How much does Doggy day care cost?

As working adults and busy families look for ways to keep their dogs active and happy during the day, many of them are choosing doggy daycares. According to recent data from the US Census Bureau, the amount pet owners spend on pet care services doubled in the last decade. Doggy daycare centers are a result of—and a contributing factor to—this increased spending. 

These facilities provide a safe place for your pooch to spend time during the day, offering supervised play, interaction with other dogs—even training exercises. Some have lavish amenities and extra services, such as grooming or overnight boarding.

If you want to sign up your pooch for daycare services, here’s what you can expect to spend.

Nationwide, the average cost of doggy daycare is around $30–35 per day. This amount varies by location, size of facility, and services provided. In larger, more expensive cities, such as New York and San Francisco, a typical dog daycare costs $55 for a full-day visit. In smaller cities, prices are closer to $25 for a full day. 

When you drop your dog off for daycare, you’ll have a choice between a full- or half-day service. A full day is ideal for dog owners who want to leave their furry friend in safe hands before work and pick them up afterwards. A half day works for picking up a dog on lunch break, or leaving their pooch while running errands. Here are the typical prices for each:

Many daycare facilities also provide other convenient services, such as overnight boarding or grooming. Here are the typical costs for those add-on amenities:

You may find yourself paying more under certain circumstances.

These elements will help determine whether your doggy daycare rates fall high or low in the average price range.

Here are the best ways to reduce care costs:

Buy a package deal. At most facilities, the more days you buy, the more you’ll save on each visit. Membership plans provide a certain number of visits each month for a set fee, or packages of 5, 10, or 20 visits, with progressively larger per-visit discounts. If you can afford the higher upfront cost, these deals can save you 5–10%. 

Bring all your pooches. Daycares may offer per-dog discounts if you bring more than one dog from the same household. 

Seek other options. If all you’re looking for is a midday walk and potty break, consider a local dog walker. Dog-walking services typically cost $10–30 for 20–30 minutes. An independent pet sitter may also be able to provide less expensive overnight care; they typically charge $25–75 per night. 

How much does doggy daycare cost per year?
Putting your dog in daycare 5 days a week, every week of the year would cost $6,200–14,300. For frequent visitors, many facilities offer monthly memberships or package deals.

How much does doggy daycare cost for an overnight stay?
Overnight boarding costs $35–200, depending on the facility. The average price ranges from $45–65.

Is doggy daycare worth it?
Depending on your dog and your lifestyle, doggy daycare can be worth the cost. In addition to giving them a place to go when you’re not around, these programs help tire out high-energy dogs. They also keep dogs with separation anxiety busy, which can prevent them from becoming destructive in the house.

Find a doggy daycare in your area.