Finding the Best Dog Daycare in Raleigh, North Carolina, is crucial for pet owners who want their canine companions to have a safe, stimulating, and enjoyable experience while they’re away. Raleigh is renowned for its pet-friendly atmosphere, boasting numerous parks, walking trails, and establishments that welcome dogs. When your busy schedule prevents you from being with your dog, or if you’re planning a vacation, the city offers a wealth of highly-rated dog daycare and boarding facilities to ensure your pet receives excellent care.
Raleigh is consistently recognized as a top pet-friendly city in the U.S., making it an ideal place for dog lovers. With an abundance of dog-friendly restaurants, breweries, and extensive park systems, it’s a paradise for pets. The city’s commitment to its canine residents is further evidenced by its ranking as a dog-friendly travel destination, supported by numerous pet-welcoming hotels, dedicated dog parks, veterinary clinics, and humane societies. While enjoying all that Raleigh has to offer with your dog is fantastic, there are times when professional care is needed. Fortunately, the city is home to many exceptional dog daycare and boarding facilities that provide peace of mind for owners.
Top Dog Daycare and Boarding Facilities in Raleigh, NC
When selecting a best dog daycare and boarding facility, it’s essential to consider factors like staff training, amenities, safety protocols, and the overall environment. Here are some of the leading options in Raleigh and surrounding areas, renowned for their commitment to canine well-being:
1. K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel and Boarding
Address: 1002 Investment Boulevard, Apex, NC 27502
Phone Number: (919) 890-8598
Years in Business: Over five years
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel in Apex is a distinguished name in pet care, offering premium boarding and daycare services. As the first franchise location in North Carolina, it upholds an international reputation for excellence. This facility is staffed by passionate animal lovers and highly trained professionals, consistently earning recommendations from local veterinarians, groomers, and trainers. It features state-of-the-art amenities, including separate indoor and outdoor play areas, meticulously managed group play sessions tailored for both small and large dogs, and the option of premium Blue Buffalo meals. For overnight guests, luxury suites and executive rooms provide a comfortable retreat. Report cards and photos are shared with owners, offering a transparent view of their dog’s day. Dogs eligible for daycare, who are up-to-date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered by 10 months, and exhibit good social behavior, are integrated into the daycare program during their boarding stays.
A happy husky and golden retriever playing together at a doggy daycare
2. Suite Paws Pet Resort and Spa
Address: 110 S Rogers Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone Number: (919) 231-1112
Years in Business: Over 10 years
Suite Paws Pet Resort and Spa is a premier pet boarding service in Raleigh offering comprehensive daycare, overnight boarding, and grooming. They also extend their services to cats. The facility is dedicated to providing a fun, loving, and healthy environment for all animals. Recognized as the 2023 Winner of Indy’s Best in the Triangle for pet care, Suite Paws boasts spacious suites, engaging indoor and outdoor play areas, a refreshing swimming pool, and in-suite DVD players for added entertainment. What sets Suite Paws apart is its commitment to the community, offering special rates for non-profit rescues and less fortunate animals, alongside its reputation for friendly staff and flexible scheduling.
3. Triangle Pet Resort
Address: 8604 Jersey Court, Raleigh, NC 27617
Phone Number: (919) 890-8598
Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM Saturday, and 4 PM to 6 PM Sunday
Triangle Pet Resort is a highly-rated facility dedicated to keeping pets happy and healthy. It offers ample indoor and outdoor play spaces, luxurious suites, and meal services for boarding guests. Satisfied customers frequently praise their services. Beyond standard care, they provide enriching activities like nature hikes, cuddle sessions, fetch, and special treats such as peanut butter-stuffed Kongs or milk bone peanut butter sandwiches, available at an extra charge. Boarding is charged per night, with full-day packages available for daycare. Bathing services are also offered as an additional service, with pricing dependent on the dog’s size.
Dogs enjoying playtime indoors at a doggy daycare, interacting with toys
4. Dogtopia of Harrison Avenue
Address: 243 Grande Heights Drive, Cary, NC 27513
Phone Number: (919) 297-2342
Years in Business: Over three years
Dogtopia of Harrison Avenue in Cary is a popular destination for doggy daycare, boarding, and grooming. A standout feature for many clients is the live webcam access in every playroom, allowing owners to check in on their pets via computer or smartphone, though this is unavailable during nap times or overnight stays. The owners, local residents of Cary and Raleigh, deeply understand that dogs are integral family members and treat them accordingly. They offer competitive pricing and wellness plan options, making it an attractive choice for the best dog daycare experience.
5. Paws at Play of Raleigh
Address: 6503 Hilburn Drive, Raleigh, NC 27613
Phone Number: (919) 785-9495
Years in Business: Over 20 years
Paws at Play of Raleigh offers premium pet care, including daycare and boarding for both dogs and cats. With three locations in the Triangle area (two in Raleigh and one in Wake Forest), they provide convenient access to high-quality services. They offer individualized activities for an additional fee, such as nature hikes, one-on-one cuddle sessions with a kennel attendant, treadmill time, and enrichment toys, ensuring that both daycare and overnight guests receive personalized attention.
