6 Best Dog Daycare Centres in Ottawa
As much as you love your canine furbaby, there might be days when you have to go somewhere that dogs aren’t allowed. For those times, you’ll be needing the best dog daycare services in Ottawa.
We’ll also take a look at some of the expenses you can expect when availing of certain services of a dog daycare and boarding centre.
How Much Does Dog Daycare Cost in Ottawa?
Here’s a table to show the estimated costs of popular dog daycare services in Ottawa. These estimates were taken from some of the companies we’re reviewing today.
| DAYCARE SERVICE | ESTIMATED COST |
| Daycare (with structured activities) | $32 up per visit |
| Boarding (customized exercise, grooming, and care services) | $50 up per day |
| Grooming (haircut, trim, baths, pedicure, styling) | $40 per hour |
| Private training (2-hour in-home sessions) | $160 up (excluding travel fees) |
Most services are quite affordable but a lot will depend on the daycare you’re going to end up booking. Their experience, amenities, staff qualifications, products, and other factors can dictate the final invoice when you’re ready to check your dog out of the place.
And if you end up availing of more than one service like a combined daycare and grooming session, the fees will surely add up.
Luckily, some of the dog daycares we’re covering today do offer bundled promos and discounts to loyal clients.
The Best Dog Daycare Services in Ottawa
With an idea of the expenses related to caring for them, it’s now time to check out what the best dog daycare centres in Ottawa can do for your beloved pooch pal!
1. The Ruff House
| SERVICES | Dog daycare, grooming, training, walking, nutrition, shop |
| ADDRESS | 800 Industrial Avenue Unit 16 Ottawa, ON K1G 4B8 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | (613) 260-RUFF (7833) |
| WEBSITE | https://www.ruff-house.ca/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 7 AM – 6.30 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays Grooming and private training by appointment only |
The Ruff House wants to establish a home away from your home whenever you need to go somewhere that doesn’t allow pets. It features affordable packaged services for loyal clients who can choose from five, ten, or 20 full or half-day visits at discounted rates.
Each dog has to undergo a temperament test (worth $15) so they can be observed for proper grouping with similar-tempered and sized dogs. What makes this BBB-accredited daycare unique is its aversion to “time-out” crates or cages because its staff believes in positive reinforcement.
The centre measures 3,300 square feet so there’s definitely lots of room for dogs to have supervised playtime during their stay. You won’t have to worry if your furbaby is prone to dog zoomies because this daycare has four divided play areas filled with obstacles, ramps, and other fun stimuli.
There are even grooming and training services available at the Ruff House. The downside is that it doesn’t accept overnight boarding for pets.
Pros
- Affordable packaged services
- Positive reinforcement daycare techniques
- Has live dog cams
- BBB-accredited, A+ rating
Cons
- No overnight boarding services
- No home pick-up or drop-off services
- No weekend or evening appointments allowed
- Two-week wait for new temperament tests
Customer Reviews
Read the following client feedback for Ruff House:
“Amazing facilities, Dogs are more than well taken care of. The space is clean and the staff is more than courteous. The services offered are well priced and the reservation system is simple and easy. 10/10 would recommend.” – Dominic B.
“I bring my doggie Dexter here for nail trims. He’s a good boy, but he’s a fear-biter and has some serious baggage. The staff at Ruff House are kind and understanding, and they get the job done well, despite a less-than-cooperative client. Jon knows Dexter by name, and most recently, Declan did a particularly awesome job with Dexter’s black dachshund nails. Super short, super clean (no splitting), super dull- just the way we like ’em.” – Stephanie Youngdale
2. Lucky Dogs Daycare
| SERVICES | Boutique dog daycare, open acreage play and exploration |
| ADDRESS | Beavertail Rd, Carp, ON K0A 1L0 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | [email protected] (613) 715-4605 |
| WEBSITE | https://www.luckydogs.ca/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Drop-offs 6.30 AM – 9 AM Pick-ups 4 PM – 5.30 PM |
Socialization and exercise are the top two things that the team behind Lucky Dogs Daycare believes are best for dogs. It underlines this belief with its three acres of fenced-in premises and a hundred more open acres to explore.
The company doesn’t discriminate by age or size when it comes to exercising and letting dogs socialize with each other. And whatever the weather may be, the scheduled two to three walks per day for the dogs will typically proceed as usual.
To keep the dogs from feeling skittish in the company of other dogs, Lucky Dogs Daycare makes it a point to keep small groups for walking and exploration. This allows the walkers the option to let dogs go off-leash and explore surroundings to their hearts’ content.
There are strict drop-off and pick-up hours so your dog can be accommodated for walks and playtime as scheduled.
