Need someone to take care of your dog while you’re away? You’re on the right page!
We took the time to pick the best dog daycare in Calgary to give your pooch all the fun and care they deserve. See which ones made the cut below.
Table of Contents
- 1. Clever Canines
- 2. Paws Dog Daycare
- 3. Barking Good Pet Services
- 4. Back in the Pack Dog Daycare
- 5. Dogtopia of Douglas Glen
- 6. Marda Loop Doggie Daycare & Spa
- 7. K 9 To 5 Dog Daycare
- 8. The Balanced Bark
- 9. Pawsitively Pooched
- Quick Comparison of the Best Dog Daycare in Calgary
- FAQs About Dog Daycare in Calgary
1. Clever Canines
| Facility | 5/5 |
| System | 5/5 |
| Staff | 4/5 |
| Reputation | 5/5 |
| Rates (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
As we unleashed our furry companion into Clever Canines’ care, we were pleasantly surprised by their top-notch services.
With an array of engaging activities and attentive staff, our pup’s tail never stopped wagging!
Convenience is a trump card at Clever Canines, and they play it masterfully. Their flexible drop-off and pick-up timings cater to our busy schedules, proving that dogs aren’t the only ones benefiting from their brilliance.
Talk about a reputation that precedes itself.
Clever Canines has rightfully earned its stripes as a trusted name in the industry. Countless happy customers sang their praises, and we joined the chorus after experiencing their exceptional service.
While Clever Canines offers a premium experience, their costs won’t make you howl in despair. Unlike other daycare centers that fetch an arm and a leg, Clever Canines’ pricing remains refreshingly reasonable without compromising on quality.
From playtime to pampering, Clever Canines has aced it all.
Our four-legged friend had a ball of a time, making new fur-iends and participating in tail-wagging adventures. Their dedication to providing a pawsitively enriching experience is evident in every bark and bounce.
With safety as their top dogma, Clever Canines has implemented stringent protocols to ensure a secure environment for all its canine clientele. We felt at ease knowing that our furry friend was in capable and caring hands.
The facility itself deserves a round of appaws. It’s a canine utopia with ample space for frolic, cozy corners for rest, and hygienic facilities to keep those wagging tails happy and clean.
However, they can get pretty busy during peak seasons. We recommend booking an appointment ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience.
Pros
- In business for 18 years
- Cage-free 10,000 sqf facility purposely designed for Daycare
- Has a 7,600 sqf turfed outdoor yard
- Very high staff-to-dog ratio
- Has a wide selection of supplies
- Reasonably priced
- Basic obedience & trick training with all of the dogs each day
- All play is supervised
Cons
- Occasionally do some upselling
- By appointment only, no walk-ins
We’ll be coming back for more
“Wow! Clever Canines is the real deal! Our hyperactive Labrador had a blast during his daycare session. The team’s dedication to safety and personalized care truly impressed us. We’ll be coming back for more tail-wagging adventures!”
Highly recommended
“Our experience with Clever Canines was pawsome! From the moment we walked in, the staff’s warmth and professionalism stood out. Our shy rescue pup blossomed under their care, and we couldn’t be happier with the service. Highly recommended!”
2. Paws Dog Daycare
| Facility | 5/5 |
| System | 5/5 |
| Staff | 4/5 |
| Reputation | 4/5 |
| Rates (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
Paws Dog Daycare shot straight into our list with their well-kept facility and professional staff. It’s a cage-free daycare, so your dogs can roam freely on the premises with little to no adjustments to the new environment.
On top of daycare services, they also offer pampering services for your beloved pooch which we naturally loved. Their most popular feature is their grooming spa that you can check out if you want to take their fur vacation to the next level.
Apart from safety, we also appreciate that they carry all basic and supplementary essentials for your furbabies. In fact, they have a wide selection of pet foods and dog supplies, giving us an impression of their well-stocked centre.
We also liked how organized they are when it comes to accommodating the dog’s behavioral needs. In this regard, Paw Dog Daycare focuses on strengthening relationships with pets through exercise, discipline, and affection.
Their rates are reasonable, with a single day at their facility costing $56 – this includes the usual daycare activities. They offer a free intro day, so you won’t have to pay anything to try them out for the first time.
Paws Dog Daycare is a BBB-accredited dog daycare and training facility, which is why we consider them very recommendable. After all, they’ve been in the business since 2010, so the experience speaks for itself.
