A dog daycare is a great way to let your pup get the exercise they need. But how much does it cost?
The answer varies by location and facility. For instance, Manhattan doggy daycare centers tend to be pricier than those in the outer boroughs. Some facilities also offer package deals for regular customers that can significantly reduce daily rates.
Traditional Daycare Centers
Some daycare centers have policies that require dogs to complete a half- or full-day evaluation before they can enroll. This is often charged at a rate of $50. Early drop-off and late pick-up fees may cost an additional $15 per hour. Meal portioning with the pet parents’ food and extra relief walks also add up, averaging $4 each. Some facilities have package rates available, which offer a discount on the regular daycare price. Packages typically expire one year from the date of purchase.
Grooming services are sometimes offered by daycares and private sitters, and they can add an average of $10 to the daily cost. Some dog owners like to tip their caregivers for excellent service, but that is completely optional and shouldn’t be included in the base fee. Other supplementary services that may be offered include obedience classes and specialized care for dogs with behavioral concerns, which can run anywhere from $25 to $75 for 30-minute sessions.
Boarding
Many dog daycare facilities offer overnight or extended vacation boarding services. Prices for overnight boarding start at around $50 per night and vary depending on the facility. Some boarding facilities include meals in the price of boarding, while others charge a flat fee for each meal served to your pup.
The size and type of dog will affect the boarding rates as well. Larger dogs may require more attention than smaller breeds. Daycare centers that offer packages typically have expiration dates, so it’s important to check them regularly.
Some boarding facilities require dogs to pass a temperament test before joining the group. These tests involve observing how your pet interacts with other dogs and humans. The more familiar your dog is with the people and environment at a boarding facility, the less stressful their time away from you will be. Most boarding facilities will not allow a dog to stay for a long period of time if they are aggressive or fearful.
Grooming
Many dog owners prefer to groom their pets at home. That’s a great option, but professional grooming complements the at-home care and is essential to maintaining your pet’s hygiene. Groomers have the expertise and equipment to deal with tasks such as trimming the coat, shampooing, removing dead skin, treating fleas, and teeth brushing.
The cost of grooming varies depending on the size and species of your dog. For example, a short-haired breed can be washed and dried quickly and cheaply; however, the same is not true for long-haired dogs with dense coats. Similarly, a haircut may cost less for a standard cut than one that requires special attention to detail, such as that of a poodle or Afghan hound.
Some groomers offer additional services, such as claw clipping. While veterinary clinics may perform this task, groomers are often more experienced and do it at a lower cost. These extras may not be included in daycare packages, so you’ll need to factor them into your total budget.
Specialized Care
Many dog daycare facilities offer packages of full or half-day care. These packages are typically offered at a discounted rate for pet parents who regularly use the daycare service and can save you money in the long run.
In-home daycare services are another option for pet parents who have a small breed or shy dog who may feel overwhelmed in large groups at a facility. These services are provided by individual dog-care professionals who care for a few dogs in their homes, which can provide a more personalized experience for your pup.
Extra services, such as training sessions or behavioral assessments, may be available for an additional boarding places for dogs near me fee. You should always discuss these additional services with your daycare provider to determine if they are affordable for your budget. You can also ask about any loyalty programs or package deals that they might offer to help keep your costs down.
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