Unfortunately, Lucky Dogs Daycare doesn’t offer grooming, boarding, or training services.
Pros
- Large open acreage for exploring
- Small groups for dog walking
- All dog ages and sizes are welcome
- Daily photos and videos for client updating
Cons
- No overnight boarding accommodations
- No grooming or training services
- No BBB accreditation
Customer Reviews
See how past clients liked Lucky Dogs’ Daycare services:
“We’ve brought our dog to Lucky Dogs for 5 years for good reason – he has a fantastic time, gets a wide variety of exercise, and is treated like family! Ute and Carlos provide experienced care and excellent communication. It’s his second home and we couldn’t be happier about it!” – Erin Jamieson
“Ute and Carlos are now like family. They are both so loving and caring not only to the dogs but also to the owners. When we tell Kate we are going to see Ute and Carlos she gets so excited she goes right to the front door ready for her next adventure.” – Anne-Clarke Stewart
3. Dog World
| SERVICES | Dog daycare, boarding, grooming, training |
| ADDRESS | 3904 March Rd. Carp, ON K0A 1L0 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | +1 613-256-3649 [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | https://dogworldottawa.com/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday Daycare drop off/pick up 7.15 AM – 9 AM / 5 PM – 6 PM Boarding 8 AM – 9 AM / 5 PM – 6 PM |
Dogs can enjoy 50 acres of daycare fun at Dog World. It’s filled to the rafters with grassy parks, groomed hiking trails, and even inground pools for little doggy laps and wading.
Its indoor premises are nothing to sneeze at, either. It’s always climate-controlled so dogs will feel comfortable all the time at any season as they go on their customized daytime activities.
Dog World also offers grooming and training services for dogs that need them. There’s a skilled dog trainer at the centre who utilizes a balanced training method and who can go to a client’s home for private training sessions.
And fur-parents would be glad to know that there are boarding services, as well! There are several boarding packages that address different dog needs such as medium or high-energy dogs, and senior dogs (with discounts for two dogs from the same family).
Pros
- Discounted and flexible boarding packages are available
- Open 7 days a week
- Climate-controlled indoor premises
- 50-acres of open outdoor premises
Cons
- Short daycare kennel hours
- Additional handling fee if the dog has recently been to the vet
- No BBB accreditation
Customer Reviews
These clients have good things to say about Dog World:
“Wonderful, knowledgeable and caring staff. My dog LOVES going to Dog World. Highly recommend.” – Dena Kingstone
“Rogan absolutely loves Dog World, this place has been a blessing. The staff is outstanding and tailors their care and attention specifically to Rogan’s needs. We love Dog World!” – Danielle Monique
4. Kennel Club Boarding Dog Daycare
| SERVICES | Dog daycare, boarding and training, gear shop |
| ADDRESS | 5584 Prince of Wales Drive Kars, Ontario, K0A 2E0 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | +1 613-276-5074 [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | https://kennelclubboarding.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mondays 9 AM – 6 PM Tuesday to Friday 7 AM – 6 PM Saturday to Sunday 9 AM – 6 PM Dog boarding by appointment only |
Kennel Club Boarding strongly believes that a dog daycare and boarding centre should always have a calm atmosphere to encourage socialization. That’s why it’s situated on 13 acres of property near Barrhaven, with a 1.2-kilometre pathway dedicated to walking guest dogs.
Inside, there’s a climate-controlled play area with grippy floors and plenty of space for running around and resting. There’s even soothing music to keep all guest dogs calm and serene!
Clients with particularly aggressive dogs won’t be turned away by Kennel Club, either. There are skilled trainers available here who have extensive experience with protection and working dogs so they know how to treat anxious or aggressive canines properly.
Long-term dog boarding services are available at this daycare centre, as well. Clients can book for this service with options for special care or selected socialization with other dogs for anywhere between a month to over four months!
Pros
- Quiet and calm atmosphere for dog socialization
- Climate-controlled indoor play area
- Long-term dog boarding services offered
Cons
- Boarding and daycare slots could get filled up quickly
- Dog boarding by appointment only
- No BBB accreditation
Customer Reviews
Read the following client feedback for Kennel Club Boarding:
“I have a Labernese puppy and he absolutely loved it at Kennelclub boarding! They sent us pictures showing that he was having a great time playing with other dogs! This is why we will be bringing him back this month!” – Antonietta Furano
“Fantastic place for your dog or puppy! Great owners and my dog came home happy and tired after a seven-day stay!” – Jarret Peterson
5. Dog Dayz
| SERVICES | Dog daycare, training, grooming, boarding |
| ADDRESS | 95 Abbeyhill Drive Kanata, ON K2L 2M8 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | 613.592.6264 [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | https://www.dogdayz.ca/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 7 AM – 6 PM Grooming by appointment |
Dog Dayz offers the kind of convenience that a frazzled dog parent often looks for in one place. There’s a daycare, boarding centre, grooming, training, and other “fun stuff” for your beloved pooches under a single roof.
