Introduction
Dog day care can be a lifesaver if you are a pet owner who wants to give your furry friend the best possible care when you are gone. Not only does this keep your dog occupied, but the safety, activity, and socialization of the dog are also ensured. However, an important question is pondered by many: how much is dog day care?
In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about dog day care pricing, the things that influence the cost, and how you can stay on budget.
Understanding Basics of Dog Day Care
A dog day care is a place where your pet can play, train, relax and socialize with other dogs in a supervised and structured environment. Group play sessions, feeding schedules, nap times, grooming and training services are the most common facilities that provide these services.
No matter if you need it every other day or everyday, dog day care means your pet will not be lonesome or bored at home, and will therefore behave better and end up being a happier dog in the long run.
How Much Is Dog Day Care?
When you start searching for answers to how much dog day care costs, you will see prices because of location, services, and other factors. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Full Day Care (6-10 hours): Expect to pay $20 to $40 per day for Full Day Care (6 to10 hours). In major cities, a premium center may even charge $60 per day.
- Half Day Care (up to 5 hours): Generally, the half day care will cost between 10 to 25 dollars. Good if you need care for a few hours only.
- Weekly Packages: Day cares also provide weekly packages priced around $100 to $300 per week for regulars.
- Full time Care Packages: If you require 24 hour care, expect to pay between $400 – $1200 per month and know the facility’s services and reputation.
Some luxury centers with spa treatments, training, and 24/7 supervision may charge even higher prices.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Dog Day Care
There are several important factors that can change the amount you will pay for dog day care. It helps you to make a better judgement.
1. Location
Costs of membership have a lot to do with where you live.
Suburban or small town centers tend to be a lot cheaper than dog daycares in cities like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago. Also, the rents of urban facilities are higher than that of the rural facilities, increasing the service cost naturally.
2. Services Offered
Basic day care includes playtime and periods of rest.
The price will be higher, however, if the center provides add-ons such as grooming, training, one on one attention, or webcam for owners to check in with their pets. More services = higher price.
3. Dog Size and Breed
Prices may vary from center to center but some may be based on dog’s size or breed.
The daily rate might slightly increase for larger dogs or more energetic breeds who need more space, closer supervision, and more special handling.
4. Number of Dogs
If you have more than one dog, you may be able to secure a multi dog discount.
A lot of centers provide packages where it sufficiently cuts the cost of this additional dog.
5. Duration and Frequency
However, dogs that attend day care every day may be eligible for bulk discounts.
Usually facilities reward the users who subscribe for weekly or monthly packages than walk in randomly.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Of course as you check how much is dog day care, don’t forget the extra fees most facilities charge. Here are common hidden costs:
- Late Pick Up Fees: Sometimes there is a charge per hour for late pick up of your dog.
- Some Fee Classes: Custom meal prep or medicating can be additional.
- Registration or Evaluation fees: Depending on the day care, there can be an initial assessment cost, which is usually in the range of $20–$50.
- Holiday Surcharges: Customers there honor the surcharges imposed during holidays.
Before signing up always ask them to send you a complete pricing sheet, to avoid any unexpected surprise.
Tips to Save on Dog Day Care Costs
If you aren’t careful, dog day care can become an expensive venture but here are ways to keep your doggy day care expenses to a minimum.
- Buy Package Deals: It’s very much a rule of thumb that, if you buy your tickets for multiple days or months in advance, OEMs offer major discounts.
- Look for Referral Discounts: A sense of guilt for buying is replaced with the awareness that every time you use your debit card, you are helping Buy Nothing Day get closer.
- Combine Grooming and Daycare: Facilities that provide Daycare and Grooming Services may offer discounts if offered together (bundle service).
- Enroll in Loyalty Programs: Loyalty programs give you reward points for every visit that you can redeem for free days.
That little research can pay for itself hundreds of dollars quickly.
Final Thoughts
The decision of choosing a dog day care is a big one and it affects both your wallet and your dog’s happiness.
Knowing how much is dog day care is a search that is location, services, and dog needs based, means that you should remember this when you search. With the knowledge of all of the cost factors involved, and by watching out for those hidden charges, having the confidence to select the best day care possible for your furry companion while staying within budget is entirely possible.
After all, a happy, well-cared-for dog is priceless!
