When you come home after a long day, your dog is unfailingly excited to see you — and it's the best feeling in the world. But when you need to leave again for work or school, leaving your pup home alone can be heartbreaking. You wonder: Is doggy day care good for dogs like mine?
If your dog is alone for six to eight hours each day, day care could be a great option. Still, it's important to explore different day cares to find the best fit. You may wonder, how do I know if my dog likes day care? Worry not. Let's explore the basics of doggy day care and everything you need to know to see if your furry friend loves theirs.
What Is Doggy Day Care?
Although dogs' need for socialization, stimulation and exercise can vary based on personality and age, the general consensus is that too much alone time is unhealthy for any dog. If you're away from your home during the day for work, travel for pleasure or simply take part in many activities that keep you away from your pet for some time, you might want to consider a doggy day care.
So, is doggy day care good for dogs? It certainly can be! Doggy day care is an option for busy pet parents who want to ensure that their dogs' days are as fulfilling as their own. Much like day care for children, day care is designed to provide your canine friend with companionship, socialization, exercise and more. In fact, the American Kennel Club cites the following as some of the many benefits of doggy day care: "A chance to meet and play with other dogs, mental stimulation, a routine that relieves separation anxiety and boredom, exercise and [avoiding] the issue of having strangers in your home."
If this sounds like a good fit for you, a great first step is to research day cares that are local (either to your home or to your workspace) and then pay them a visit. If possible, spend some time observing the day cares in action without your dog. Pay attention to the space, noting general cleanliness, staff behavior and safety measures. Ask what the process will be to enroll your dog in their day care. And then, once you've found day care options you feel strongly about, it's time to give one a try.
Tasty Tips
How Do I Know If My Dog Likes Day Care?
Before you can answer this question, it's important to establish a comfortable and reliable day care routine. This includes bringing your dog to day care, saying goodbye, picking them up and spending some quality time with them at home. After your pup has had time to get used to the routine, the following signs will be good indicators that they enjoy the experience:
They perk up when you mention going to day care.
They're excited in the morning when it's time to leave the house.
They seem calm or excited when entering the day care facility.
They respond positively to the staff at the day care facility.
They're happy yet tired when they arrive home.
They're relaxed and calm at the end of the day.
On the other hand, if your dog is exhibiting any signs of stress or aggression, it might be time to find a new day care and seek veterinary assistance. This stress, anxiety or aggression may be something as small as the facility or staff not being a perfect fit (but your dog would do well elsewhere), or it may be something more serious that your veterinarian can help with, such as an anxiety disorder that may require treatment.
Doggy day care is a great option for busy pet parents who want their pets to have active, engaging days. If you're looking for recommendations about day cares near you, consult your vet or a local pet care expert.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Whole Oats, and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Hearty Vegetables and Tuna Stew Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken & Rice Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Related articles
Holiday Foods to Avoid Giving Your Dog
Discover what holiday foods to avoid feeding your dog, such as chocolate and nuts, and copy down these homemade holiday dog treat recipes to share with him
Caring for Your Deaf Dog: Communication and Safety Tips
A deaf dog may now live a quieter life, but he's still the active, loving pup you once knew! Discover how to care for and communicate with your dog.
4 Puppy Training Hacks
When you first thought of adopting a dog, you expected puppy training to be a ton of fun. Here are some training tips to make sure it stays that way.
Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?
Learn why your dog might be eating his own stool or the poo of other animals. Find out what you can do to try and change this behavior in your dog.
How Often Should I Feed My Dog?
Learn the importance of feeding your puppy or adult dog the right amount of food at proper intervals and find out what feeding method is best for your dog.
Exercise Tips to Keep Your Dog Active
Discover fun and engaging games and other ways to help your dog exercise, keeping him happy and healthy.
Common Health Concerns to Look for in Puppies
Watch out for these 6 common health issues that puppies may develop in their first year of life. Learn all the symptoms so you can provide the best care.
Four Ways to Keep Your Adult Dog's Weight Ideal & Healthy
Obesity can cause serious canine health issues, but following these 4 steps to achieve and maintain a healthy weight for your adult dog can help.
My Dog Is Bullying Other Dogs: What Should I Do?
Learn how to spot bullying behavior in dogs, including signs like being pushy, aggressive and stealing other dogs' food, and tips for putting a stop to it.
Why Does My Dog Sigh?
Why Do Dogs Sigh?
Caring For Your Senior Dog's Special Needs
Get helpful advice on basic care requirements to keep your aging dog healthy and happy in his golden years.
Understanding & Caring For Your Miniature-Breed Dog
Learn how the needs of small breed dogs are different than other dogs, and get helpful tips on how you can provide for their needs.
Effective Ways to Curtail Your Dog's Excessive Barking
Learn the reasons why your dog might be excessively barking, as well as how to train him to recognize when to stop.
How to Handle Dogs Who are Picky Eaters
You feed tasty and nutritious dog food, yet your dog only sniffs and licks at it. It’s time for the next meal, but the previous meal still isn’t finished. You might have a finicky dog!
Step-By-Step Instructions for Command Training Your Puppy
If you're interested in training your new puppy to sit, stay, lie down, fetch and more, then read these help command training tips from Hill's.
Overcoming Obesity in Small Dogs
Learn how to properly feed and treat your little or small breed dog to keep their weight under control to avoid any weight-related health issues.
The Facts Behind Breed-Specific Dog Food
Choosing the right food for your puppy is a challenging task, and a very important one. Learn ,more about breed specific dog foods.
Washing Your Dog from Ear to Paw: Eight Supplies to Make It Easy
Use this dog washing supply checklist to help you get all the materials needed, making bathing your dog at home a fun and easy experience.
Reading Dog Food Reviews: What You Need to Know
Learn how to tell the difference between trustworthy dog food reviews and those that are unfounded. Use these six criteria for evaluating reviews.
Why Is My Dog Afraid of the Dark?
Discover common reasons why your dog seems afraid of the dark, including things like separation anxiety & traumas, and how to help reduce their fears.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.