A daily dog schedule helps keep dogs calm, improves their ability to settle down and reinforces positive behavior. It also ensures that their needs are met, whether that’s getting enough exercise or getting enough time with humans.
A typical daycare routine includes drop-off and pick-up times, structured group play time, and scheduled activities. The following is an example of what a dog’s day might look like at a doggie daycare.
Check-In
Whether at your own facility or working as an independent doggie daycare consultant, creating a seamless check-in and check-out process will save time, eliminate stress, and create a better experience for pet parents. With the right software, you can automate booking confirmations, reminders, and feedback requests, all while maintaining detailed dog profiles and reducing manual data entry.
During the check-in process, make sure that all of your dog’s information is up to date, including current vaccination records and any medication they may require during their stay. You’ll also want to ask about the facility’s drop off and pick-up hours, and if early drop-off or late pick-up is available at an additional cost.
Once your dog is checked in, they’ll have a chance to settle into their kennel and relax before they’re introduced to the rest of the group during the structured play sessions and outdoor romps scheduled throughout the day. Keeping this part of the day consistent will help your dog feel at ease and understand that they’re always a welcome member of the family at their doggy daycare.
Morning Routine
At a dog daycare facility, the morning begins with outdoor playtime and potty breaks before the staff prepares breakfast inside. This gives the dogs a chance to burn off some energy before arriving at daycare, and helps prevent them from being over-stimulated.
After the dogs have eaten, it’s time for more play and socialization, helping them burn off extra energy before going home at night. This is also when training sessions and enrichment activities take place.
Halfway through the day, many of the dogs will be redirected to a kennel or quiet room to allow them to relax for a bit and recover from their playtime. Overstimulation is a concern at this point, so creating a calm space with soothing music and dim lighting is important. During this time, staff will wipe down pups and prepare any Report Cards or pet parent updates. They will also ensure that each dog has their designated sleeping area.
Afternoon Routine
Whether it's a daily schedule for walks or training sessions, or a meal and play routine, structure benefits dogs in many ways. It reduces dog anxiety and stress, helps daycare staff manage groups safely, and improves the overall experience for pet owners and their pets.
After drop-off, dogs are grouped for group play or other activities based on size and dog grooming and boarding near me temperament to help them feel comfortable. A staff member is present in the group to observe dog behavior and de-escalate if necessary.
After a busy day of socializing and burning energy, dogs need time to wind down. This may include quiet activities, such as coloring or calming puzzle toys. They may also be given a chance to rest or relax alone in their crate if they're more at ease that way. This is when a well-thought-out post-daycare routine can make the difference between high jinks and chaos at home. From calm pursuits to carefully planned meals, the tips below range from simple to sophisticated.
Night Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit and a structured daily routine provides them with a sense of stability. This helps reduce anxiety and improve behavior, both at home and at daycare. A structured schedule is also vital for training sessions and daily dog care tasks.
After a long day of socialization and exercise, dogs need to rest and recharge before heading home. We offer a variety of activities to help them do just that, from quiet activities to feeding schedules.
A well-structured daycare routine benefits both dogs and their Pawrents. Consistent exercise, mental stimulation, and structure support healthy growth and development and help reduce stress and bad behaviors like barking or chewing. In fact, Dogtopia research has shown that attending daycare three days a week adds 1-2 years to a dog’s life! Talk to our team about scheduling a meet-and-greet and free trial day for your pup.
