As pet parents, all we want is the best care, nutrition, and grooming for our dogs.
But let’s face it: today’s fast-paced lifestyles mean you’re either away or busy more often than not. And in both situations, you’re left with two options for your pup’s care, i.e., dog boarding and dog daycare.
However, no matter how similar they sound, both boarding and daycare serve different purposes altogether.
So, when it comes to choosing between dog boarding vs. daycare, you’ll have to first know the differences between the two. Also, you need to figure out exactly what your requirements are.
Being someone who has run a luxury dog boarding business for years, I know this can be difficult to begin with. That’s exactly why I’ve broken down everything about dog boarding versus daycare, including their differences, advantages and disadvantages, and more.
Read on and know what’s the best option for your furry friend.
What is dog boarding?
Let me begin with dog boarding, as this is likely the first option that will cross your mind when deciding between pet boarding vs. daycare.
For starters, a dog boarding is an overnight stay for your pet at a special pet housing facility. Think of it as a hotel for dogs where you can accommodate your four-legged companion for a few days or weeks while you’re away.
Herein, your pup will be given a place to sleep, eat, and play. Also, they’ll have exposure to socialization opportunities where they can make friends with other dogs at the facility.
So, whether you’re going out of town for a vacation, business trip, or unexpected emergency, you can board your pup here.
In case you’re boarding your dog for first time and curious about what’s included, here’s what you can expect from a dog boarding:
- Overnight stays: Your dog will have a dedicated private sleeping area.
- Daily meals: There are scheduled feeding times where your pup is fed your choice of food.
- Playtime: Most facilities offer social and even individual play sessions.
- Supervision: Trained staff are available 24/7 at the facility and they monitor dogs all the time.
- Extra services: Some facilities provide dog grooming packages, training, and specialized care for senior dogs.
What is dog daycare?
Now that you know what a boarding facility is, let’s see the second option among dog boarding vs. daycare.
A doggy daycare at its simplest is a daytime only service for dogs. Meaning, you can leave your pup here only for a few hours during the day.
Think of it as a playdate or preschool for dogs. Here, the facility offers a structured environment for your dog to play, socialize, and expend energy while you’re at work or running errands.
Also, a lot of daycares offer elementary dog training including basic obedience like sit and stay, among others.
All in all, here’s what you can expect from a dog daycare:
- Daytime care: You drop off your pup in the morning and pick them up later in the day.
- Socialization: Group play is at the center of daycare activities.
- Exercise: Facilities introduce activities to keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated.
- Supervised environment: Staff monitors interactions at all times to ensure safety.
- Flexible schedules: Most facilities offer half-day and full-day care options.
What are the pros and cons of dog boarding?
As you can see, dog boarding offers a long-term solution for pet care. And this makes it an excellent option when you’re away for days or even weeks.
Not to mention, with boardings designed for dogs with difficult personalities, there is a facility for every pup.
However, dog boarding has its pitfalls. For instance, these facilities have been criticised for bringing stress to rather happy and healthy dogs.
Also, reports of dog deaths and subsequent boarding tips from PETA are another grim reality.
Now, it is important you understand these to determine if boarding is indeed the right option for your dog.
So, here are the pros and cons of boarding your dog:
Pros
1. Round-the-clock care
Notwithstanding the type of boarding facility, there will always be staff on-site 24/7 to provide constant supervision and care to your pup. And this is especially reassuring for such pet parents whose pets have medical conditions or other needs that require attention at odd hours.
In fact, the presence of trained professionals at all times ensures that any emergency can be handled promptly.
2. Excellent for extended stay
One of the USPs of boarding facilities is that they cater to overnight and long-term stays, unlike daycares that operate only during the day.
So, if you’re planning to go vacationing or on a business trip, this is a convenient choice. After all, the fact that your dog has a safe place to eat, sleep, and play makes your time away less stressful.
3. You can have a relaxed time away
You’ll agree when I say that leaving your pet behind is quite emotionally taxing. However, boarding facilities are designed to alleviate this very feeling.
You see, with secure accommodations, monitored play areas, and strict safety protocols, you can rest assured that your furry buddy is in good hands.
4. Extra perks
Some dog boardings offer extras like grooming and training sessions. Also, they’ve specialized care plans for older dogs or canines with medical needs, among others.
Take a board and train program for aggressive dogs, for instance, where apart from boarding your dog is also imparted behavioral training to curtail aggression.
