--- title: How Often Should My Dog Go to Day Care? | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-should-my-dog-go-to-day-care/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - How often should my dog go to day care? # How often should my dog go to day care? Start with one or two days a week and add more only if your dog comes home tired but happy and eager to return. There is no universal number, because age, energy and temperament all matter. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The AKC does not give a number either, and it says every dog's needs are different. These are practical guides for choosing a rhythm. ## A sensible starting point Begin with a half day or a single day, then repeat the next week. A trial helps both of you see how your dog settles. Add a second day if the first went well, and increase only gradually. Many people settle on two or three days a week, although some dogs do well daily and others do better with fewer. ## Signs the schedule is right - Your dog is happy to go in the morning. - Your dog comes home tired, drinks and rests. - Appetite and sleep are normal. - There is no new nervousness, limping or skin trouble. ## Signs to cut back The AKC lists a dog who is relaxed, not stressed, at the end of the day as a good sign. - Reluctance to go, trembling or hiding at drop-off - Heavy panting, drooling or stress when you pick up - Sore feet, limping or stiffness the next day - More irritability at home - Coughing or sneezing, which can mean kennel cough; call your vet ## Rest days matter Dogs need recovery as much as activity. A dog that goes every day should still get quiet days at home, long sleeps and calm walks. Puppies and seniors in particular need more rest. ## Planning around cost Day care is $38 for the day, or $7 an hour up to $38, on the 2026 rates. For a regular schedule, the buy-10-get-12 package is $380 for one dog, which covers 12 days. Two days a week would take six weeks to use. Short visits by the hour suit occasional needs. See [day care costs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/) and [dog day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/). ## Adjusting by age Young adults often handle more days than older dogs, and puppies need frequent naps. Seniors may prefer shorter, quieter visits. If your dog has arthritis or another health condition, say so at drop-off so staff can watch for soreness. Day care can be booked by the hour, which is handy for a lighter schedule. Revisit the schedule every few months, because a dog that loves day care at two may want fewer days at eight. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [American Kennel Club, choosing a doggy daycare](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/choosing-a-doggy-daycare/) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Dog day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/) - [Day care packages](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/packages/) - [Hourly day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/hourly/) - [Is day care good for dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-dog-day-care-good-for-dogs/) - [Dog day care cost](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/) - [Dog day care for Dixon commuters](https://happypawskennels.com/areas/dixon/dog-day-care/) ## Read next - [Puppy day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-day-care/) - [Enrichment ideas from our kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-enrichment-ideas/) - [Lick mats & frozen treats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/lick-mats-and-frozen-treats/) - [Boarding and kennel cough risk](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-kennel-cough-risk/) - [Bringing your dog home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-coming-home-after-boarding/) - [What to expect from a month-long stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/long-term-boarding-what-to-expect/) - [Microchips & ID tags before you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/microchips-and-id-tags/) - [A pet evacuation plan for Solano & Yolo families](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/pet-emergency-plan/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Is daily day care too much? It depends on the dog. Watch for signs of fatigue or stress and keep rest days. ### How long is a trial? Start with a half day or one day and see how your dog is at home that evening. ### Can I buy fewer than ten days? Yes. Day care is $38 a day or $7 an hour up to $38, and the package is optional.