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- BBB-accredited dog daycare and training facility
- Cage-free daycare
- With grooming spa
- Good staff-to-dog ratio
- Has a wide selection of pet foods and supplies
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Occasionally do some upselling
- By appointment only, no walk-ins
Amazing team, highly recommended
We love Paws daycare! I first tried them with a referral from one of my friends and she was absolutely right about everything she said. First of all they are a cage free facility and they do pack walks which is great! The team is amazing, our puppy needs to learn some manners and I was amazed how well he behaved after couple of visits.. He can now participate the pack walks and socialize better. He is so tired after the daycare, sleeps like an angel 🙂 They also share the day with Instagram pics and videos which is always fun to see. Highly recommended! – Gulcin Pektas
Great staff, so much fun
Our 2 dogs are long time happy clients. There is a discount for your second pooch. The staff are great and the frequent themed photo shoots are inspired and so much fun. – Sean Goodwin
3. Barking Good Pet Services
| Facility | 5/5 |
| System | 4/5 |
| Staff | 4/5 |
| Reputation | 3/5 |
| Rates (A higher score means better value) | 5/5 |
There are a lot of nice things we can say about Barking Good Pet Services. First on our list is their trained and passionate staff.
Based on how they behave around and treat dogs, we can tell that their staff members have a passion for pet care (empathy for dogs is difficult to fake, after all).
Plus, they have received professional training, so these people are surely ideal to look after your pooch.
Every dog at Barking Good Pet Services receives individual attention, thanks to their limited size. We discovered that they accomplish this through an effective dog-to-staff ratio, limiting acceptance to about 40 dogs per day as of writing.
This dog daycare is also ideal if your dog enjoys going to parks as their facility looks like one.
It’s securely supervised, but dogs aren’t grouped appropriately. So, please ensure that your pooch is trained to socialize with other dogs – otherwise, it’s not a totally safe environment for them.
On the other hand, being in a large pack of dogs helps them build confidence (pack mentality as they call it). But do take this opinion with a grain of salt – we still strongly recommend you find out if your pet is comfortable with other dogs around.
As for their facility, we’re impressed by its sheer size. Dogs have the option of playing inside their 1,200 square feet facility or zooming around their 3-acre yard.
However, because the facility is a popular daycare in the area, you must reserve your spot in advance.
It’s a good thing they’re easy to contact, so that’s not a problem at all. Overall, Barking Good Pet Services is easily one of the best dog daycares in Calgary, especially if you want to let your pet have fun in a park–themed facility.
Pros
- Trained and passionate staff
- 1,200 square feet facility
- Has a 3-acre yard
- Focuses pack mentality
- Strict cleaning procedures
- Effective dog-to-staff ratio
- Park-themed daycare
Cons
- Can be difficult to secure a spot
- Dogs not grouped, even if they are supervised
Convenient location
Such a great place for overnight boarding or day care. Conveniently located for anyone living in the SW who is looking to make it out to the mountains. Everyone working there is so friendly, competent and truly care. Pricing is excellent. Max enjoyed his stay – would definitely recommend Barking Good!! – Amjad Ali
Incredible love for dogs
We send our dog here almost every week for at least one day, she loves it, comes back exhausted and ready for naps. We’ve also seen incredible love for dogs in the ownership, I know she’s personally taken on dogs who had no where else to go. Amazing place, wouldn’t send my dog anywhere else – Keith Christofferson
4. Back in the Pack Dog Daycare
| Facility | 4/5 |
| System | 5/5 |
| Staff | 3/5 |
| Reputation | 4/5 |
| Rates (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
There are a lot of reasons Back in the Pack Dog Daycare deserves to be called one of the best dog daycares in Calgary.
For starters, they provide a safe and exciting environment in which dogs can interact with other dogs. This is pretty useful, as pack interaction teaches social skills and encourages self-confidence.
Another good reason is that they have a large free-play area for your pet. We had the opportunity to personally visit their location, and we can attest to their spacious play areas.
In addition to the open space, there are also beds for napping. Of course, rest is just as important as play for our furbabies.
Daytime activities with them don’t typically revolve around dogs playing with toys. Instead, their trained staff walks them and actually plays with the puppies, giving meaning to their one-on-one attention system.
