Is Dog Daycare Actually Good for Dogs?
February 4, 2026
If you’re considering dog daycare in Melbourne, you’ve probably asked yourself this exact question. Maybe you’ve heard mixed opinions from friends, read conflicting advice online, or simply feel uncertain about whether leaving your dog in someone else’s care is the right decision.
The short answer? Yes, dog day care can be incredibly beneficial for dogs when it’s done properly. But like any pet care service, the quality of the experience depends entirely on the facility, the supervision provided, and whether your individual dog’s needs are being met.
Let’s explore what research, veterinary professionals, and canine behaviourists actually say about dog daycare, so you can make an informed decision for your furry family member.
The Research-Backed Benefits of Quality Dog Daycare
- Mental Stimulation Prevents Boredom and Destructive Behaviour
Dogs are intelligent, social animals that need mental engagement throughout the day. When left home alone for 8-10 hours, many dogs become bored, anxious, or frustrated, which often leads to destructive behaviours like chewing furniture, excessive barking, or digging.
Quality day care for dogs provides constant mental stimulation through:
Supervised play with other dogs
Rotating toys and enrichment activities
Different environments and sensory experiences
Structured group activities
Research from animal behaviour specialists shows that dogs experiencing regular mental stimulation display fewer anxiety-related behaviours and better overall emotional wellbeing.
- Physical Exercise Tailored to Your Dog’s Energy Level
Not all dogs need the same amount of exercise, but every dog needs some. Active breeds like Border Collies, Kelpies, and Labradors can require 2-3 hours of physical activity daily. For working professionals, providing this level of exercise during the week is nearly impossible.
Professional dog day care centres offer:
Multiple play sessions throughout the day
Appropriate exercise intensity for different breeds and ages
Safe environments for off-leash running and play
Structured activities that tire dogs out properly
A tired dog is a happy dog, and the physical exercise provided at daycare helps prevent obesity, joint problems, and behavioural issues stemming from pent-up energy.
- Crucial Socialisation with Other Dogs
Socialisation isn’t just for puppies. Adult dogs benefit enormously from regular, positive interactions with other canines. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and many genuinely enjoy spending time with their own species.
At supervised dog day care facilities, your dog learns:
Appropriate play behaviour and boundaries
How to read canine body language
Confidence around different breeds, sizes, and temperaments
How to navigate social situations calmly
Dogs in daycare that attend regularly often become more confident, less reactive on walks, and better behaved around other dogs in public spaces.
- Reduced Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioural issues dog owners face. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety may bark excessively, destroy property, attempt to escape, or experience genuine distress when left alone.
Dog daycare can significantly help by:
- Providing companionship and supervision during your work hours
- Creating positive associations with your departure (they know they’re going somewhere fun)
- Reducing the total hours your dog spends alone each week
- Building confidence and independence in a safe environment
Many dog trainers recommend daycare as part of a comprehensive approach to managing separation anxiety.
- Professional Supervision and Safety
One of the biggest advantages of reputable dog daycare centres is the professional supervision your dog receives. Trained staff members understand canine behaviour, can identify signs of stress or overstimulation, and know how to intervene appropriately if play becomes too rough.
Quality dog day care centers also:
Separate dogs by size, age, and temperament
Monitor play groups constantly to prevent injuries
Provide rest periods to avoid over-excitement
Maintain strict health and vaccination requirements
This level of supervision simply isn’t possible when dogs are left alone at home or even in some informal walking groups.
When Dog Daycare Might Not Be Right for Your Dog
While doggy daycare offers tremendous benefits for many dogs, it’s not suitable for every animal. Being honest about your dog’s needs and temperament is crucial.
Dogs That May Struggle at Daycare
Highly anxious or fearful dogs: Some dogs find the busy, social environment of daycare overwhelming rather than enriching. If your dog is nervous around other dogs or new people, gradual introduction or alternative care might be better.
Elderly dogs with health issues: Senior dogs often prefer quieter environments with more rest time. While some daycare centres offer special programs for older dogs, a home visit service might be more appropriate.
Dogs with aggression issues: For safety reasons, dogs displaying aggressive behaviour toward other dogs or people typically aren’t suitable for group daycare settings. These dogs may benefit more from private dog walking or one-on-one care.
Highly unsocialised dogs: Dogs that have never been around other canines need careful, gradual introduction. Throwing an unsocialised dog straight into daycare can be stressful and potentially dangerous.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Facility
Not all dog day care centres are created equal. The quality of care varies dramatically between facilities, which is why choosing the right provider is absolutely essential. When searching for dog day care near me, don’t just pick the closest or cheapest option.
Warning signs of a poor-quality facility include:
Inadequate supervision (one staff member for 20+ dogs)
No separation by size or temperament
Dirty or poorly maintained facilities
No rest periods or quiet areas
Lack of transparency about their processes
On the other hand, excellent dog daycare providers will:
Welcome facility tours and questions
Require health checks and vaccinations
Conduct temperament assessments before acceptance
Maintain appropriate staff-to-dog ratios
Provide regular updates and photos to owners
Follow force-free, fear-free handling methods
What Veterinarians and Dog Trainers Say About Daycare
The professional pet care community generally views quality dog day care very positively. Veterinary behaviourists often recommend day care for dogs as part of treatment plans for various behavioural issues.
Dr Emma Goodman, a veterinary behaviourist in Melbourne, notes: “For working professionals with active breeds, quality daycare can prevent a multitude of behavioural problems. I see far fewer destructive behaviour cases in dogs that receive regular daycare compared to those left alone all day.”
Professional dog trainers also recognise the value of daycare, particularly for socialisation. Well-run facilities reinforce good manners and provide real-world practice for skills learned in training classes.
