What to Look for in a Dog Daycare (That’s Right for You and Your Dog)

Choosing a dog daycare isn’t always straightforward. There are schedules to juggle, personalities to consider (yours and your dog’s), and let’s be honest — it’s a bit nerve-wracking handing your dog over to someone else for the first time.

Whether you're heading back to the office, trying to give your dog more social time, or just need a little extra support in your week, here are the things we think really matter when it comes to finding a daycare that feels like the right fit.

1. A Calm, Structured Routine

A good daycare won’t just let your dog run wild. Dogs thrive on consistency — so look for a space that offers a daily rhythm of play, rest and enrichment. A proper balance of stimulation and downtime helps keep your dog happy, settled and not totally wiped out when they get home.

At Paws & Pause, our dogs follow a familiar daily flow, with the same group and staff each weekday. It helps build trust and lets us get to know each dog properly — which makes for calmer dogs, safer play, and stronger bonds.

2. Staff Who Really Know Dogs

Training and qualifications matter — but so does instinct, patience, and time spent truly getting to know your dog. The best daycare teams aren’t just managing behaviour, they’re reading body language, responding gently, and giving dogs what they need emotionally, not just physically.

If you’re touring a daycare, don’t just ask how many staff are on-site. Ask how they settle new dogs, how they structure introductions, and how well they know the regular pack.

3. A Clear, Thoughtful Trial Process

A good trial day isn’t about “testing” your dog — it’s about helping them feel safe. The first day should be calm, unrushed, and done at your dog’s pace. And ideally, you should hear how it went — not just whether they can come back.

At our trial days, we update you as the day goes on and always let you know if your dog isn’t enjoying it. Sometimes a dog just isn’t suited to daycare — and that’s OK. The right place will be honest with you.

4. Enrichment, Not Just Exercise

Your dog doesn’t need to sprint for 8 hours straight. What they really need is stimulation that uses their brain as well as their legs. Snuffle mats, scent trails, chew time and quiet snuggles are just as important as fetch and chase.

Look for a setting that values enrichment as much as play. It means your dog will come home calm and fulfilled — not just tired.

5. Space That Matches Their Energy (and Personality)

Some dogs love a big open space. Others feel overwhelmed unless there are quiet corners to retreat to. The right daycare for your dog will match their play style and personality.

At Paws & Pause, we split our dogs into small, consistent groups based on size and temperament. We also have different “zones” — from our chilled-out camping den to our high-energy dog gym — so dogs can move between stimulation and rest.

6. A Little Something Bigger

This one might not be on everyone’s list. But for a lot of our families, it matters that their dog is doing more than just daycare. When you know that 20% of your invoice helps someone build confidence after a tough chapter in life, it shifts things. It’s not just a place to leave your dog — it’s a community that’s doing something good.

We call it #PawsForACause. And we think your dog might love being part of it.

7. Transparency and Trust

At the end of the day, you need to feel confident — not just in the setup, but in how the team communicates. Do they give honest feedback? Are they responsive when you ask a question? Do they know your dog’s name, quirks and habits?

You shouldn’t have to chase for updates or feel like just another booking. The right daycare will make you feel like part of the pack, too.

Thinking of a Trial Day?

We offer weekday and Saturday trial sessions at both our Peckham and Brixton sites. You can book a trial here, or if you’re not quite ready, request our info pack and we’ll send you everything you need to know.

Your dog deserves a place where they’re known, cared for, and able to be their brilliant self. We’d love to help you find it — even if it’s not with us.