How Much Does Dog Daycare Cost in Melbourne?

Dog daycare in Melbourne typically costs between $48 and $80 per day, depending on your dog’s size, the facility you choose, and the services included.

But there’s more to understand than just the daily rate. Some centres charge extra for add-ons that others include as standard. Some offer package deals that dramatically reduce costs. And some “cheaper” options might not provide the level of care your dog deserves.

This guide breaks down what you’ll pay for dog day care in Melbourne and how to get the best value.

Melbourne Dog Daycare Pricing Breakdown

• Standard Daily Rates

Based on current pricing across Melbourne facilities:

Small dogs (under 15kg): $48-65 per day. Medium dogs (15-25kg): $55-70 per day Large dogs (25-45kg): $58-75 per day Giant breeds (45kg+): $65-80 per day

These rates typically include supervised play, socialisation with other dogs, rest periods, and sometimes lunch if you bring food from home.

• Package and Multi-Day Discounts

Most dog daycare centres in Melbourne offer package deals that reduce your per-day cost significantly. Here’s what’s common:

5-day packages: Usually $60-65 per day (around 10% discount) 10-day packages: Usually $55-63 per day (up to 15% discount) 20-day packages: Usually $50-60 per day (up to 20% discount)

These packages typically expire within 6-12 months, so they work best if your dog attends regularly.

• Weekly Membership Options

Some facilities offer weekly membership structures instead of packages:

1 day per week membership: $60-70 per week 2-3 days per week: Additional days at $50-60 each Unlimited monthly passes: $340-400 per month (best for 5-day-per-week attendance)

Memberships are ideal if your dog goes to daycare consistently every week.

• Trial Days and First-Time Rates

Many Melbourne dog day care centres offer discounted trial days for new dogs:

Trial day rates: $35-50 (sometimes free with package purchase) Half-day sessions: $30-48 per session

Trial days help you assess whether your dog enjoys the environment before committing to regular attendance.

What’s Included in Dog Daycare Prices?

The variation in dog day care costs often comes down to what’s included as standard versus what costs extra. Here’s what to look for:

Standard Inclusions at Quality Facilities

At reputable Melbourne dog daycare centres, your daily rate should include:

> Full-day supervised play and socialisation
> Multiple play sessions with appropriate rest breaks
> Separation by size, age, and temperament
> Climate-controlled indoor and outdoor areas
> Clean, sanitised facilities
> Professional staff trained in canine behaviour
> Daily health and wellbeing monitoring
> Photo updates throughout the day

If these basics aren’t included, you’re not getting good value regardless of the price.

Common Additional Costs

Services that typically cost extra include:

Grooming services: Bath and brush $35-60, full groom $60-150
Pick-up and drop-off: $15-30 each way depending on distance
Lunch and treats: $5-10 per day if not provided by owner
Training sessions: $20-50 per session
Medication administration: $5-15 per day
Nail trimming: $15-25

Some premium facilities include basic grooming services or lunch in their standard rate, so compare what’s actually included before judging value.

Why Dog Daycare Prices Vary in Melbourne

Several factors influence what you’ll pay for doggy daycare in Melbourne:

Location Within Melbourne: Inner-city facilities in areas like South Melbourne, Richmond, and Abbotsford tend to charge more due to higher rental costs. Suburban locations in Ormond, Moorabbin, or outer areas often offer more competitive pricing while maintaining the same quality standards.

Staff-to-Dog Ratios: Quality facilities maintain appropriate supervision ratios. Industry best practice is approximately one trained staff member for every 10-15 dogs. Facilities with better ratios may charge slightly more, but this directly impacts your dog’s safety and the quality of their experience.

Facility Quality and Amenities: Purpose-built dog day care centres with separate play areas, climate control, and specialised equipment typically charge more than basic facilities. These features significantly improve your dog’s comfort and safety, making them worth the investment.

Additional Programs and Services: Facilities offering enrichment activities, swimming pools, training programs, or specialised care for anxious or reactive dogs often have higher rates reflecting their expertise and equipment investment.

Is Dog Daycare Worth the Cost?

When Dog Daycare is Excellent Value

For destructive dogs: If your dog has caused significant damage at home from boredom or anxiety, the cost of daycare quickly pays for itself. Some owners report avoiding thousands in furniture and home repairs.

For high-energy breeds: Working breeds like Border Collies, Kelpies, and German Shepherds need extensive daily exercise. Daycare provides this at a fraction of what you’d pay for private dog walking services multiple times per day.

For socialisation: If your dog struggles with reactivity or fear around other dogs, quality daycare with proper supervision can be part of addressing these issues, potentially saving on one-on-one training costs.

For working professionals: The peace of mind knowing your dog is supervised, entertained, and safe while you work is invaluable to many owners.

How to Get the Best Value from Dog Daycare

Start with Fewer Days Per Week: Rather than jumping straight to five days per week, start with 2-3 days. Many dogs thrive on this schedule, and it’s significantly more affordable while still providing regular socialisation and exercise.

Buy Package Deals: If your dog attends regularly, package deals offer substantial savings. A 20-day package can save you $200-400 compared to casual daily rates.

Combine Services: Some facilities offer discounts when you combine services. For example, daycare plus grooming packages, or daycare with occasional overnight boarding.

Look Beyond the Daily Rate: Don’t choose solely based on price. Factor in location convenience, included services, staff qualifications, facility quality, and most importantly, whether your dog enjoys going. A cheaper facility your dog hates isn’t good value.

Ask About Referral Discounts: Many Melbourne dog daycare centres offer discounts for referring friends or multi-dog household rates if you have more than one dog.

Comparing Dog Daycare Costs to Alternatives

Private dog walking: $30-50 per walk (30-60 minutes) Home visit pet sitter: $25-45 per visit (30-60 minutes) Group dog walk: $20-35 per walk Full-day pet sitter at home: $80-150

For full-day supervision, socialisation, and exercise, daycare often represents better value than multiple walks or home visits.

What You Should Expect for Your Money

Regardless of price, you should receive clean and safe facilities, well-trained staff who know your dog, regular photo updates, clear communication, proper health requirements, and immediate notification of any issues. If you’re not getting these basics, you’re not getting good value.

The Bottom Line on Dog Daycare Costs

Quality dog daycare in Melbourne costs $48-80 per day, with package deals reducing this to $50-65 per day for regular attendees. While this is a significant investment, it provides comprehensive care that would cost more if purchased separately.

Don’t automatically choose the cheapest option, but don’t assume the most expensive is best either. Visit facilities, ask questions, and trust your instincts.

Most importantly, watch your dog’s reaction. If they’re excited to go, tired and happy when they come home, and showing improved behaviour, you’ve found good value regardless of the exact price.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Daycare Costs