Pawliday Inn
A new puppy has a lot of energy and a lot to learn, and it's natural to wonder when they can start daycare. The honest answer is that it depends mostly on vaccines, and your vet sets that timeline. Once your puppy is fully protected, daycare can be a good way to burn energy and get used to other dogs and people. Here's how to think through the timing.
Vaccines come first
Puppies get a series of vaccines spaced a few weeks apart, because the protection they got from their mother fades over their first months. Until the series is finished, a puppy isn't fully protected against diseases that can spread between dogs.
At Pawliday Inn, every daycare dog needs current vaccinations for:
- Rabies. Texas requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, and your vet will give the first dose when your puppy is old enough.
- DHPP. This combination vaccine covers distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parvovirus and parainfluenza. Puppies get it in a series of boosters.
- Bordetella. One of the main causes of kennel cough.
Dogs also need regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention.
Our article on vaccines required for boarding and daycare explains each one, and kennel cough explained covers why Bordetella matters in group settings.
Ask your vet for a date
Every puppy's schedule is a little different depending on when they started shots. At your next vet visit, ask: "When will my puppy have finished the series and be fully protected for group daycare?" Then ask for printed or emailed records you can bring to us.
Why parvo is a big deal
Parvovirus is a serious, highly contagious disease that hits unvaccinated puppies hardest, and the virus can last a long time in the environment. That's a big reason vets ask owners to be careful about where young puppies go before the vaccine series is complete.
Age is about more than vaccines
Once your puppy is cleared by your vet, a few other things matter.
Energy and stamina
Puppies play hard and then crash. Daycare at Pawliday Inn is full-day, with check-in from 7 to 10 a.m. and check-out from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dogs get rest time and snack breaks through the day, which helps, but a full day is still a lot for a very young puppy. Starting with one or two days a week is often easier than jumping straight into every weekday.
Size and play style
Our play yards are separated by energy level. That helps puppies play with dogs who match their style instead of getting overwhelmed by much bigger or rougher dogs, or pestering calm older dogs who want to be left alone.
Potty training
Puppies need to go out often. If your puppy is still very early in house training, expect it to keep developing for a while. Daycare isn't a substitute for the training you do at home.
Socialization: why timing matters
Puppies go through an early period when they're especially open to new experiences. Vets and behavior experts generally recommend gentle, positive exposure to new people, places, sounds and surfaces during this time. The tricky part is that this window overlaps with the vaccine series.
Talk with your vet about safe socialization before your puppy is fully vaccinated. Ideas many vets suggest include:
- Inviting healthy, vaccinated adult dogs you know over to visit
- Carrying your puppy to see new sights and sounds without putting them on the ground in high-traffic dog areas
- Getting your puppy used to handling of paws, ears and mouth at home
- Puppy classes that require vaccine records
Once your puppy is cleared, daycare can build on that work with regular, supervised time around other dogs.
Starting daycare at Pawliday Inn
Every dog starts with a free meet and greet. There's no cost. It's a chance for us to meet your puppy and for your puppy to see the place before a full day. Our guide to your dog's first day of daycare walks through what happens from drop-off to pick-up.
Bring:
- Vaccine records from your vet
- Notes on feeding, potty habits and anything your puppy is nervous about
- Information about any known behavior, such as fearfulness, resource guarding or mouthiness
You can book online. A card on file is required. If your puppy will come regularly, prepaid day packages are available. See current rates on our homepage. For an overview of daycare, see dog daycare in Houston.
Frequently asked questions
How old does my puppy need to be for daycare?
Your puppy needs current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations, plus flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention. Your vet can tell you when your puppy will meet those requirements.
Can my puppy do a half day?
Daycare at Pawliday Inn is full-day. Rest time and snack breaks through the day help puppies pace themselves.
Will daycare house-train my puppy?
No. Daycare gives your puppy exercise and time with other dogs, but house training happens mostly at home.
My puppy is tired for a whole day after daycare. Is that normal?
Being tired after a full day of play is common for puppies. If your puppy seems sick, isn't eating, or has vomiting or diarrhea, call your vet.