There are half and full-day daycare packages for dog guests at the centre. They won’t be kept bored in kennels, either, as interactive games, treadmills, and strength training programs are part of the package.
Dogs who are undisciplined and unsocialized are encouraged to enroll in the centres’ training sessions first. Unfortunately, aggressive dogs will not be accepted under any programs to keep other dogs (and the staff) safe and unharmed.
There are other “fun stuff” being offered at Dog Dayz, including photoshoot sessions and doggie parties! These remain to be “coming soon” services though, so it’s best to keep your eyes peeled for when the company announces soft launches and full openings.
Pros
- Full range of dog daycare services
- Half-price daycare with full groom appointment
- Has a daycare referral program
Cons
- Aggressive dogs not allowed for booking
- Daycare is open for only five days a week
- No BBB accreditation
Customer Reviews
These clients have good things to say about Dog Dayz:
“It’s very easy to drop your doggy off at Dog Dayz and know they are going to have a great time and will be loved by their great staff.” – Lee McConnery Watts
“Dog Dayz makes my Dayz easier! I don’t speak dog but if I could..my dog would say this place is the SPOT! He’s loved, cared for, and treated like he’s the only one there. Pre Covid, when I’d walk in, all the dogs were treated like they were the only ones there! During Covid, the safety protocols in place are second to none. They look after their staff and the dogs. It’s a business that I will recommend to anyone that will listen but that stems from the staff and makes it way out. Everyone there is on point and I appreciate and value them. Any incidents that have occurred with my dog have been explained in a professional manner! I trust them and you should too!” – Matt Robinson
6. The Canine Clubhouse
| SERVICES | Boarding, Daycamp, Training |
| ADDRESS | 261 McArthur Avenue, Vanier, Ottawa. Ontario K1L 6P3 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | Phone: 613-319-0527 Email: [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | http://thecanineclubhouse.ca/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 6:30 AM – 6 PM |
If you’re looking for a safe place for your dog to run, play and learn, The Canine Clubhouse is one of our top choices. We like it here because they provide mentally stimulating activities and plenty of socializing through supervised playtime.
The Canine Clubhouse, in a nutshell, is a day camp that likewise offers boarding and training. Guests and clients may also purchase all-natural pet products on-site, such as locally produced handmade treats.
We particularly like that their play area is covered with rubber mats ingeniously made of recycled tires. This helps reduce the stress on the legs and paws of your dog as it runs around and plays with other furry friends.
Although they’re a small group of professionals, they have extensive experience with dogs. The Canine Clubhouse’s founder is a certified dog trainer, manages all aspects of the business, and is also the principal dog handler.
They use only positive reinforcement-based techniques and facilities in the area, so you can rest assured your dog will be safe and secure. Each new pup undergoes behavior assessments as well, to ensure that all dogs are a good fit for The Canine Clubhouse.
Pros
- Owner is member of Pet Professional Guild
- Play area is made of recycled tires
- New dogs have a behavioral assessment
Cons
- Small team of only two trainers and handlers
Customer Reviews
These clients have good things to say about Dog Dayz:
“Our puppy Cleo LOVES the Canine Clubhouse, and has gone for both daycare and overnight boarding. Caroline and her team are amazing. Cleo gets SO excited at any mention of daycare or when we tell her she’s going to go see Caroline, and she always comes home very happy, well-behaved, and tired out! ” – Samantha Adeli
“We started sending our dog Blue here about a month ago. This place is amazing, they care about your pups and what’s best for them. They give the best recommendations based on their needs. Blue is a happy very energetic dog, who sometimes doesn’t know when to take breaks (other dogs make her very very happy). Within a month we’ve seen amazing improvement thanks to Caroline and all the attention she has put into Blue and her quiet time. If you are looking to send your pup somewhere where they can have fun, but also have the best care this is the place.” – Alexa Khouri
FAQs About Dog Daycare Services in Ottawa
Your canine friend deserves only the best dog daycare services in Ottawa so we hope this listicle becomes a handy guide for you.
Did we leave out a great dog daycare on this list? Send us a message so we can review it ASAP.
And if your pooch pal needs to get checked for health concerns, you can read our listicle on the top vet clinic services in Ottawa for reference.