A diverse group of dogs walking together in an outdoor play area at a doggy daycare
6. Dog Gone Happy
Address: 7041 Old Wake Forest Road #103, Raleigh, NC 27616
Phone Number: (919) 803-0353
Years in Business: Over five years
Dog Gone Happy is an exceptional choice for pet daycare and boarding, offering a cage-free environment with spacious indoor and outdoor play areas. They also provide spa services and on-site veterinary care, ensuring comprehensive well-being for all pets. Owned and operated by veterinary professionals, this facility boasts over 10,000 square feet of climate-controlled space. Dogs are grouped by size and temperament during playtime for safety and enjoyment. A full day of daycare is $33, with a half-day option at $22. Deluxe Run boarding is $59 per day and includes a full day of daycare or four private activity sessions.
7. Harmony Pet Resort and Spa
Address: 2401-B Reliance Avenue, Apex, NC 27539
Phone Number: (919) 323-8877
Years in Business: Over five years
Harmony Pet Resort and Spa provides high-quality doggy daycare, boarding, and grooming services. Uniquely, it is affiliated with Harmony Animal Hospital in Apex, offering a convenient separate entrance for pet care services. To make a reservation, pets must have had an annual wellness exam at Harmony Animal Hospital within the last year. The resort features indoor and outdoor play areas, splash pools during warmer months, and private cat condos.
A dog enthusiastically running and playing with a yellow ball outdoors at a doggy daycare
8. Camp Bow Wow in Cary
Address: 107 Woodwinds Industrial Court, Cary, NC 27511
Phone Number: (984) 464-8592
Years in Business: Over 10 years
Camp Bow Wow in Cary is a popular and comprehensive dog daycare and all-inclusive chain offering professional daycare, boarding, training, and grooming. Located in Cary, a desirable suburb of Raleigh, this facility is known for providing pets with a “royal treatment.” Live webcams in the play areas allow owners to monitor their dogs’ fun and socialization remotely. A free assessment is required before a dog’s first daycare session or overnight stay to ensure suitability and safety.
9. Bone Voyage Pet Resort
Address: 339 Shipwash Drive, Garner, NC 27529
Phone Number: (919) 329-9892
Years in Business: Over 20 years
Bone Voyage Pet Resort, located in Garner (approximately 15 minutes south of Downtown Raleigh), is a top-rated facility for pet boarding, grooming, and daycare. It’s a favorite among customers for its friendly staff, engaging indoor and outdoor play areas, affordable pricing, comfortable cat condo accommodations, and a swimming pool.
10. West Street Dog
Address: 400 W. North Street Unit 110, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone Number: (984) 222-2965
West Street Dog, situated near Glenwood South in Downtown Raleigh, is a vibrant spot for both dogs and their owners. This daycare and boarding facility also offers bathing services. Uniquely, it features a full-service bar that opens in the evenings and on weekends, allowing owners to relax while watching their pets play.
Several small dogs happily interacting with staff members at an indoor doggy daycare
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Daycare
How often should a dog attend daycare?
The ideal frequency for a dog to attend daycare varies based on factors such as your schedule, budget, your dog’s temperament, and their energy levels. While some dogs thrive with daily socialization, attending daycare two to three times a week is generally recommended to provide sufficient social interaction and exercise. Some facilities have a policy limiting daycare stays to a maximum of four days per week.
What is the distinction between dog boarding and doggy daycare?
Doggy daycare services are typically short-term, usually covering a portion of the day while owners are at work or occupied. Dog boarding, on the other hand, involves overnight stays, where dogs receive daycare activities and meals throughout their visit.
Are there downsides to doggy daycare?
While doggy daycare offers significant benefits in terms of mental and physical stimulation, there are potential disadvantages to consider. These can include overstimulation, the development of fear or reactivity towards other dogs or people, the risk of illness or injury due to exposure to other dogs, and the possibility of learning undesirable behaviors from other canine attendees. Understanding these potential drawbacks helps owners make informed decisions about their dog’s care.
Methodology
The information presented in this guide was compiled through data and insights gathered from reputable sources including Yahoo News, CBS 17, and Wag Walking, all of which provide valuable resources for identifying the top dog daycare and boarding facilities in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Finding the Best Dog Daycare in Raleigh, NC: Final Thoughts
The dog daycare and boarding facilities listed above have consistently received high ratings, maintained a strong presence in the community for multiple years, enjoy a loyal customer base, and offer a diverse range of services. Whether you need reliable overnight care for your vacation or a stimulating environment for your dog to socialize while you’re at work, Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area offer excellent options. Many neighborhoods within Raleigh are remarkably dog-friendly, with some even featuring dedicated dog parks for your pets to enjoy. If you’re considering a move to Raleigh, consulting with real estate professionals can provide insights into communities that are particularly welcoming to pets and families.
