How much is a doggy daycare? Find Affordable Rates!
Okay, so the other day, I was thinking about getting a little extra help with my furry buddy, Buster. He's got tons of energy, and I sometimes feel bad leaving him cooped up all day while I'm at work. So, I started looking into doggy daycare. My first thought? "How much is this gonna cost me?"
I started with a simple online search, just to get a feel for things. I found a bunch of different places nearby, some fancy-pants, some pretty basic.
The Price Range is Wide
The initial results were all over the place. I found a range that varied depending on location, what was on offer, and how many staff they had.
Here's what I found from checking websites and making a few calls:
- The Basic Spots: Some places were pretty bare-bones – just a big room for the dogs to play in, and that's about it. These were the cheapest, coming in around $10-$20 a day. Honestly, I wasn't super impressed. Buster deserves better.
- The Middle Ground: Most places were in this category. They offered things like outdoor play areas, maybe some agility equipment, and a bit more staff interaction. These were averaging around $20-$30 per day. This seemed more reasonable.
- The Doggy Spas: Okay, some of these places were intense. We're talking grooming services, individual play sessions, gourmet treats... the works! Of course, these were the priciest, going up to $50 or more a day. Way out of my budget for a regular thing, but maybe for a special treat?
Figuring Out What Works For ME
After seeing all the options, I decided to visit a couple of the mid-range places. I wanted to see the facilities for myself, meet the staff, and get a feel for the vibe. I mean, Buster's gotta like it, too, right?
One place had a really great outdoor area, with lots of room to run. The staff seemed super friendly, and the dogs all looked happy. They charged $25 a day, which felt pretty fair for what they offered.
Finally, I decided that the place with good outdoor space, was the best option for my needs.
