Doggy Daycare 101: How to Run a Winning Day Service

If you're a Pawshake sitter looking to offer Doggy Daycare, you’re in the right place. This service is more popular than ever. Pet parents want better options than kennels to care for their dogs during the day.

So—why Doggy Daycare? For many modern pet owners, especially working professionals, it's the perfect solution. Dogs get to enjoy fun, safe, and stimulating care during the day, while their owners go about their work guilt-free. Especially good for puppies, energetic dogs, or those experiencing separation anxiety.

Here’s your guide to starting a successful Doggy Daycare at home. Learn how to build trust with clients and make your service unique.

🐾 What is Doggy Daycare?

Doggy Daycare is like Dog Boarding, but it is only for the day. It usually lasts up to 8 hours. Designed for:

• Working professionals who can’t get home to walk or play with their dog during the day
• People working from home who need their dog to be entertained and not a distraction
• Pet owners with puppies that need routine, training, and can’t be left alone
• Dogs with separation anxiety who may otherwise bark, chew, or become distressed

Doggy Daycare keeps dogs active and happy. It helps them stay mentally stimulated and socialized. This makes it much more desirable than a kennel for dogs who enjoy company or need extra care.

⭐ Why Doggy Daycare is Good for Dogs (and Their Humans!)

1) Supports Physical Health

Daily play and exercise help dogs maintain a healthy weight and keep their joints and muscles strong. Well-exercised dogs are also calmer and sleep better—great news for both sitter and owner!

2) Reduces Separation Anxiety

Many dogs experience separation anxiety when left alone, especially puppies or rescues. Doggy Daycare offers regular companionship and enrichment, preventing destructive behaviours like chewing, digging, barking or toilet accidents.

3) Encourages Socialisation

Friendly dogs, or those still learning to behave, can benefit from daycare. It offers a great chance to meet and play with other dogs. The environment is safe and supervised.

4) Boosts Owner Productivity

Doggy Daycare means no more interruptions during Zoom calls or barking during a deadline crunch. Owners can focus fully on work, knowing their dog is having fun and being well cared for.

5) Gives Peace of Mind

Many owners feel guilty leaving their dogs home alone. Doggy Daycare takes away that worry. It offers comfort, routine, and personal attention. Better than a kennel and much more personal.

🏠 How to Run a Doggy Daycare from Home

To offer a top-notch experience for both dog and owner, follow these five golden rules:

1) Start with a Successful Meet & Greet

This is your chance to meet the dog. You can see how they act in your home and with any pets.

You will also gather important information. This includes feeding, triggers, medical needs, emergency contacts, and more. You can find a full guide to Meet & Greets here.

2) Prepare Your Space

Set up a designated, secure area with:

• Toys, puzzle feeders, and enrichment games
• A comfy rest area or crate (especially if crate-trained)
• Access to clean water and fresh air

Check your home and garden for safety hazards and make sure fences and gates are secure.

3) Keep Them Busy

Idle dogs get bored—and bored dogs get naughty. Plan age-appropriate activities like playtime, walks, short training sessions, or simply hanging out in the sun. Puppies might need more nap breaks, while older dogs may prefer gentle sniff walks.

4) Keep the Owner in the Loop

Send regular updates through Pawshake with photos and light-hearted messages. Clients love knowing their dog is having a good time, and this helps build trust and loyalty.

5) Ask Questions if You’re Unsure

Every dog is different. If you have questions about feeding, toileting, or behaviour, feel free to ask. Pawshake Support is here to help you with anything you need.

➕ Add-On Services to Grow Your Doggy Daycare Business

Want to offer more value and convenience? Add-On Services help you stand out—and increase your earnings.

🚗 Pick-Up and Drop-Off

Perfect for busy owners who can’t drop their dog off before work. You can offer to collect and return the dog as part of your Doggy Daycare service.

• Activate this from Dashboard > Services.
• Set your own price.
• Always follow local laws when transporting dogs—read our safety guide.

🌍 Travel Expenses

If an owner lives outside your usual service area, you can add a Travel Expense charge. This charge helps cover extra time or fuel costs.

💡 Other Custom Add-Ons

Want to offer an extra-long walk, training session, or enrichment games? Use the "Other" Add-On field to customise your service.

✅ You can easily add all Add-On Services within the conversation view of your Pawshake booking.

💡 Tip: The Pawshake 19% fee also applies to Add-Ons. Adjust your prices to make sure your earnings reflect your time and effort.

📜 Don’t Forget Council Licensing

Before hosting dogs in your home, check with your local council to ensure you’re following relevant laws. This may include:

• Business registration
• Pet care or boarding permits & limits
• Health and safety requirements

Every council is different, so visit your local government website to make sure you’re covered.

🐶 Why Doggy Daycare is Better Than a Kennel

Many owners are now choosing Doggy Daycare over traditional kennels because it offers:

• A calmer, more personalised experience
• One-on-one attention
• Familiar home routines and training
• Better conditions for dogs with separation anxiety or special needs
• A safe environment for puppies to learn and socialise

At-home Doggy Daycare offers fun, structure, and comfort. It is often better than a busy kennel for many dogs.

💬 Final Thoughts

Running a successful Doggy Daycare is more than just dog-sitting. Building trust and giving personal care are essential. Also, it’s about helping dogs thrive during the day.

With good communication, a safe space, and helpful Add-On Services, you will create a service that pet parents love. Dogs will enjoy coming back too.