Is Dog Daycare Right for Your Dog? 7 Signs to Look For
Daycare can turn long, quiet days into play, friends and naps. But not every dog enjoys a group, and that’s fine. Here are the signs that daycare is a good fit, the cases where something else works better, and what a day at DV Playcare actually looks like.
The Paw CrewOctober 11, 20265 min read
017 signs your dog will love daycare
- Your dog gets excited to meet other dogs at the park, and play is relaxed and mutual
- They have more energy than your walks can burn, especially in winter
- They are home alone for 6 hours or more on workdays
- Boredom shows up as chewing, digging, barking or pacing
- They are a young dog who still needs to practise dog manners
- They come home happy and tired after a day with dog friends
- You want them to be comfortable in a group before a boarding stay
02When another option fits better
Daycare is not the right answer for every dog. Another plan is often better when your dog:
- Is fearful, stressed or reactive around unfamiliar dogs
- Guards toys, food or people
- Is recovering from surgery, unwell, or has been told by the vet to rest
- Gets overstimulated and can’t settle, even in a calm group
Options at Doggieville MTL: enrichment daycare focuses on calm activities like puzzles and scent work, a private swim at Yoda’s Splash is one-on-one exercise, and the Private Care Suites at Sam’s Lodge offer one-on-one care for dogs who prefer no contact with other dogs.
03What a day at DV Playcare looks like
DV Playcare runs Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, on the top floor of Doggieville MTL: a 4,500 sq ft heated indoor park, plus a 1,500 sq ft fenced outdoor park.
- Three play zones, with dogs grouped by size, temperament and energy
- A separate puppy kindergarten and a calmer senior kindergarten
- No leashes, harnesses or cages during play, and dogs are never left unattended
- Structured rest periods, so dogs don’t get overtired
- A Paw Crew trained in animal first aid and CPR, positive reinforcement, canine behaviour and group play
Prices: half day (up to 5 hours) $45, full day $55. Passes of 10 or 20 days bring a full day down to $47, and a second dog from the same family gets 10% off.
04Enrichment daycare for busy brains
Some dogs need to work their brain as much as their legs. Enrichment daycare, the “Daycare 2.0” program, adds guided activities to the day so they come home calm:
- Snuffle mats and food puzzles
- Scent work in the scent room
- Treadmills, bubble machines and ball pits
- Activities that build confidence for shy dogs
Enrichment costs $55 for a half day and $65 for a full day, with 10 and 20-day passes.
05How to prepare for the first day
- Create your client file online and upload vaccine records: Bordetella (within 6 months), DA2PP and rabies, plus heartworm, flea and tick prevention
- Sign the agreements and reserve online
- The first day is a meet-and-greet assessment, part of the one-time $80 behaviour evaluation
- Dogs older than 11 months need to be spayed or neutered (call us if a medical reason prevents it)
- Bring your dog fed and walked, with a collar and name tag
Dog daycare FAQ
Written by
The Paw Crew
The Paw Crew is the team that cares for every dog at Doggieville MTL: boarding, daycare, grooming and pool staff who are First Aid certified and spend every day with dogs of all sizes and ages.
Meet the team behind Doggieville MTL
