--- title: Is Dog Day Care Good for Dogs? | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-dog-day-care-good-for-dogs/ 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/) - Is day care good for dogs? # Is day care good for dogs? It can be, for dogs that are well socialized, enjoy other dogs and need regular exercise and stimulation, but it is not right for every dog. The AKC's best test is a dog who comes home tired but happy and seems eager to go each morning. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Day care is a tool, not a verdict on your dog. Some dogs thrive; others do better with a walk and a quiet home. ## When day care helps The AKC lists the benefits as play with other dogs, mental stimulation, relief from boredom or separation anxiety, and exercise. A dog who spends a day busy and comes home ready to nap can be easier to live with. Day care also gives a dog a routine when your schedule is long. ## Signs your dog is a good fit - Eager to go in the morning rather than dragged through the door - Relaxed at the end of the day, not stressed - Comes home tired but happy - Enjoys the company of other dogs and people ## When to think twice Stress signs like heavy panting, trembling, avoiding contact or tension that is not normal for your dog are worth taking seriously. Dogs that are highly fearful or that dislike other dogs may do better with walks, a sitter or a quieter setting. Puppies need their vaccine series first, and a facility should respect age and vaccination rules. ## What to ask any facility The AKC suggests visiting the facility without your dog first, checking for cleanliness, secure fencing, hazard-free space, a comfortable temperature and enough staff. - Do you assess temperament first? - What are the staff arrangements and the emergency plan? - How do you communicate with owners during the day? - Is there a comfortable rest area, and how long will my dog be in a kennel? - What do vaccines and clean-up look like? ## Day care at Happy Paws Dog day care is $38 for the day, or $7 an hour up to $38, with a second dog sharing the kennel at $32 on the 2026 rates. Dogs need the same vaccines as boarding, including Bordetella; canine influenza is recommended. You can tour every day from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM. Read [dog day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/), [hourly day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/hourly/) and [the cost guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/). ## Alternatives if day care is not the fit Not every dog needs a day away. A midday walk, a puzzle feeder and a few minutes of play can fill the gap for many working households. A dog walker or sitter may suit a dog that dislikes other dogs, and the day care versus dog walker comparison on this site explains the trade-offs. Short hourly visits are another way to try a new setting without committing to a full day. ### 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) - [American Kennel Club, kennel cough in dogs](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/kennel-cough-in-dogs/) ### 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/) - [Hourly day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/hourly/) - [Day care packages](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/packages/) - [Dog day care cost](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/) - [Puppy day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-day-care/) - [Day care vs a dog walker](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/day-care-vs-dog-walker/) ## Read next - [Dog day care cost](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/) - [How often should my dog go to day care?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-should-my-dog-go-to-day-care/) - [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/) 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 day care good for puppies? It can be, once their vaccines are complete and your vet agrees. See the puppy day care guide. ### Is day care stressful? It can be for some dogs. Watch for stress signs and talk with staff. ### How much is day care? $38 a day, or $7 an hour up to $38, on the 2026 rates.