What to Expect at Dog Daycare
Many dog owners have heard of daycare, but may not be sure what to expect. In general, dogs will spend the day playing and socializing with other dog friends while their parents go to work or enjoy a break from their daily routine.


The best facilities will provide a safe and fun environment for your pup. This will help set the tone for a positive experience.

Check-In
In addition to basic information about your dog, ask about safety procedures and how staff handle reactivity issues. They should have a plan in place to safely separate dogs that are reacting or snapping at each other to prevent injuries and ensure everyone has a happy day.

Ask if they have windows or viewing portals that allow you to see the kennels and daily rooms. Look for a facility that looks clean and has a regimented cleaning schedule.

Bring your dog's food in a labeled container, especially if they have special dietary needs or allergies. This helps to minimize any digestive problems and also allows your dog to continue their normal eating routine while away from home. Also pack any medications your pet may need.

Group Play
During the day your dog will spend time in supervised play groups. Usually, these are divided by size and temperament to make sure that interactions are safe and enjoyable for all dogs.

Many facilities also have designated rest times – for example, by around lunchtime the active play groups are typically sequestered in individual kennels for napping. This reduces the risk of injuries and prevents overexertion that can lead to aggression or grumpiness.

Ask the facility about their staffing and safety standards. Look for green flags like a large number of staff members on hand throughout the day, training in animal body language and behavior, and separation strategies to defuse over-aroused dogs and avoid scuffles. Also, make sure they don’t use aversive tools to break up or control the group of dogs.

Lunch
A full day of play and social interaction is wonderful for dogs, but it can also be exhausting. Running, playing, and staying alert all day requires a lot of energy.

During lunch, your pup will have the opportunity to rest in their kennel. They may nap, or just spend time in a quiet corner with their favorite blanket. They might even try a new game, such as hide and seek with staff members.

Your dog might drink more water or seem hungrier than usual when they get home from daycare. This is normal, as they have burned a lot of energy and are losing fluids through their activities. You can help by offering them a small, healthy snack or their regular meal when they arrive home.

Drop-Off
It's a good idea to visit the daycare before your dog's first session, even just for a short meet-and-greet and a quick tour. This familiarizes them with the sights, sounds, and smells so they're less apprehensive during their first visit.

Try to be calm and positive during drop-off, as dogs are very sensitive to their owners' emotions. Also, practice short separations at home to build up your pup's confidence before starting daycare.

Your pup will likely need one feeding while at daycare, so be sure to bring their regular food. This reduces the risk of digestion issues and ensures they get a balanced diet. It's also a great way to minimize exposure to other food items and treats that may make them uncomfortable.

Pickup
It is important to remain calm during the pick-up process. Dogs who are overly excited during pick-up can become anxious that they will be dropped off again and will not have a good time at daycare.

Upon picking up your dog you will receive feedback on their day (if your daycare provides this service). This can provide insight into how well your dog played with other dogs, what kind of food they consumed, if they used the bathroom during their stay, and any concerns that staff have.

Your pup will likely be exhausted upon returning dog boarding and daycare near me home from a day of playing and running around. Depending on their temperament this can lead to them sleeping at home for the rest of the night. This is normal and can help alleviate separation anxiety.