Are there dog daycare services available?
Calgary boasts one of the most developed dog daycare networks in Canada, with over 26 professional facilities of varying levels and specializations. This industry has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, when many dog owners returned to office work and their pets, accustomed to constant human presence at home, needed additional socialization and activity.
Today, daycare services in Calgary are offered by a wide range of establishments, from family businesses to large corporate centers, from basic supervision services to luxury spa complexes with swimming pools and hydrotherapy. The average cost of daycare is around $47 per day, making Calgary one of the most expensive cities in Canada for such services, but also ensuring the highest quality of care.
Leading daycare facilities
Downtown and largest facilities
PAWS Dog Daycare Calgary is one of the most recognized facilities in the heart of downtown Calgary, operating since 2010 and serving dogs from all areas of the city. The facility is known for its cage-free environment, daily pack walks, and monthly professional photo shoots at no extra charge. The base rate is $56 per day, but with package plans, it can be as low as $37 per day. PAWS offers a free first day for new clients, but due to high demand, there is a 2-3 week waiting list for new admissions.
BowDog Canine Specialists occupies over 45,000 square feet in downtown Calgary and is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the city. Operating since 2007, the facility is recommended by leading veterinarians for its high-quality care and professional staff. BowDog offers two free trial days for new daycare clients within seven days to assess compatibility. The facility also provides boarding and grooming services, creating a comprehensive approach to pet care.
Dogtopia has two locations in Calgary — downtown and in Douglas Glen. It is a chain facility with standardized procedures and a high level of service. Dogtopia Downtown is particularly popular due to its location and cost of $47 per day. The facility offers personalized care in a spacious and safe environment.
Unique and Specialized Facilities
Pawsitively Pooched was founded in 2005 and is the only daycare in Calgary with a pool and a team of highly trained hydrotherapists. Located in northwest Calgary at #206 3400 14st NW, the facility offers a holistic approach to canine health. Warm water hydrotherapy is recommended by veterinarians for the treatment of arthritis, muscle injuries, hip dysplasia, and weight control. The cost is $40 per day, making it one of the most affordable facilities with unique services.
Dogaholics has recently opened a new luxury pool area called “Paws & Splash.” It is one of the few facilities in the area offering this level of luxury for dogs. The above-ground pool is designed specifically to add fun to daycare visits and creates a unique experience for dogs of all sizes.
Dogs Tail Inc. stands out for having the largest outdoor fenced grass areas in Calgary, with access to all rooms. The facility offers a full range of services for $39 for a full day (5+ hours) and $25 for a half day (4 hours or less).
Neighborhood facilities with special features
Raising Canine in Crowfoot Village is the only daycare facility in northwest Calgary that offers both indoor and outdoor play areas. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a cost of $42 per day for the first dog and $28 for each additional dog from the same family. Package discounts bring the cost down to $31 per day when purchasing a 20-day package.
Central Bark is the only daycare in inner Calgary with a large outdoor park. The facility was featured on CTV News and City News in the context of separation anxiety issues in pets after their owners returned to office work. The cost is $47 per day.
Muttley Crue Organics is located in northeast Calgary at 620 46 Ave NE and is open seven days a week. The facility has the highest staff-to-dog ratio in the city, an open-concept play area divided by size, and a fully fenced-in grass-covered yard. The staff uses a positive, non-force approach to dog behavior correction.
Specialized Training Centers
Combining Day Care and Training
Dogma Training & Day School is a unique facility that is not a traditional day care, but rather a training school. Dogs receive more than just supervision; they receive active training from certified trainers with personalized attention and structured training programs. The facility has a special KinderPups Enrichment room designed exclusively for puppies with its own yard. The space is built with a fear-free approach to ensure a positive experience in a safe environment.
Clever Canines has been in operation since 2005 and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. The facility is a combination of a leading training center and daycare, offering a “Dayschool” program for structured daycare with elements of training. The cost is $47.50 per day. Clever Canines also had a special program called “Special Pups,” which ran until 2020 and was designed for children with special needs to interact with dogs.
For Dog's Sake YYC offers daycare in south Calgary with the option of in-home training during the owners' workday. The facility also offers a “Day Training” program in two formats: in-home training during work (south Calgary only) or training during daycare (no geographic restrictions).