Back in the Pack Dog Daycare also offers additional care such as dog grooming, pet photography, and dog training classes. However, these services are not included in the regular daycare activities, so you will have to pay extra if you want them for your pet.
All in all, our observations of this dog daycare led us to believe that they have a good chance of providing the best care for your dog. They have been doing this since 2004 and so far, we’ve heard nothing but great things about this place.
Pros
- 19 years of experience in the industry
- Safe and exciting environment for the dogs
- Has a large free-play area
- Napping beds available
- Implements one-on-one attention system
- Extra pet-related services available
Cons
- Minor issues with the staff’s attitude
- Introductory day is not free
- Dogs not grouped, even if they are supervised
More than accommodating
We started taking our dog to BITP right after he got his shots as a puppy in Feb 2013. Loki was always super excited to arrive and had a great time. We stopped attending a couple years ago after we moved too far north in the city for it to be feasible to drive him, but we are still in touch with Brian and have zero hesitation recommending this daycare. I’m sure if we ever needed a one off visit, he would be more than accommodating as well. Thank you Brian and the team for many years of taking wonderful care of Loki!! – Alyssa Crnkovic
Excellent service, really cares
Back in the Pack is an excellent dog daycare! Brian and team helped our puppy with the transition to the daycare as she was anxious at first around the other dogs. She just loves it there now, and can’t get enough of going there. The team that works there really care and look out for the dogs. Highly recommend. – Trevor A. (T)
5. Dogtopia of Douglas Glen
| Facility | 5/5 |
| System | 4/5 |
| Staff | 3/5 |
| Reputation | 4/5 |
| Rates (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
Dogtopia of Douglas Glen is basically a one-stop shop to spoil your dog. It’s an open play dog daycare facility that also offers boarding, training, grooming, and spa services.
As one of the premier dog daycare facilities in Calgary, Dogtopia pursues the highest standards of safety in everything they do. As such, it’s not at all surprising that they deliver five-star treatment to dogs of all sizes.
They do this by being an all-in-one place for all dog needs. Plus, their grouping system is something that we actually prefer for all types of dogs.
With them, dogs are assigned to a playroom based on their size, temperament, and play style. This truly reassures both the owners and pets, because it means that the puppies are in the safest and friendliest environment possible.
Their customer service is also what makes them an ideal place, as they prioritize your dogs’ wants and needs above all else. However, to our dismay, we discovered that it is the exact opposite when it comes to the inquiry process.
It turns out that Dogtopia can be difficult to reach. Though this could be because they’re short on administrative staff, the good thing is that they have enough employees to meet the dogs’ needs.
At the end of the day, Dogtopia is an easy choice if you need a place to take care of your dog while you’re away. They are an award-winning and certified dog daycare too, having earned certification status as a Heroes for Healthy PetsTM facility.
Pros
- Safe and dog-friendly facility
- Dogs are assigned to a playroom based on their size, temperament, and play style
- Excellent customer service
- Certified as a Heroes for Healthy PetsTM facility
Cons
- Can be difficult to reach
- Has limited administrative staff
Fantastic staff, above and beyond service
Dogtopia of Douglas Glen is THE best! Our dog absolutely loves going and has been going since she was a puppy. The staff are absolutely fantastic and our pup always is exhausted when she comes home. They go above and beyond in service. I would 100% recommend this place to anyone looking for a doggy daycare! – Tia Kjartanson
Helps in socializing dogs
My dog loves visiting Dogtopia Douglas Glen. She always returns home exhausted but happy. Dogtopia helped us successfully socialize her during the pandemic when it was difficult or impossible to get together with other dog owners. She loves wrestling all of the other dogs for hours on end. We have used Dogtopia for daycare as well as boarding (7 days) and have always felt like she is well looked after. – Kyle Richert
6. Marda Loop Doggie Daycare & Spa
| Facility | 5/5 |
| System | 4/5 |
| Staff | 3/5 |
| Reputation | 3/5 |
| Rates (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
One thing to know about Marda Loop Doggie Daycare & Spa is that they provide affordable and high-quality care to your dogs while you’re away. Their daily rates aren’t just affordable, but they also generously offer discounts.
To walk you through it, they offer bundle packages that can reduce your costs when compared to paying the daily rate. However, we believe that this is only appropriate for fur parents who need to drop off their pets for multiple, consecutive days.
