Daycare

Daycare facilities provide supervised group play, rest periods, fresh water, and potty breaks throughout the day. Dogs are typically separated by size and temperament into play groups. Most facilities open early (6 or 7 AM) and close in the evening (6 or 7 PM), with flexible pickup times. Some offer grooming add-ons so you can pick up a tired, clean dog at the end of the day.

Daycare is a good fit for dogs that are social, have high energy levels, or experience separation anxiety when left home alone. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies often thrive in a daycare environment. However, not every dog enjoys group play. Most facilities require a temperament evaluation before the first day to make sure the dog is a safe fit for their play groups.

Daily daycare rates across the PNW range from $25 to $50 per day, with multi-day packages and monthly memberships bringing the per-day cost down. A typical 5-day weekly package runs $100 to $200 per week. Some facilities offer half-day rates for shorter stays. When evaluating a daycare, ask about their staff-to-dog ratio (1:10 to 1:15 is standard), vaccination requirements, and how they manage rest periods to prevent overstimulation.