Starting doggie day care is a big milestone—for both you and your pup. Whether you’re looking to give your dog more socialization, burn off energy, or just a fun place to spend the day while you’re at work, dog daycare can be a fantastic experience. But like any new routine, the first day can come with a few nerves. That’s totally normal.
If you’re not sure how to get your pup ready, this guide covers what to expect, what to bring, and how to make the first visit less stressful. From what to pack to how to handle pick-up, we’ve got everything covered to help make that first visit smooth, safe, and positive—for both ends of the leash.
1. Understand What Dog Daycare Offers
Before your dog’s first day, it helps to know what dog daycare in Baltimore is really like. A good pet daycare near me provides a safe, supervised environment where dogs can play, nap, socialize, and enjoy mental stimulation. Some facilities have indoor and outdoor play areas, while others specialize in small group play or one-on-one care.
At The Canine Club, for example, we offer:
- Supervised group play
- Nap and rest times
- Spacious indoor and outdoor areas
- Clean, comfortable facilities
- Optional grooming and personalized feeding routines
Some daycares may also include add-on services like training refreshers or spa-style grooming, which you can learn more about on our Dog Grooming Services page.
Want to know how dog daycare keeps your pup healthy and engaged all year? Check out The Guide to Year-Round Dog Daycare: Keeping Your Pup Active. It’s especially helpful for pet owners looking for full-time puppy daycare or a reliable dog resort experience.
The more familiar you are with the setup, the easier it’ll be to explain the experience to your dog—okay, maybe not explain, but help them adjust.
2. Understand What Kind of Dog Does Well in Daycare
Doggie day care works best for dogs that:
- Like being around other dogs
- Can tolerate noise and activity
- Have no history of aggression
- Don’t get overwhelmed in new places
If your dog is shy, reactive, or hasn’t been socialized, talk to a trainer first. Jumping into daycare too soon can do more harm than good. Daycare is not a fix for behavior problems.
3. Ask About Health and Behavior Requirements
Most dog daycares have rules for safety. You’ll need to provide paperwork before your dog is accepted.
Basic requirements usually include:
- Rabies, Bordetella, and distemper/parvo vaccinations
- Flea and tick prevention
- Spaying/neutering by 6–12 months (varies by facility)
- No bite history or signs of aggression
- Passing a behavior assessment
Ask for a full list in writing. Confirm if your dog’s breed or age affects eligibility. Some dog hotels won’t accept dogs under 4 months or certain large breeds. Policies vary.
4. Book a Meet-and-Greet or Evaluation
Nearly all reputable doggie daycares in Baltimore will require a short evaluation or trial session before welcoming your dog full-time. This gives staff a chance to observe your dog’s behavior in a group setting, check for signs of stress or aggression, and figure out their play style.
Don’t worry, this isn’t a pass/fail test. It’s about finding the right fit so your dog feels safe, engaged, and confident in their new environment.
This meet-and-greet is also your chance to ask questions, get a tour of the facility, and see how the staff interact with the dogs. Pay attention to how clean the place is, whether dogs are grouped by size or temperament, and how much supervision is provided. These details matter.
5. Pack the Right Essentials
Just like you wouldn’t drop a toddler off at daycare without a bag of essentials, your dog needs a few things too. Here’s what you might need to pack:
- A leash and secure collar or harness
- Vaccination records (if you haven’t submitted them yet)
- Your dog’s food (especially for full-day stays), clearly labeled
- Any medications with instructions
- A favorite toy or blanket (if allowed—it can ease anxiety)
Call ahead to see what your pet daycare near me does or doesn’t allow. The goal is to make your dog feel at home—but not overwhelmed by stuff.
Pro tip: If your dog has a sensitive stomach or specific dietary needs, make sure the daycare knows in advance. Clear instructions help avoid misunderstandings.
6. Do a Practice Run
If possible, swing by the facility with your dog before their first day. Let them sniff around the parking lot or entrance so the location feels more familiar.
Some daycares (like ours) offer trial half-days or shorter visits to ease into the routine—more details on our Dog Daycare Services page. Dogs do best with consistency, and even one preview visit can help reduce anxiety.
This small step can make a big difference, especially for boarding dogs who aren’t used to new environments. It’s all about building confidence in small doses.
7. Give Them Some Exercise Before Drop-Off
A quick walk or play session before you head to dog daycare near me can work wonders. It burns off nervous energy, helps your dog feel more balanced, and prevents overexcitement when they arrive.