This dog daycare does not serve house food, but they don’t charge an additional fee if you pack food and let them feed your dog. The same goes when they administer medication to your dog – all you have to do is give them instructions.
Now, as for their facility, we think it’s pretty good as it can accommodate a large number of dogs. There’s a playground, a designated area for smaller or shy dogs, and a spot for your pups to lounge and relax.
We like how they have a live doggie webcam on their website too for the comfort of pet parents. We really appreciate this one because it gives owners peace of mind as they can check up on them anytime they wish.
Unfortunately, despite the fact that Marda Loop is a promising dog daycare, we have discovered a few negative comments from their clients. There were complaints about having to pay extra fees for some services, like allowing the staff to take their dogs outside for walks.
Still, if you like all the positive things we listed, checking them out is worth a try.
Pros
- Offers bundle package with discounts
- Spacious facility
- Live doggie webcam available on their website
- No additional fee for feeding and medication
- Various play spacious across the facility
- Relatively affordable rates
Cons
- Refunds are not available for bundle discounts
- Does not serve house food
- Minor complaints of extra charge for some services
- Dogs not grouped, even if supervised
Friendly staff, great at what they do
My dog Rue absolutely loves going to Marda Loop Doggie Daycare & Spa! I have brought her since she was a small puppy and we have had nothing but wonderful experiences here. The staff are so friendly and I trust them completely. I bring my dog here as a treat – she has so much fun! I have also used them for grooming and they are great at what they do! If you are looking for daycare or grooming services, I would highly recommend Marda Loop Doggie Daycare & Spa. – Jessica Van Dyke
Talented and caring with pets
My handsome Westie never fails to get a compliment at the park! If you are looking for the perfect cut and a safe gentle environment for your pet then look no further. As a customer for many years, I cannot say enough about the team at Marda Loop Doggie Daycare. They are talented, caring with your pet, and always let you know as soon as your pooch is ready for pick up. – Jo-Ann Godenir
7. K 9 To 5 Dog Daycare
| Facility | 5/5 |
| System | 4/5 |
| Staff | 3/5 |
| Reputation | 3/5 |
| Rates (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
K 9 To 5 Dog Daycare takes it seriously when it comes to the safety of the dogs under their care. For that, they make sure to provide a safe space for dogs to socialize with others, regardless of their breed or size.
Actually, they do dog daycare a little differently. They don’t separate the dogs there, so everyone must be able to share the toys, play nicely, and be respectful (though they assure the owners that playtime is strictly supervised).
Talking more about safety, dogs are checked in through an airlock-style system. This means that the facility has double gates that are always kept closed at all times – and we always favor highly secured facilities to ensure pet safety.
On the other hand, their secure privacy fence ensures that dogs are unbothered while out for a break. This surely makes their outside playtime safe and sound.
In terms of pricing, we find their service to be pretty affordable. They also have a discounted price for two dogs and 50% off for every subsequent dog – something you may want to take advantage of if you have multiple dogs.
Lastly, aside from being a daycare, we like that they provide grooming services for dogs. This totally makes them more convenient for dog owners, although take note that the cost of that is not included in their daily daycare rates.
Pros
- Airlock-style system for security
- Supervised playtime at all times
- Offers grooming services
- Affordable rates
- Offers great discounts
Cons
- Minor inconsistencies with their service
Great playing time
My puppy Deko has been going to K9 to 5 for a few months now for daycare and grooming. Vicky and her staff are so wonderful with him, and he always has such a great time playing with the other pups and comes home happy and tired. They also post Facebook updates so that you can see how much fun your pup is having. Grooming services are reasonably priced and he looks great! We are so happy that we’ve found K 9 to 5! – Alison Shaw
Nicest people, amazing staff
I have been to several doggy daycares, and this is by far my favorite. I have moved out of the area and both me and my pug miss it a great deal! They are the nicest people, always have lots of feedback on what your dog was up to over the day. I have ran late several times and they always have been unbelievable understandable where I might not have been! Vicki the owner is amazing and her staff are just the same! – J W
8. The Balanced Bark
| Facility | 3/5 |
| System | 3/5 |
| Staff | 3/5 |
| Reputation | 4/5 |
| Rates (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
If it’s the passion for dogs you’re looking for, the Balanced Bark is the place for your pup. The daycare was founded on the owner’s and employees’ mutual love of dogs, so providing a safe, clean, fun, and loving environment for dogs should come naturally to them.
