As much as we love our little dogs, we may get carried away with everything else going on in our lives. Doggy daycares can be the perfect solution for dog owners who are having trouble dedicating enough time to take care of their dogs throughout the day or half day, which is the case for most pet owners or dog owner with a full-time job.
However, the costs can add up if you decided to take your dog to the daycare on a continuous basis, and that’s why we’re going to give you an idea about the average costs of doggy daycare.
Is Doggy Daycare a Good Idea?
Doggy day care can be a great chance for your dog to do something new other than the usual walks. It’s also a good way for your dog to socialize and play with other dogs. Here are some of the benefits of taking your dog to a pet daycare:
Safety
Ensuring that your dog is safe when you’re not around will make it easier for you to handle other stuff in your life without worrying about your little pet.
Socialization
Giving your dog the chance to meet other dogs will make it more sociable and happier. However, socializing isn’t every dog’s cup of tea. If your dog is shy and doesn’t like socializing with other dogs, a place filled with dogs may not be the best environment for it.
Improving the Mental Health of Your Pet
Leaving your dog at home for prolonged periods can be terrible for its health. It might lead your dog to develop destructive behavior, which means that it’ll chew or rip apart anything that comes in its way at home. By giving your dog some playtime with its fellows at a doggie daycare, you’ll make it happier while also keeping your valuable home furniture and decorations safe.
Adapting Your Dog to a Routine
Dogs love routine; there’s no doubt about that. By taking your dog to a pet daycare frequently, it’ll be more comfortable because it has a good idea about what to expect in the coming few days.
When Can Pet Daycare Be Bad for Your Dog?
Before deciding to take your dog or furry friend to a daycare facility every single day, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind. First, your dog isn’t supposed to go to the doggy day care way too often. It can be very exhausting for a dog to spend time at a doggy day care every single day.
Not to mention, spending too much time at a doggy day care will make your dog miss out on other fun activities that will make it happier and more energetic, like a simple dog walking in the neighborhood or other open areas.
On top of that, you need to have frequent conversations with the staff members about your dog’s behavior and whether they have noticed anything unusual. Staff members at such facilities must be trained to observe your dog’s behavior throughout the day to be able to tell if anything has changed.
Finally, your dog won’t be spending enough time with you, which is probably the worst thing about taking your dog to a daycare continuously. Most dogs will love spending time at a daycare, but it’s nothing compared to spending quality time with their owners. You’re probably going to notice that, too, but you can make up for that by at least spending some extra time with your dog on the weekends.
Choosing the Right Dog Daycare Facility
Here are some tips that you can take note of when choosing a suitable dog daycare center for your pet:
- The place must be clean, well-ventilated and odor-free
- Avoid over-crowded dog daycare centers
- Ask about the activities that the multiple dogs do throughout the day at the facility
- Make sure that the number of employees is sufficient for the number of dogs
- Check if there any toys for your pet to play with and whether they’re safe
- Ask whether there is a discount at the facility for weekly or monthly packages
- Ask if the prices are inclusive of collection and drop off
- The staff must be trained to observe the behavior of dogs
- The place should have at least 2 play areas and an area for guests
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Dog Day Care?
Opening a dog daycare requires some initial investment that usually lies within the $10,000-$20,000 range depending on several variables like the facility’s space, location, and the number of staff members. Here are all the expenses of day care centers:
Property and Facility Costs
It’s pretty obvious that a dog daycare business needs a physical property to house the small dogs in. A commercial lease is mandatory, too. The cost of property makes up the big chunk of a doggie daycare’s expenses, requiring a minimum cost of $10,000.
Utilities and Overhead Costs
Some of the essential utilities for a dog daycare center include electricity, water, and gas. It’s also highly likely that a dog daycare facility would outsource a trash disposal service to keep the place clean all the time. The initial cost could be anywhere from $400 all the way up to $1,100 without including the monthly payments that follow.
Business and Liability Insurance
This insurance protects a doggy daycare business against liability claims. It typically costs up to $1,000 and could be more in some cities like Washington, D.C.
Property and Premises Insurance
Property insurance protects the business from any damages to the facility’s location. Some of the damages that this insurance covers include damage from theft, natural disasters, and even adult dogs. It can cost up to $1,000 depending on the location.
Permits and Licensing Fees
Many states require some permits and licenses to allow a dog daycare center to operate. These fees can cost as low as $500 to up to $2,500 in some states.
How Much Does Doggie Day Care Cost in the US?
Dog care in the United States can set back pet owners anywhere from $12 all the way up to$38 per day for a full day (about 11 hours). However, if you don’t need your dog to spend a full day at a daycare center, you can ask the staff members whether it’d be OK to let your dog spend a half-day with them. Typically, a half-day would cost you somewhere between $6 to $26, which is significantly more affordable than a full day.
If you plan to take your pet to the daycare on a long-term basis, it’d be a good idea to subscribe to a monthly package that will reduce your dog daycare costs by at least 20% per day. Also, take into consideration any additional costs you may have to pay for, like the application fee. Many facilities also charge a late-fee in case you picked up your dog a bit later than you’re supposed to, which is typically charged on a per-hour basis.
Dog Day Care Services
Here’s a full breakdown of the dog day care services that most facilities offer:
- 1-2 Feedings
- Playtime with staff members in the play area
- Dog walkers “Dog Walker” that periodically take your dog to do its business
Moreover, some facilities offer extra services like picking up and returning your dog back home at an extra cost. You can also ask whether your dog can have more meals or snacks throughout the day.
It’s also worth mentioning that some centers offer a full-fledged dog training service for small pups, but the prices can be pretty high depending on your pup’s age. However, they might be your only option if you don’t have enough time in your day for proper dog training.
How Often Should My Dog Go to Doggy Day Care?
Around 2 or 3 days of doggy daycare per week is the sweet spot for most older dogs. However, there are several variables that influence the amount of time your dog needs to spend in dog daycare prices, like age, breed, and personality.
Final Thoughts
Dog day care costs can add up dramatically if you don’t plan things out correctly. Many dog owners or pet owner may take their pets to the dog daycare more often than necessary, which will be bad both for your little dog and your wallet.
If you’re thinking about adopting a new dog but not sure whether you’ll have enough time to take care of it, it’s a good idea to adopt an adult dog instead of small pups. Senior dogs can spend more time alone than puppies, making them a better option for those who spend a lot of time in the office.
Finally, check the available facilities around your neighborhood and compare their services and rates before committing to a specific daycare package. You can also ask other dog owners whether they can refer you to a dog daycare center or day care center/pet care that offers exceptional services at a decent rate.
