Choosing a dog daycare in Montreal isn’t just about finding somewhere to drop your dog off — it’s about finding a place where they’re genuinely well cared for while you’re away. With more daycare options opening across the city, from Griffintown to Verdun, here’s what actually matters when you’re comparing them.
What to Look for in a Montreal Dog Daycare
- Certified, trained staff. Ask whether staff are trained in canine behavior and positive reinforcement, not just “good with dogs.” First aid certification matters too — accidents happen, and you want a team that knows what to do.
- Group sizes matched by temperament. Dogs should be grouped by energy level and temperament, not just size. A calm senior dog and a hyper 6-month-old puppy don’t belong in the same play session.
- Indoor and outdoor space. Montreal weather isn’t always cooperative. A daycare with both indoor and outdoor play areas means your dog still gets exercise on a rainy November afternoon.
- Real safety measures. Cameras, sanitized play areas, and a clear cleaning routine aren’t nice-to-haves — they’re what keeps a daycare from becoming a place where illness spreads between dogs.
- A structured routine. The best daycares don’t just let dogs run wild all day. A rhythm of play, rest, and downtime keeps dogs from getting overstimulated or exhausted.
Questions to Ask Before You Book - What’s your staff-to-dog ratio?
- How do you handle dogs that don’t get along?
- Can I see the space before committing?
- Do I get updates or photos during the day?
- What happens if my dog needs to go home sick?
What a Day at DV Playcare Looks Like
At Doggieville MTL’s DV Playcare, every day is built around supervised group play and structured activities — dogs are dropped off in the morning and join play sessions with others grouped by temperament, not just size. Rest breaks are worked into the day so no dog gets overstimulated, and our Paw Crew is certified in first aid and trained in positive-reinforcement handling throughout. The whole space is cleaned and sanitized daily, with 50+ cameras for both safety and peace of mind. At the end of the day, your dog goes home with you — DV Playcare is day-only care, with overnight stays handled separately through Sam’s Lodge.