The daytime routine at this facility is similar to that of any other dog daycare facility. They begin each day with a potty break, followed by on-leash pack walks around the neighborhood then playtime, and napping.
While typically at other facilities there are considered “add-on services,” they provide them complimentary to all the dogs staying with them. This includes feeding, obedience training, treat times, and many more (you can check their website for full details).
Though Balanced Bark makes every effort to provide excellent customer service, there were some minor flaws. A few clients mentioned how their support staff needs more confidence and training, which says a lot about their experience.
There were also some serious complaints about their ability to schedule an appointment. From what we’ve heard, the place is difficult to reach either online or by phone, especially on weekends (well, to be fair, they’re actually closed on weekends).
Other than those issues, Balanced Bark is pretty cool as a place for your dog to have fun. It’s quite small but absolutely equipped with the necessary tools to entertain your pooch when you’re not around.
Pros
- Over 15 years of pet care experience
- Provides other free services
- Great pricing
- Well-equipped facility
- Pet first aid certified staff on board
- Provides clean, comfortable dog beds for all dogs attending daycare
Cons
- Few complaints about customer service and the staff
- Place is a bit small
- Difficult to reserve a spot
- Dogs not grouped, even if supervised
Helpful and comforting service
At the recommendation of the manager of another dog daycare, I brought my 9 month old incorrigible Bernese Mountain Dog puppy to The Balanced Bark. Jack and I (mostly I) needed a lot of help and guidance.The staff is wonderful. Ginette (the owner) did some training in our home and has been extremely helpful and at the same time comforting ever since. Her knowledge and expertise are remarkable. Liz is also so helpful and kind with a great sense of humor! I have owned many dogs in my lifetime, but I have never had a challenge like this. I recommend The Balanced Bark wholeheartedly. They certainly go the extra mile! – Cindy Hall
Easy to talk, great advice
Love the Balanced Bark. My dog has been attending their day care since November and he loves it. Unfortunately he just hurt his knee (on my watch) so he’ll have to take some time off. I’m going to miss seeing the staff, talking to them is the most social thing I’ve done all year! They are very friendly, easy to talk to and have great advice. – Susan Ellis
9. Pawsitively Pooched
| Facility | 3/5 |
| System | 3/5 |
| Staff | 2/5 |
| Reputation | 3/5 |
| Rates (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
Founded in 2005, Pawsitively Pooched is a family of professionally trained dog lovers. That’s why we’re confident that they’ll treat your dog as if it were their own while you’re out and about.
They’re known in the city as being very welcoming to every pooch that paws its way through their doors. This is thanks to their structured and strategic schedules that keep the pet safe, active, engaged, and well-socialized.
If you have a shy dog or an older dog with mobility issues, Pawsitively Pooched’s doggie daycare is still a good option for you. It’s because they provide a personalized approach, so the care is truly individualized based on unique dog needs.
If it’s the daycare service we are talking about, they totally passed our standards. However, we find them ineffective when it comes to customer service.
Frankly speaking, we were turned off when we discovered that they can be quite pushy when it comes to tips. Their employees are frequently unresponsive and rude, which is the polar opposite of the excellent customer service for which they strive.
There have also been some complaints about inconsistencies in the other services they provide. Though there were no major flaws in their daycare service, except for their poor customer service, we must say.
All-in-all, it’s a nice place to start if you want reasonably-priced services and a personalized approach for your pooch.
Pros
- Over 15 years of experience
- Involves a team of professionally-trained dog lovers
- Structured and strategic schedule
- Provides a personalized approach to every dog
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Has complaints about being pushy for tips
- Poor customer service
Treats dogs like their own
We took our puppy here for training and have not stopped going since! Our dog loves it here so much that we bring him every week for daycare. The staff truly treat our dog as if it was one of their own and I feel so comfortable leaving him there knowing that he is loved and well taken care of. I wouldn’t go anywhere else! – Kristen
Gentle and understanding
My pup has been there for daycare and grooming and I’m impressed by how the facility is run. My boy looks amazing after his groom with Ash, I will be returning to her again. She was gentle, understanding and patient with my boy. Thank you so much! (Book your appointment with them, you won’t regret it) – Yasina Jinnah