Now, these extra bits go on to enhance your pet’s overall experience and help ensure they get the best care for their stay.
Cons
1. Stress experience for some dogs
Most dogs adapt well to the boarding experience. Nevertheless, there are dogs who find the new environment quite stressful.
And this is especially true for dogs who are either too attached to their owners or are unfamiliar with group settings. In fact, these dogs can experience the worst forms of anxiety during your time away.
2. Limited socialization opportunities
Although boarding facilities offer playtimes with other pets boarded there, not every dog is included in such activities.
For instance, your pet could be restricted to individual play sessions due to safety reasons. And this will limit their opportunities for social interaction.
3. High costs
Dog boarding is expensive, and I can’t agree more. More so if you go for premium accommodations or extra services.
As per present day average, you can expect the cost of boarding your dog to be anywhere from $40 to more than $100. Plus, add the extras like grooming or medication and this cost will add up quickly.
In short, it might not be a budget-friendly option for you for an extended stay.
What are the pros and cons of dog daycare?
A dog daycare provides a great environment for your pet to socialize and play during the day. In fact, it is the go-to option if yours is a high-energy pup or one who thrives on interaction.
But doggy daycare also comes with its own set of pitfalls. For instance, the generally overstimulated nature of activities here might not be healthy for your pet.
Overall, here are a few pros and cons that you should know about dog daycares:
Pros
1. Great for social dogs
Doggy daycares offer a great opportunity for your pup to interact with other dogs. And this goes on to improve their social skills and reduce behavioral issues like excessive barking or chewing.
Moreover, regular interaction with other dogs or people will also boost their confidence and overall happiness.
2. Mental and physical stimulation
A day at daycare is usually packed with activities that challenge your dog both mentally and physically.
For instance, activities range from games and toys to group play sessions, and more. And these help prevent boredom from a lonely lifestyle at home and keep your dog engaged.
3. Perfect for everyday needs
If you’re someone who gets super busy on workdays or with errands, a dog daycare is ideal for your pup.
That’s because they provide a safe and engaging space for your dog while you’re occupied. Also, the flexibility in terms of drop-off and pick-up times fits it seamlessly into your schedule.
4. Flexible schedules
Be it care for half-day, full-day, or just an hour or two, daycare facilities offer a range of options to suit your needs. And this makes it a practical solution for both occasional or regular daytime care.
Cons
1. Limited time
All daycare facilities typically close in the evening, unlike dog boarding. Meaning it is not suitable for overnight or extended care.
Moreover, if you’re running late an additional fee might apply for late pick-up.
2. Overstimulation is concerning
High-energy dogs often become overly excited in a daycare setting. And this leads to them getting exhausted or ending up with behavioral issues.
At the same time, shy or anxious dogs feel overwhelmed in a busy environment, eventually making the experience less enjoyable for them.
Also, there aren’t many designated elderly dog daycare centers, which means if yours is a senior dog they might not fit into the conventional daycare environment.
3. Health hazards
Close contact with other dogs increases the likelihood of illnesses like kennel cough or even minor injuries from play.
Frequently asked questions about dog boarding vs. daycare
Can you opt for both boarding and daycare services?
Yes, you can!
Moreover, there are facilities that offer both pet boarding and daycare.
For instance, some daycares also provide boarding. Here, you can enroll your dog in daycare for playtime and turn them to boarding for an overnight stay.
What Should you look for in a boarding and daycare facility?
Whether you enrol your pup in a dog boarding or daycare, here are few things that the facility should have:
- Cleanliness and safety protocols.
- Staff credentials and experience.
- Webcams for remote check-ins.
- Positive reviews from other pet owners.
How do costs compare between dog boarding vs. daycare?
Doggy daycares are less expensive compared to boardings. That’s because boarding facilities have to take care of everything from accommodation to meals and more.
Here’s how the cost comparison looks like in present day market conditions:
- Dog daycare cost: $20-$40 per day.
- Dog boarding cost: $40-$100 per night.
To sum up
To choose between dog boarding vs. daycare is quite straightforward, all you’ve got to do is figure out your exact needs.
For instance, if you’ve an upcoming trip, boarding will ensure your dog has a safe and comfortable place to stay.
At the same time, dog daycare is excellent for daily care and socialization.
Looking to board your pup?
You can get in touch with us!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we bring top-of-the-line dog boarding to Memphis, Arkansas, and Mississippi. And we promise nothing short of a home away from home for your furry buddy.
