and other dogs.
- Trial day: many facilities start with a half day.
A typical day at dog daycare
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Morning drop-off | Check-in, health check, into a play group |
| Morning | Supervised group play, potty breaks |
| Midday | Rest or nap time, meals if needed, medications |
| Afternoon | More play, enrichment or training games |
| Pickup | Report on how the day went |
Schedules vary; the best ones include real rest. Daycare owner and trainer Danette Johnston warns against facilities where dogs run 8 to 10 hours straight without rest, and prefers places with separate kennels or crates for naps.
How dogs are grouped
Dogs are usually grouped by size, age and play style. The SF SPCA suggests staff-to-dog ratios of about one attendant per seven small dogs or one per five large dogs during play, and recommends asking how fights and unwanted behavior are handled. Look for calm separation and redirection, not squirt bottles or shouting.
What to look for when you visit
- Small groups (Johnston prefers no more than 15 dogs in one space)
- Staff watching the dogs, not their phones
- Clean floors and an outdoor potty area
- Rest areas
- Staff who can explain dog body language
- Willingness to tell you if your dog isn't enjoying it
What to bring
- Collar with ID (ask about the facility's collar policy for play groups)
- Food and medication with instructions, if your dog stays over a mealtime
- Emergency contact and vet information
Cost
Rover's 2025 data put the national average at about $40 per day; packages lower the price. See dog daycare costs and find dog daycare near you.
Sources
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.