The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Dog Daycare

So, you're considering doggy daycare. Perhaps you're heading back to the office, planning a trip, or simply want your dog to enjoy some social interaction during the day. Understandably, entrusting your beloved companion to someone else can be daunting. Are they safe? Will they be happy? What if they miss you too much? (Spoiler: they’ll likely be far too busy playing to notice!)

As a qualified trainer who has run a home-from-home dog daycare for a decade, I understand these concerns. I’ve welcomed all kinds of dogs into my care and witnessed how the right environment can help even the most shy dog build confidence and thrive. I’ve also seen that not every dog is suited to a daycare setting—and that’s perfectly okay!

This guide will help you walk through he process of finding a daycare that’s safe, enriching, and well-matched to your dog’s temperament.

Keeping them on their toes! (or bums..)

Why Consider Dog Daycare?

Before we explore how to choose the right daycare, let’s consider why you might want one to begin with. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Socialisation: Dogs can form healthy relationships with other dogs and humans, under professional supervision.

• Exercise: Plenty of physical activity, tailored to their breed and energy levels, can help curb boredom and destructive behaviours.

• Mental stimulation: The best daycares provide enrichment that challenges dogs mentally, not just physically.

• Separation support: Regular interaction and structured activity can ease anxiety in dogs who struggle with being left alone.

  
  

That said, it’s important to acknowledge that daycare isn’t the right fit for every dog.

When Daycare Might Not Be Suitable

Some dogs find group environments overwhelming. If your dog is highly nervous, fearful, or becomes overstimulated in the presence of other dogs, daycare might not be for you. For these dogs, alternative arrangements - such as solo dog walking, enrichment visits at home, or working with a behaviourist - can be far more beneficial and are recommended.

A responsible daycare provider should assess whether your dog is comfortable and appropriate for group care. Forcing a dog into an unsuitable setting can be counterproductive, increasing stress and potentially leading to behavioural issues.

NOTE: If your dog is reactive to other dogs, trust me when I say, daycare is not the place to socialise them and will not help with their reactivity.

Even if you find the perfect daycare and things seem to go smoothly at first, it can take time for a dog to fully adjust to a new routine. If at any point you feel your dog isn’t enjoying themselves, it’s perfectly okay to explore other options - even after they've already started or been there for years! A dog’s social preferences can change as they grow, and that’s completely normal :)

Lyra the Golden and Bo the Briard having a mucky catch up

Step 1: Research Your Options

A quick search for "dog daycare near me" will offer a starting point, but I recommend digging a little deeper. Seek providers who emphasise staff qualifications, behaviour-led care, and a calm, structured environment. A great daycare should have one member of staff to every six dogs.

It is also a legal obligation for any daycare (no matter how small!) in the UK to have either a commercial or “home from home” dog daycare and/or home boarding license. If someone is offering to take your dog for the day (or overnight) for payment, this counts as daycare.

Ask to see their license!

What to Look for in Reviews:

• Are dogs reported to come home relaxed and content? Dogs returning home “exhausted” is not always a good thing!

• Do clients mention skilled, compassionate staff?

• Are there mentions of behaviour-based or individualised care?

• Any concerns raised about injuries, overcrowding, or lack of communication?

Step 2: Take a Tour of the Facility

It’s essential to view the environment before sending your dog. Many home-based daycares (like mine) operate by appointment when spaces are available only, but will gladly arrange a tour in person.

Things to Observe:

• Cleanliness: Is it tidy and odour-free?

• Indoor and outdoor: Are there indoor areas for sheltering, keeping warm/cool and sleeping? and outdoor spaces/gardens for toileting and exercise?

• Atmosphere: Does it feel safe and suitable for your dog’s personality?

• Supervision: Are staff attentive and trained in canine body language?

• Energy levels: Are dogs engaged calmly or is the atmosphere chaotic?

  
  

Look for staff who use positive reinforcement and maintain a low-stress environment. Behaviour qualifications and ongoing training are definite advantages.

Step 3: Ask the Right Questions

A good daycare will welcome your questions—it shows you’re committed to your dog’s wellbeing.

Key Questions to Ask:

• Do they have a license and the correct insurance? (it is against the law in the UK to look after dogs for profit on a private premises without a valid license from the local council)

• How are dogs assessed before being accepted?

• How are playgroups formed? (Consider size, temperament, and energy.)

• How many dogs do they take per day?

• What is the staff-to-dog ratio?

• Are up-to-date vaccinations and parasite prevention required?

• What is the policy on neutering and bitches in season?

• What behaviours are accepted or not accepted?

• What training or behavioural experience do staff have?

• How are rest and enrichment structured throughout the day?

  
  

At my own daycare, I ensure dogs receive periods of calm, structured downtime—it's a crucial part of their day and prevents them from getting grumpy when tired!

Surrey Canine Corner Daycare Dogs are all temperament tested and trialled before they join - and just look at those grins 🐾

Step 4: Do a Trial Session

Once you’ve chosen a daycare that aligns with your expectations, begin with a short trial (any good daycare will have this as part of their joining policy anyway!). A half-day session, followed by a full day trial allows your dog to adjust gradually without being overwhelmed.

As someone who is constantly watching a newbie's behaviour, I look for:

• How easily a dog settles in

• Whether they seek interaction with myself or the other dogs, or need space throughout the day

• Their behaviour when playing (is it shy or rough? Do they get overstimulated quickly?)

• Their demeanour upon pick up and drop off - wiggly and relaxed is ideal.

  
  

Red Flags to Watch Out For

🚩No health or vaccination policy 🚩 No valid license or insurance 🚩 Unstructured or chaotic play 🚩 Use of aversive training techniques (inc prong collars or e-collars) 🚩 Overcrowded or understaffed environment 🚩 Poor communication or unwillingness to discuss concerns 🚩 Unclear policy on neutering and bitches in season 🚩 TOO MANY DOGS 🚩

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right dog daycare is a personal decision and should reflect your dog’s individual temperament and needs. A good daycare will provide structure, engagement, and support your dog’s development in a safe, controlled environment. However, not every dog thrives in a daycare setting. If your dog becomes overly anxious or overstimulated, other options such as solo walks, one-on-one enrichment, or time with a trusted sitter may be more appropriate.

Your instincts are a valuable guide. Take your time, ask the right questions, and prioritise your dog’s wellbeing above all.

If you’ve had a positive (or not-so-positive) daycare experience, feel free to share in the comments below. Your story might just help another dog owner make the right choice. 🐾

Bettie enjoying the paddling pool 🐾

Becki Gude

Ba(hons) PACT-KSA ABTC-ATI

Surrey Canine Corner

https://www.surreycaninecorner.co.uk/