Family-owned and boutique facilities
Calgary Dog House is located at 3423 Centre St. NW and is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The facility is known for its home-like atmosphere and individualized approach to each dog. The facility's philosophy is based on a gentle approach without stress or aggression, with an emphasis on understanding each dog's unique personality. The staff believes that every dog has its own unique personality and temperament, so physical and mental stimulation varies between dogs.
Back in the Pack Dog Daycare has been in business for over 21 years and is located at Unit 2, 3131 68 St NW. The facility specializes exclusively in quality dog day care on weekdays from 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at a cost of $40 per day. In addition to traditional care, they offer unique 3D scanning and miniature 3D figurines of your dog.
Health and vaccination requirements
Mandatory vaccinations for all facilities
All daycare facilities in Calgary have strict vaccination standards to ensure a healthy environment. Basic requirements include a set of core vaccines (DHPP) that protect against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Puppies must receive annual vaccines, while adult dogs may receive boosters every three years.
Rabies vaccination is absolutely mandatory, with adult dogs typically receiving a 3-year booster, and due to the seriousness of the disease, it is a legal requirement in some Canadian provinces, including Ontario. In Alberta, although rabies is not legally required, all daycare facilities require up-to-date vaccinations.
Bordetella (kennel cough) is a highly contagious respiratory disease common in dog care facilities. All facilities require vaccination less than 6 months prior to boarding, as this disease can spread quickly in a multi-dog environment.
Additional requirements and procedures
- Spaying and neutering are required for dogs over one year of age. This is a standard requirement for most daycare facilities in Calgary to prevent aggressive behavior and unwanted pregnancies.
- Current flea and tick prevention is required according to veterinary recommendations. Facilities may also accept titer tests as an alternative to DHPP booster vaccinations if they were performed within the last year.
- Canine influenza (CIV) is a recommended annual vaccine, especially mandatory for dogs arriving from the US or recently visiting the US, at least 10 days prior to their visit. This disease has become more prevalent and requires special attention.
Vaccination timing
Most facilities require vaccinations to be given at least 7 days prior to arrival. Puppies must complete a full series of vaccinations, including rabies, at least 3 days prior to arrival. PAWS Dog Daycare requires puppies to have at least 2 sets of vaccinations or a veterinary certificate of approval for day care.
Pricing Structure and Package Programs
Price Range in Calgary
The average cost of dog daycare in Calgary is approximately $47 per day, making it one of the most expensive cities in Canada for such services. Prices range from $37 (with maximum package discounts) to $57.75 for a full day of care. This cost typically includes supervision, socialization with other dogs, feeding (if needed), access to water, and basic manners training.
Most economical options
Dogs Tail Inc. offers the lowest base prices at $39 for a full day (5+ hours) and $25 for a half day or weekend. Back in the Pack and Pawsitively Pooched both offer day care for $40, making them affordable options for regular use.
Premium services
Chasin' Tails has the highest base price at $57.75 per day, but offers a unique “Free Play” option with no advance booking and the longest hours, from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily except Christmas. PAWS Dog Daycare, with a base price of $56, offers the largest package discounts, reducing the cost to $37 per day when purchasing the largest package.
Package discount system
Most establishments offer significant discounts when purchasing package programs. Raising Canine has a clear structure: the daily rate of $42 is reduced to $36 (5-day package), $34 (10-day package), and $31 (20-day package). Pawsitively Pooched offers the biggest discounts with a 20-visit package for $585, which works out to $29.25 per day.
Benefits of daycare for dogs
Physical health and activity
Daycare provides regular exercise and supervised play, which is especially important for preventing obesity in dogs. PAWS Dog Daycare includes daily group walks as a standard part of the program, which not only provides physical activity but also helps resolve potential tension between dogs through shared activities.
Pawsitively Pooched offers a unique warm water hydrotherapy treatment recommended by veterinarians for arthritis, muscle tears, amputations, hip dysplasia, and weight control. This therapy is suitable for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds and provides low-impact exercise that is especially beneficial for older dogs or those recovering from injury.
