Whether your pets are high-energy puppies needing a break from a small apartment, or you are a pet parent with long work hours or travel plans, you've likely looked into affordable doggy day care for small dogs before. The needs for socialization, exercise and safety are different in small breeds (Shih Tzus, Poms, Beagles, Dachshunds, and Indies less than 10kg) than larger dogs; that's where a generic boarding centre does not work.  

Whether you're looking for a few hours of supervised play or wanting to stay away for several days, here is a guide to everything a pet parent should know before choosing daycare for small dogs in India, how to vet a facility, what safe boarding looks like, the average costs of daycare for small dogs in different cities, and how to book confidently.   

Quick Answer: What to Look for in Daycare for Small Dogs 

In short: Find a facility that sorts dogs by size and temperament, keeps trained staff always on hand, provides CCTV access, has a clear vaccination policy, and offers several different time slots including half day, full day and overnight. Good daycare for a little dog shouldn't be like a kennel; it should be more like a meetup for dogs to play together and be supervised. 

Best Daycare Options for Small Dogs Near You 

The most effective method to check out a daycare for small dog breeds in your area is not simply to read the Google reviews; it's to visit the facility, see it for yourself and make your final decision. A reputable center will allow an unannounced visit, show you the play area and freely answer any questions you have about staff/dog ratios.  

In the shortlisting process, choose centers that:  

• Keep dogs in size groups (small dog play area from large dog play area)  

• Use non-slip flooring and furniture that is lower to the ground for smaller dogs  

• Provide doggy day care and short stays of dogs  

• Send real-time updates or pictures throughout the day  

• Keep a vet on standby or have a liaison with a local vet clinic  

Shortlisting the centers is now easy thanks to apps like ZoodleApp that show you verified centers with reviews, photos and real-time availability without having to rely on word-of-mouth. 

Top-Rated Small Dog Daycare Centers in Mumbai 

The pet parent community in Mumbai has been booming and so has the requirement for quality daycare services for little dogs in areas like Bandra, Powai, Andheri, and Thane among other suburbs. Superb centers in the city tend to have a few things in common: air-conditioned indoor play areas (humidity is a big issue for toy and small breeds in Mumbai!); supervised outdoor play areas; and staff who have a special interest in smaller breeds of dogs, which are more susceptible to heat stress and anxiety than larger dogs.  

When looking for centers in Mumbai, enquire what each center's small breed-specific protocols are, because many centers post general dog boarding but lack the understanding of the need to separate small dogs from larger and more energetic dogs during free play, which is a prime source for injuries.  

How to Choose a Safe Daycare for Small Dogs 

Booking verified day care for small dogs on ZoodleApp is as follows:  

1. Visit www.zoodleapp.com  

2. Click on Pet type – Dog/Cat  

3. Service type - select Daycare  

4. Type your address and select the date of service that you require.  

5. Search to view several profiles that have been verified near you  

6. Check each profile against your needs, location and preference, and book direct or chat with the center before booking.  

This allows you to look at safety, staffing, and availability and make your own comparison, rather than just take one center word for it.  

Choosing the Best Daycare Facility for a Nervous Small Dog  

Not all little dogs are brimming with confidence. Some rescue dogs, first time boarders or particularly nervous breeds, such as Chihuahuas, require a milder introduction. The ideal day care for a nervous small dog will provide a half day trial period, will allow slow introduction to the dog group, and will have quiet areas with low stimulation away from the main play area.  

Specifically, inquire about what the facility does with a dog that will not eat, will not show signs of stress or will not hide. Their response will provide you with more information than any brochure could. If a center is truly familiar with the behavior of small breeds, they will not force integration but allow the dog to take the lead. 

Dog Boarding for Puppies and Small Dogs: What's Different 

Puppy day care is different from adult dog day care. Puppies younger than 6 months are still developing their immune systems and may not be completely vaccinated and require frequent meals and bathroom breaks. A good facility that accommodates puppies for dog boarding will:  

• Do not allow unvaccinated or partially vaccinated puppies to meet other puppies in the same area unless the area has been thoroughly cleaned.  

• Feed on the age-related schedule every 3-4 hrs.  

• Reduce play with older, more energetic dogs.  

• Watch for symptoms of kennel cough or stress-related diseases  

Likewise, dog boarding for tiny dogs in general should address the lower stamina, high risk of temperature sensitivity, and the tendency of small breeds to become overwhelmed in a mixed sized group setting. If you board your little dog overnight for the first time, a one-night trial stay is a good idea to try out the facility before a longer stay Read more