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Doggy daycare can be an absolute lifesaver for humans and dogs, particularly for animals that don’t enjoy being home alone for significant periods of time. Even the most well-adjusted dogs can get into trouble if left by themselves for too long.
And being without companionship can be utter torture for dogs suffering from separation anxiety. The cost of doggy daycare varies by location but you can expect to pay between $35 to $51 for full day. Doggy daycare can be a great option that provides pets with entertainment, exercise, and company on those days when owners have commitments keeping them away from home for extended periods.
The Importance of Doggy Day Care
Doggy daycare can play a critical role in supporting optimal canine mental and physical health, particularly for those dogs that regularly spend several hours alone. Dogs in high-quality daycare programs aren’t put in cages or crated. Doggy daycare provides exercise and opportunities for playful interaction with other dogs. Since dogs are pack animals that enjoy the social aspects of group interaction, doggy day care can provide a safe and well-organized way to meet your pet’s socialization needs.
It is also a great option for dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often pee and poop indoors, bark incessantly, pace back and forth, destroy furniture, dig, and attempt to escape.
Some dogs with the condition will even show signs of distress when they notice their human grabbing their keys or engaging in other activities that indicate the person is getting ready to leave the house. While nothing can relieve separation anxiety, many owners find that their super-sensitive dogs do much better in doggy daycare than when left alone.
How Much Does Doggy Day Care Cost?
The ultimate cost of doggy daycare depends on several factors, including your location, how long you’re interested in having your pet looked after, and whether or not you plan on taking advantage of extras such as spa services.
Doggy daycare costs more in large cities like New York City than in smaller towns. The average cost for a full day of doggy daycare in New York City is $51, but there are options available for as little as $35 per day in places like Phoenix, Arizona. Half days, stays of up to 5 hours, cost less than full days. The average half-day stay in a New York doggy daycare costs $39 and is available in Phoenix for $25.
However, several factors can influence how much you pay. Many places offer discounts for multiple dogs and reduced rates for frequent visitors. Some provide free days if you purchase a 20-visit package.
You will pay more when you get extras such as spa treatments, nail clipping, or grooming services. Some places even offer doggy facials! Below you’ll find pricing for various doggy daycare options offered through Camp Bow Wow franchises around the United States. But please note that these prices may change and will vary in more specific locations.
Daycare Prices by Region
| Daycare Option | West Coast | East Coast | Midwest |
| 1 Half Day | $26 | $28 | $22 |
| 1 Full Day | $38 | $36 | $29 |
| 5 Half Days | $125 | N/A | N/A |
| 10 Half Days | $240 | $260 | $190 |
| 20 Half Days | $450 | $480 | N/A |
| 5 Full Days | $185 | N/A | $140 |
| 10 Full Days | $325 | $340 | $250 |
| 20 Full Days | $595 | $640 | $456 |
Source: https://www.campbowwow.com
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Many doggy daycare organizations require a meet and greet before they accept your pet, and the vast majority will only look after fully vaccinated dogs. You’ll need to provide proof of vaccination for rabies, Bordetella, and distemper.
Depending on the facility, your dog may be required to have canine influenza and leptospirosis vaccinations as well. Most places require pets over 6 months to be spayed or neutered, and some organizations won’t take dogs over the age of 10 or require a waiver.
Extras such as grooming and teeth cleaning services are rarely included in the base price. So, if you’re interested in having your dog bathed or want to treat your pet to something fun, like a blueberry facial, you’ll need to pay extra. Some facilities charge extra for grooming dogs that weigh more than 80 pounds.
Many places also offer overnight boarding services, which are a great option if you need to head out of town for a few days, as your dog will already be familiar with the facility and caregivers.
Daytime doggy daycare participation is often included in the cost of boarding. Check to see if the facility is willing to give your dog any required medication, as some won’t administer injections and others charge extra to give your dog pills or provide “medical care.”
How Often Should I Send My Dog to Doggy Day Care?
Doggy daycare isn’t required to ensure your dog’s health. How often you send your dog to daycare will depend mostly on your lifestyle and pocketbook. If you work long hours during the week and don’t have much time to play with your dog once you come home, sending them to daycare three times a week may be the best option to ensure your pet gets sufficient exercise and stimulation.
If you’re home frequently and essentially send your dog to daycare for socialization opportunities, your pet may be happy to attend once a week or so. Most experts suggest that you limit the number of days your dog goes to daycare to a maximum of 3 days per week. Many facilities won’t allow dogs to attend for more than 4 days per week to prevent overcrowding.
Even with discounts, sending a dog to daycare every Monday through Friday can quickly add up to more than $800. Don’t forget that daycare should never be used as a replacement for spending time with your pet and providing them daily walks, playtime, and bonding opportunities.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Doggy Day Care?
No. Pet insurance doesn’t cover the costs of sending your pet to doggy daycare. Some plans with wellness options may cover the vaccines your dog must have to attend daycare and the costs of neutering or spaying your pet.
Others consider vaccinations, spaying, and neutering routine care and exclude them from coverage. You’ll need to closely read your pet’s insurance policy to determine what’s included in your pet’s coverage and what you’ll ultimately be financially responsible for.
Some plans cover flea, tick, and heartworm medications and treatments, which are essential for dogs that regularly come into contact with other animals. Many insurance companies pay for grooming, teeth cleaning, and nail trims.
Most pet insurance plans provide reimbursement for any treatment required to address injuries received while a dog is being looked after in a professional facility. Most doggy daycares have liability insurance just in case something goes wrong and a pet gets injured while in their care.
Doggy Day Care Alternatives
If you decide to send your dog to doggy daycare, you’ll probably still need to come up with a few other ways to keep your pet happy and safe since most facilities have weekly limits on attendance; experts recommend limiting canine daycare visits to a maximum of 3 days per week. For many pets, a visit from a dog walker is a great choice, as it provides exercise, mental stimulation, and interaction without the high costs and transportation issues involved with doggy daycare.
Dogs that receive visits from a familiar dog walker can enjoy the best of both worlds: the comfort of being in trusted surroundings and a bit of socialization during the day. Working with a dog walker also has the added benefit of offering more flexibility.
If you need someone to let your dog out for a few minutes in the afternoon before you get home from work, you may be able to pay someone close by, like a high schooler looking to earn a bit of money or a retiree eager to stay busy. If you’re interested in something more formal, there are several dog-walking agencies, and most require their employees to be certified in canine CPR.
Conclusion
Doggy daycare is an excellent option if you spend long hours away from home and want your pet to have plenty of mental stimulation, physical exercise, and social interactions. Most doggy daycares offer full and half-day options as well as extras such as grooming and nail-trimming services.
Most facilities require a meet and greet to ensure your pet is well-behaved enough to attend. Keep in mind that some will only take dogs who have been spayed or neutered, and almost all require proof of vaccination against rabies, distemper, and other common canine diseases.
Featured Image Credit: Jayme Burrows, Shutterstock
