Doggie daycare services provide professional care, exercise, and socialisation for your dog whilst you're at work or away. From dog walking to full-day care, these services ensure your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and well-exercised.
Why Choose Doggie Daycare?
Professional daycare services provide exercise, socialisation, and mental stimulation for your dog. They're ideal for busy owners, puppies needing training, or dogs that benefit from interaction with other dogs in a supervised environment.
Training opportunities: Many daycare facilities offer professional training programmes alongside their care services, helping reinforce good behaviour and teaching new skills whilst your dog socialises.
Types of Doggie Daycare Services
Dog Walking Services
Professional dog walkers collect your dog from your home and take them for exercise and toilet breaks.
What's Included:
- Home collection: Dog walker comes to your home
- Individual or small group walks: Personalised attention
- Flexible timing: Usually 30-60 minute sessions
- Regular updates: Photos and reports of your dog's walk
- Toilet breaks: Essential for dogs left alone all day
Perfect For:
- Dogs that prefer familiar environments
- Senior dogs or those with mobility issues
- Dogs that don't socialise well with others
- Quick midday breaks for working owners
Drop-Off Daycare
Full-day care facilities where you drop off your dog for socialisation, exercise, and supervised play.
What's Included:
- All-day care: Typically 7-8 hours of supervised care
- Socialisation: Interaction with other dogs and staff
- Multiple play sessions: Indoor and outdoor activities
- Feeding: Meals and treats as required
- Rest periods: Quiet time for relaxation
- Basic training: Reinforcement of good behaviour
- Training programmes: Some facilities offer professional training services
Perfect For:
- Social dogs that enjoy playing with others
- High-energy dogs needing extensive exercise
- Puppies requiring socialisation and training
- Dogs that get anxious when left alone
Hiking & Adventure Daycare
Specialised services that take dogs on longer walks, hikes, and outdoor adventures.
What's Included:
- Extended walks: 2-4 hour hiking sessions
- Natural environments: Beaches, forests, mountains
- Small groups: Usually 4-6 dogs maximum
- Transport provided: Collection and return to your home
- Adventure photos: Pictures of your dog's outdoor experience
- Weather appropriate: Adapted to seasonal conditions
Perfect For:
- Active breeds needing extensive exercise
- Dogs that love outdoor adventures
- Working dogs requiring mental stimulation
- Dogs that enjoy swimming and natural environments
Typical Costs & Pricing
Average Daily Rates:
- Dog walking (30-60 minutes): €15-€25 per session
- Half-day daycare (4 hours): €20-€30
- Full-day daycare (8 hours): €30-€35
- Hiking/adventure daycare: €35-€45
- Weekly packages: Often offer 10-15% discount
- Monthly packages: Can save 15-20% on regular rates
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Assessment fee: €10-€20 for initial evaluation
- Registration fee: €15-€30 one-time charge
- Special dietary needs: May incur additional charges
- Medication administration: €5-€10 per day extra
- Bank holidays: Often charged at premium rates
Recommended Daycare Providers
Kildare Area
Fluffy Paws
Professional dog daycare and walking services in Kildare, offering personalised care for your furry friend.
Website: fluffypaws.ie
Services Available:
- Professional dog walking
- Daycare services
- Contact for specific requirements
- Serving Kildare and surrounding areas
Dublin Area
The Canine Centre
Comprehensive dog daycare facility in Dublin 14 Churchtown, providing professional care and socialisation.
Website: thecaninecentre.ie
Location & Services:
- Based in Dublin 14 Churchtown
- Professional daycare facilities
- Experienced staff and training
- Contact for availability and pricing
Cork Area
Collins Canines
Professional dog services in Cork, offering daycare and walking services for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
Website: collinscanines.com
Cork Services:
- Dog walking and daycare
- Professional care in Cork area
- Experienced with various breeds
- Contact for service details
Important Note
These are examples of daycare providers in different regions. Always research, visit facilities, and verify that any daycare service meets your standards and your dog's specific needs before booking.
Essential Questions to Ask
Before choosing a daycare provider, ask these important questions to ensure your dog receives the best care:
Health & Safety Requirements:
- What vaccinations are required? (Usually C5 + kennel cough)
- Is neutering/spaying required? Most facilities require this for safety
- What is your sick dog policy? When dogs can't attend
- Do you have insurance? Public liability and professional indemnity
- What are your emergency procedures? Veterinary contacts and protocols
Facility & Staff Questions:
- Can I visit the facility? Reputable providers welcome visits
- What is your staff-to-dog ratio? Smaller ratios mean better attention
- What training do staff have? Animal care qualifications
- How do you handle dog conflicts? Behaviour management policies
- What's included in the daily routine? Exercise, play, rest periods
Practical Considerations:
- What are your opening hours? Flexibility for working schedules
- Do you provide food? Or should I bring my dog's regular diet
- How do you communicate with owners? Updates, photos, reports
- What's your cancellation policy? Flexibility for sick days
- Are there breed restrictions? Some facilities have limitations
Neutering Requirements:
Most daycare facilities require dogs to be neutered or spayed after 6-8 months of age. This reduces territorial behaviour, aggression, and unwanted breeding. Check specific requirements with your chosen provider, as some may make exceptions for younger dogs or specific circumstances.
Preparing Your Dog for Daycare
Before Starting Daycare:
- Socialisation: Ensure your dog is comfortable around other dogs
- Basic training: Sit, stay, come commands are helpful
- Health check: Recent veterinary examination
- Gradual introduction: Start with shorter sessions
- Familiar items: Bring favourite toys or blankets
- Feeding routine: Maintain regular meal times
Signs Your Dog Enjoys Daycare:
- Excitement when arriving at the facility
- Relaxed behaviour after daycare sessions
- Improved socialisation with other dogs
- Better behaviour at home due to exercise
- Eagerness to return for future sessions
Daycare vs. Longer-Term Care
Daycare is ideal for regular daily care, but for longer periods such as holidays or extended trips, consider professional dog boarding services which provide overnight accommodation and 24-hour care.
When to Choose Daycare:
- Daily work schedule: Regular 8-hour workdays
- Socialisation needs: Dogs that benefit from interaction
- Exercise requirements: High-energy dogs needing stimulation
- Routine care: Consistent daily schedule
When to Choose Boarding:
- Overnight care: Multi-day absence
- Holiday trips: Extended periods away
- 24-hour supervision: Dogs needing constant care
- Accommodation included: Sleeping arrangements provided
Combination Services:
Many providers offer both daycare and boarding services, allowing your dog to become familiar with the staff and environment before any overnight stays. This can reduce stress and anxiety during longer boarding periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Full-day daycare typically costs around €32 per day, though prices range from €30-€35 depending on location and services included. Walking services cost €15-€25 per session, whilst hiking daycare can cost €35-€45 per day.
Most daycare facilities require dogs to be neutered or spayed after 6-8 months of age. This reduces territorial behaviour and aggression, making group play safer. Some facilities may make exceptions for younger dogs or specific circumstances.
Dogs suitable for daycare are generally social, enjoy playing with other dogs, and have basic obedience training. Most facilities conduct assessment sessions to evaluate your dog's temperament and compatibility with group settings.
Bring your dog's regular food, any medications, vaccination records, emergency contact information, and perhaps a favourite toy or blanket for comfort. Most facilities provide bowls, leads, and basic bedding.
Happy Dogs, Happy Owners
Professional daycare services provide essential exercise, socialisation, and care for your dog whilst you're busy. Whether you choose walking services, full-day care, or adventure hiking, the right daycare can significantly improve your dog's wellbeing and behaviour.
