How much for doggy daycare near me? (Find affordable options)

Okay, here's my blog post about figuring out doggy daycare costs:

So, my furry buddy, Buster, has been getting a little stir-crazy at home alone while I'm at work. I felt bad, you know? He's a social butterfly, and I figured some playtime with other dogs would do him good. Thus began my quest to find a decent doggy daycare and, more importantly, figure out how much it was gonna cost me.

First Steps: The Google Deep Dive

First thing I did? Hit up Google, of course. I searched for "doggy daycare near me" and a bunch of places popped up. I spent a good hour just browsing websites, checking out pictures of happy dogs, and trying to get a general feel for each place.

Making Some Calls

After narrowing it down to a few potential spots, I started making phone calls. I'm not gonna lie, it felt a little awkward at first. I was basically like, "Hi, um, how much do you charge for, like, dog... sitting?" But hey, I got over it. I jotted down some notes for each place, focusing on:

• Daily Rates: Most places had a full-day and a half-day rate.
• Package Deals: Some offered discounts if you bought multiple days at once.
• Extra Services: Things like grooming, training, or even special treats often cost extra.

Visiting the Daycares

Talking on the phone is one thing, but I wanted to see these places in person. I made appointments to tour three different daycares. This was crucial! I wanted to see:

• Cleanliness: Was the place clean and did it smell okay?
• Staff Interaction: How did the staff interact with the dogs? Were they attentive and friendly?
• Play Areas: Were the indoor and outdoor play areas safe and spacious?
• Overall Vibe: Did the dogs seem happy and engaged?

Making the Decision (and Crunching Numbers)

After the visits, I felt much better equipped to make a decision. One place stood out – it was clean, the staff seemed awesome, and Buster even got to meet a few potential playmates during the tour. He seemed to love it!

Now, for the cost. The place I liked charged $30 for a full day. They also had a 10-day package for $270, saving me $30. I'm planning on taking Buster twice a week, so the package deal made the most sense. It works to be $27 per day.

The Verdict

Figuring out doggy daycare costs wasn't as simple as I initially thought. It involved some research, phone calls, and in-person visits. But, it was totally worth it. I feel good knowing Buster will be having fun and socializing while I'm at work, and I'm comfortable with the price I'm paying for it. It's an investment in his happiness, and that's priceless (well, almost!).