Glossary
Dog daycare
A daytime service where dogs spend hours supervised in play groups or on their own, an option for owners who are at work.
Also called: doggy daycare, dog day care, canine daycare, daycare for dogs, day boarding, doggie daycare
Dog daycare is a daytime service that gives a dog company, exercise and supervision while you are at work. Most centres put dogs in play groups sorted by size and energy, and a good one has rest periods so dogs do not get over-tired.
Most require a temperament evaluation before a dog may join, plus proof of vaccination and often spay or neuter for older dogs. Ask about the staff ratio, how staff break up trouble, what training they have, how they handle injuries and whether there are cameras you can watch.
It is not right for every dog. Some dogs get stressed, overexcited or bullied in a crowd, and a dog walker or a pet sitter may be better.
Last reviewed November 8, 2026