5 Questions to Ask Your Doggy Daycare

Whether you're already using a daycare or just thinking about it, this short guide is here to help you get the answers that matter. Because when it comes to trusting someone else with your dog, it's not just about logistics - it's about peace of mind.

1. Do you walk your dogs? How many times a day and for how long?

Yep, really. It may seem like Doggy Daycare 101, but not all daycare facilities actually walk their dogs. There are plenty of set-ups where the dogs are pretty much left to their own devices in a field or a back room.

Dogs in daycare should be walked twice a day or, at the very least, have one long walk, just like you would do at home. Look for a minimum of an hour and a half a day for healthy adult dogs.

2. Where do you walk your dogs?

Too many city dogs are walked along the same route in the same park twice a day or simply released into a dog-proof pen to mill around without any direction. Well guess what? That's as boring for them as it is for us.

Dogs are migratory beings and are hard-wired to follow a leader from A to B, not round and round in circles or left to their own devices. I'm a big advocate of variety, so look for somewhere that varies their walking locations and routes.

3. How many dogs do you walk at a time? Are the walks off-lead?

The answer will depend on where you live. In London we are restricted to 4 dogs per handler in practically all parks. No matter where you live, I would look for no more than 5 dogs per handler as it's almost impossible to keep an eye on more than that safely.

Unless your dog has poor recall, look for a daycare that guarantees off-lead walks. Dogs kept on-lead can experience frustration and fear as they can't escape from any potential threats (e.g. another dog charging up to them.)

If your dog has poor recall, work on their recall! If you nail this before you send them to daycare, they'll have a much more fulfilling time.

4. How long will they spend in a van?

The answer should be less time than they spend out walking.

If they're having two 30-minute walks a day, but spending two hours crated in a van, then that's not ideal. The more local your dog walker or daycare facility is, the less time they'll likely spend being transported.

5. Can I visit the premises and meet the pack?

If the answer is 'no' - what are they trying to hide? Run a mile!

When you do visit, here's what to look for: Is there outside space that the dogs can access easily? Do they have somewhere nice to relax and sleep? Can the more boisterous ones be separated from the younger, older, or more nervous ones if necessary? How do the dogs look - are they relaxed? Are their interactions positive? If you witness a 'moment' (after all, dogs can be unpredictable), do they listen to their handlers? What safety measures are in place?

And Finally, a Question to Ask Yourself: How Much Should I Pay?

Never make your decision purely on the basis of cost. If the price you're offered seems too good to be true… that's probably because it is.

Remember, you're ultimately paying for peace of mind, and that's priceless.

That's it. Five small questions. One giant leap for dogkind.

If you're reading this, chances are you care deeply about who looks after your dog, and rightly so. They deserve the best. (Not spa-treatments-and-chicken-sushi best, just proper care, cuddles, and a good runaround.)

I hope this little guide has helped you feel clearer, more confident, and maybe even a bit smug in your next daycare chat.

With love and woofs,

Steph x

Follow @houseofdog.club on Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes from the pack. And if you're London-based and thinking about daycare, get in touch -

we might just be the right fit.