What is dog daycare? Before we explain the benefits of using dog daycare, we thought it appropriate to explain a little as to what dog daycare actually is: Dog daycare can best be explained as a day time boarding service for dogs. Usually, dogs will stay for the duration of their owners’ working day, being dropped off in the morning and collected in the evening, although care of just a few hours at a time may also be offered. Dog daycare does not provide a kennelling or an overnight service. Added to this, it differs from kennels and boarding facilities in that the focus of the centre is on well mannered socialising, activity, exercise, and keeping the dogs entertained. Our dog daycare offers a range of different environments for dogs, including an outdoor area, and well thought out facilities to keep dogs of all sorts entertained! While steps will be taken by the staff to account for nervous dogs or dogs that do not get on well with others, generally, only sociable and fairly outgoing dogs will really thrive in the doggy daycare environment.  Dogs that do not get on well with other dogs or that are particularly nervous will generally be rather unhappy. Dog daycare is essentially a pet sitting service, and just like at Happy Dogs, offering a facility that has specially equipped premises to provide it. Multiple dogs will be present on the premises at once; it is not a one-to-one service. However, the ratio of staff to dogs will be sufficient to ensure that all of the dogs are kept safely entertained and cared for. 

What are the benefits? For friendly, sociable dogs, dog daycare can provide a great opportunity to meet new people, play, socialise with other dogs and burn off excess energy! It can prove cheaper than hiring a dog walker or pet sitter within the home, but ultimately, it offers a much greater range of mental and physical stimuli for your dog.  

Your dog’s body is much like our own; they have specific needs that have to be catered for. The structured day we offer, combined with group activities throughout the day, will keep your dog’s mind (as well as its body) active. It’s an enriching experience with long-term benefits.    

Is it a good idea for my own dog? If your work, or other commitments mean that you need to leave your dog alone for more than a couple of hours a day, dog daycare is an excellent option to provide care for them in your absence. It is infinitely preferable to leaving your dog unsupervised for long periods of time and can work out cheaper and provide better value than arranging a once a day dog walker.