Making Dog Daycare Work for Your Dog
If you’ve decided daycare is right for your dog, here’s how to ensure a positive experience:
Start with a Trial Day
Most quality facilities offer trial days or half-day sessions. This allows your dog to experience daycare gradually and lets staff assess whether your dog enjoys the environment.
Watch how your dog behaves after their trial:
Are they relaxed and tired, or stressed and overstimulated?
Do they seem excited to return, or reluctant?
Are they showing any signs of stress like excessive panting, drooling, or hiding?
Begin with Part-Time Attendance
Rather than jumping straight to five full days per week, consider starting with 2-3 days. This gives your dog time to adjust while still providing the benefits of socialisation and exercise.
Many dogs thrive on a routine that includes some daycare days mixed with quieter days at home or with other care options.
Maintain Open Communication with Staff
Good daycare centres will keep you informed about your dog’s day, including:
How they interacted with other dogs
Their energy levels and mood
Any concerns or observations
Eating and drinking habits
Don’t hesitate to share information about your dog’s preferences, fears, or special needs. The more staff know about your dog, the better they can tailor their care.
Watch for Signs Your Dog Loves Daycare
Dogs that genuinely enjoy daycare will show clear signs:
Excitement when approaching the facility
Positive body language (wagging tail, loose posture)
Sleeping well after daycare days
Improved behaviour at home
No reluctance to enter the facility
If your dog seems stressed or unwilling to go, it’s worth discussing concerns with staff or considering alternative care options.
The Bottom Line: Is Dog Daycare Good for Dogs?
For the vast majority of healthy, social dogs with working owners, quality dog daycare is not just good, it’s excellent. The combination of exercise, mental stimulation, socialisation, and professional supervision addresses many of the challenges modern dogs face.
However, the keyword here is “quality.” The benefits of doggy daycare only apply when:
The facility is clean, safe, and properly staffed
Dogs are supervised constantly by trained professionals
Play groups are managed appropriately
Individual dogs’ needs and temperaments are considered
Staff use positive, force-free handling methods
If you’re considering dog daycare in Melbourne, take the time to visit facilities, ask questions, and trust your instincts. A reputable provider will welcome your questions and be transparent about their operations.
The right dog day care environment can transform your dog’s life, providing them with friendship, fun, exercise, and mental stimulation while you’re at work. For many dogs and their owners, it’s one of the best investments you can make in your pet’s wellbeing.
Ultimately, every dog is different. What matters most is finding a care solution that meets your individual dog’s needs, supports their physical and emotional health, and gives you peace of mind while you’re away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Daycare
How many days a week should my dog go to daycare?
Most dogs thrive on 2-4 days of dog day care per week. This provides regular socialisation and exercise without over-tiring your dog. Full-time daycare (5 days) works well for high-energy breeds, while lower-energy dogs might prefer 1-2 days weekly. Consider your dog’s age, breed, and energy level when deciding frequency.
What age can puppies start dog daycare?
Puppies can typically start daycare once they’ve completed their initial vaccination series, usually around 16-18 weeks old. However, many quality facilities offer puppy-specific playgroups or puppy socialisation programs for younger pups in controlled environments. Early socialisation during the critical period (8-16 weeks) is crucial for lifelong confidence.
Will my dog be tired after daycare?
Yes, most dogs are pleasantly tired after a full day at daycare. The combination of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction is exhausting (in a good way). Your dog will likely sleep soundly that evening. If your dog seems overly stressed rather than happily tired, discuss this with daycare staff.
Can dog daycare help with separation anxiety?
Dog daycare can significantly help manage separation anxiety by providing companionship during your absence and reducing overall alone time. However, severe separation anxiety requires a comprehensive treatment plan that may include behaviour modification training, environmental management, and sometimes medication. Daycare should be one component of a broader strategy.
How do I know if my dog is happy at daycare?
Happy daycare dogs show enthusiasm when arriving at the facility, display relaxed body language during play, sleep well afterward, and show improved behaviour at home. Most quality facilities provide photo updates throughout the day. If your dog seems reluctant to enter the facility or shows signs of stress, address this with staff immediately.
Is dog daycare better than having a dog walker?
Both services offer different benefits. Daycare provides all-day socialisation, mental stimulation, and constant supervision, making it ideal for social, high-energy dogs. Dog walking offers shorter, focused exercise and works better for dogs who prefer one-on-one attention or can’t handle full daycare days. Many owners use a combination of both services.
What should I look for when choosing a dog daycare?
Key factors include: appropriate staff-to-dog ratios (ideally 1:10-15), clean and safe facilities, separation by size and temperament, rest periods, transparent operations that welcome tours, required health checks and vaccinations, trained staff using force-free methods, and regular communication with owners. Trust your instincts during facility visits.
Can aggressive dogs go to daycare?
Dogs displaying aggression toward other dogs or people typically aren’t suitable for group daycare environments for safety reasons. However, some facilities offer private play sessions or work with professional trainers to address behaviour issues. If your dog has aggression concerns, consult a qualified dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist first.
Will my dog get sick at daycare?
While quality facilities maintain strict health and vaccination requirements, any environment where dogs interact carries some risk of contagious illnesses like kennel cough. Reputable daycare centres minimise this risk through rigorous cleaning protocols, requiring current vaccinations, and monitoring dogs for illness signs. The benefits of socialisation typically outweigh the minimal health risks.
How much does dog daycare cost in Melbourne?
Dog day care charges in Melbourne typically range from $40-80 per day depending on the facility, location, and services included. Many centres offer multi-day packages or membership options that reduce the per-day cost. While doggy daycare is an investment, many owners find it worthwhile compared to the costs of treating anxiety, behaviour problems, or destructive behaviour resulting from boredom and isolation.
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