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| Typical costs: | - For a half-day -- usually five hours of playtime, where the owner chooses a convenient time slot -- dog daycare typically costs between $6 and $25.
- For a full day -- usually from about 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- dog daycare typically costs between $12 and $38.
- For a monthly package, dog daycare typically costs between $240 and $550.
- Dog daycare often costs at the higher end of that range -- as much as 30 percent more expensive -- in large cities and on the east and west coasts. But, it also is more available in those locations.
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| What should be included: | - Most dog daycares include both indoor and outdoor play areas, with separate play times for small and larger dogs. The dogs usually get both supervised play and rest periods several times each day, along with one or more feedings.
- Play periods can include group interaction and running with other dogs as well as playing with a staff member, using dog playground equipment or swimming in a kiddie pool in hot weather.
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| Additional costs: | - Most dog daycare facilities charge an application fee between $3 and $30.
- Many dog daycares offer pick-up and delivery service for about $5 to $10 each way.
- Most daycares fine for owners who arrive late for pick-up. Also, some facilities charge full price for cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice.
- All good dog daycare facilities make owners sign a form approving emergency treatment, in case of illness or injury, and it can be more costly than a normal trip to the veterinarian.
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| Discounts: | - Most dog daycares offer a reduced rate for a second dog from the same household, usually about 10 to 20 percent less.
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| Shopping for dog daycare: | - To find a dog daycare, ask fellow dog owners, your groomer, your veterinarian or the staff at your pet store. Or, check the Superpages.com pet sitting service locator.
- Tip: Visit the facility to make sure it is clean and odor free, adequately staffed -- ideally one caregiver for every 15 dogs -- and adequately sized -- ideally 75 square feet per dog in play areas. The American Boarding Kennel Association has a guide to choosing a good pet care facility, and DogChannel.com lists questions to ask.
- Dog daycares usually require that dogs be up-to-date on vaccinations, on a flea and tick preventative and spayed or neutered.
- Most daycares require a get-to-know-you meeting with owner and dog and that the owner sign a form stating that the dog has no history of aggression.
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Article updated September 2007 |
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