Socialization and behavioral benefits
Socialization is critically important, especially for puppies and young dogs. Daycare allows dogs to meet and play with a variety of dogs, covering a wide range of sizes, breeds, and temperaments. This diversity is invaluable for socializing puppies, as it allows them to learn the nuances of dog communication and social etiquette in a controlled and safe environment.
The presence of trained and experienced staff at PAWS Dog Daycare Calgary is a cornerstone of the puppy socialization process. Staff members are experts in recognizing the subtleties of dog behavior and can intervene when necessary to positively manage interactions. Pack leaders not only ensure that play is safe, but also make it educational by preventing negative behaviors from forming by stopping bullying or overly dominant play.
Mental stimulation and mental health
Daycare offers a variety of games and activities that stimulate your dog's mind. Puzzles, training exercises, and scent games challenge your dog's brain, helping to prevent boredom and maintain happiness. Regular mental stimulation is critical to overall mental health and can help prevent issues such as anxiety or depression.
PAWS Dog Daycare emphasizes the importance of mental and physical stimulation through a combination of physical games, daily pack walks, and other skill-building activities. This multifaceted approach to engagement helps in raising a well-rounded dog.
Reducing separation anxiety
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many dogs developed separation anxiety when their owners returned to the office. Central Bark was even featured on CTV News and City News in the context of this issue. Daycare offers a structured environment that helps dogs adjust to being away from their owners while providing them with social interaction and activity.
Regular visits to daycare help dogs develop confidence in new situations and become less dependent on their owners' constant presence. Facilities such as Calgary Dog House specialize in creating a home-like atmosphere that eases the transition for dogs with anxiety.
Admission procedures and special needs
Admission process for new clients
Most professional daycare facilities have structured admission procedures to ensure safety and compatibility. PAWS Dog Daycare has a strict policy of only accepting one new dog per day. This can result in a 2-3 week waiting list for new clients, but it ensures the best start for each dog and allows the staff to give newcomers plenty of attention.
BowDog offers two free evaluation days within seven days for new daycare clients. Staff use this time to get to know the animal and determine the compatibility between the facility and the dog. This also allows owners to evaluate the quality of care and environment before deciding on regular attendance.
Special needs and behavioral issues
PAWS Dog Daycare specializes in socializing dogs with behavioral issues, but can only accept a limited number of such cases at a time. Safety is the number one priority, so owners with problem dogs should call ahead before registering. Dogs with behavioral issues may be subject to additional training fees on top of the standard daycare cost.
Muttley Crue Organics has the highest staff-to-dog ratio in the city and uses a positive, non-force approach to dog behavior correction. Staff members undergo regular seminars and training to further their qualifications, making them particularly well-equipped to handle difficult cases.
Rules and procedures
Most facilities require advance reservations. BowDog requires reservations 12-24 hours in advance, while PAWS and other facilities do not allow walk-ins. Chasin' Tails is an exception, offering a “Free Play” option with no reservations required.
Drop-off times are usually limited to the morning hours (7:00-10:00 for PAWS), and pick-up after a certain time (7:00 p.m. for PAWS) incurs penalties of $25 for every 15 minutes late. Raising Canine charges $1 per minute after 5:30 p.m.
Seasonal features and trends
Price stability
Unlike boarding facilities or long-term care, the cost of daycare in Calgary does not typically fluctuate with the seasons. This provides stability for owners and makes budgeting easier. Demand may increase during the winter months when owners are less inclined to take long walks in cold weather.
Impact of the pandemic and current trends
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the daycare industry has experienced significant growth. Many people adopted dogs during lockdowns and then faced separation anxiety issues when returning to office work. This has led to increased demand for professional daycare services.
Current trends include increased demand for specialized services such as hydrotherapy at Pawsitively Pooched, pools at Dogaholics, and combining daycare with training at Dogma Training. Dog owners are increasingly looking for comprehensive solutions that combine care, training, and wellness treatments.
Calgary undoubtedly boasts one of the most developed networks of dog daycare services in Canada. With over 26 professional establishments offering a range of services from basic care to luxury spa treatments with pools and hydrotherapy, the city provides high-quality options for dogs of all needs and budgets. While costs may be higher compared to other Canadian cities, the quality of service, professionalism of staff, and variety of services justify the investment in the health and happiness of your beloved four-legged companions.