Even just 10–15 minutes of calm walking can help your pup enter daycare in a better state of mind.
Avoid overstimulating play, though—your dog doesn’t need to be exhausted, just relaxed. Think of it like getting the jitters out before school starts.
8. Keep Drop-Offs Calm and Confident
Here’s a big one: don’t make a big deal out of saying goodbye.
We know—it’s hard! But dogs are incredibly sensitive to your emotions. If you seem anxious or guilty, they’ll pick up on that. Instead, keep your tone upbeat and calm. A quick pat, a cheerful “see you later,” and you’re good to go.
Most dogs settle down within minutes after you leave—especially when they’re greeted by experienced staff and fun distractions.
Think of it like teaching your dog that this is no big deal. The calmer you are, the easier it is for them to trust the situation. And remember, it gets easier each time.
9. Expect Some Adjustment at Home
After their first daycare day, your dog might be:
- Extra tired (this is normal—they played a lot!)
- A little clingy or confused
- Thirsty (even if water was available all day)
- Less interested in dinner (from excitement or tiredness)
Give them space to decompress, offer water, and expect them to sleep soundly. Over time, they’ll adjust to the routine—and may even start begging to go back.
If you notice anything unusual like limping, excessive scratching, or extreme fatigue, call the daycare just to check in. Good communication is key during the adjustment period. You may also find How to Reduce Stress When Boarding Your Dog helpful, many of the tips apply to first-time daycare visits too.
10. Watch for Red Flags in the Facility
Not all dog kennels near me operate the same way. Some run well. Others cut corners.
Signs of a good facility:
- Clean floors and fresh water bowls
- Staff who know each dog by name
- Group sizes kept small and balanced
- Clear rules for play, breaks, and discipline
- Staff trained in dog body language and CPR
Red flags:
- Staff yelling or using punishment
- No vaccination policy
- Overcrowded spaces
- No feedback after visits
- Dogs looking anxious or ignored
If something feels off, ask about it or try a different daycare.
11. Ease Into a Schedule
Don’t jump straight into daily visits. Start with one or two days per week.
Monitor your dog’s behavior and mood.
If they:
- Seem excited to go
- Come home relaxed
- Show fewer behavior problems
Then daycare is probably working well.
If they:
- Hide or resist entering
- Come home overstimulated or agitated
- Show new behavior issues
Then they may need a different setup or more gradual exposure.
Not every dog needs or wants daycare. Don’t force it.
12. Communicate With the Staff
Good daycare staff should:
- Update you after the first visit
- Share your dog’s behavior notes
- Flag anything unusual
- Ask for feedback
You should:
- Share medical or behavioral updates
- Let them know if your dog is tired, anxious, or sore
- Ask how your dog did that day
Open communication makes future visits smoother. You’re a team.
Summary: Keep the First Day Simple and Observant
Preparing your dog for doggie day care in Baltimore doesn’t have to be complicated. A little planning, a calm mindset, and some trust in the process go a long way. By easing them into this new environment, you’re setting the stage for happier days ahead for both of you.
For dog parents in Baltimore, The Canine Club offers a safe and supportive space to help dogs thrive from day one. Daycare isn’t just about care, it’s about enrichment, confidence, and connection. For many dogs, it becomes the highlight of their week. And for pet parents, it brings peace of mind knowing your furry friend is in good hands while you’re away.
Still deciding between daycare and longer stays? Our post on Overnight Boarding or Doggy Daycare: Which Is the Best Choice for Your Dog? can help you compare your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I bring on my dog’s first day at daycare?
Bring a leash, updated vaccination records, any required medications, labeled food if needed, and check if comfort items (like a blanket) are allowed. - How do I know if my dog is ready for daycare?
If your dog is social, up-to-date on vaccinations, and comfortable around new people and dogs, they’re likely ready. A meet-and-greet helps determine this. - What should I expect after my dog’s first daycare visit?
Expect them to be tired, possibly a little overstimulated, and very thirsty. Give them quiet time to recover and observe how they respond the next day. - How long does it take for dogs to adjust to daycare?
Most dogs adjust within 1–3 visits. Shy or anxious pups may need more time but typically grow more confident with each experience. - Are all breeds accepted in dog daycare?
It depends on the facility. Most daycares accept all breeds but may assess each dog individually for temperament and behavior compatibility.
Whether it’s their first day or their fiftieth, your dog deserves a place where they feel safe, seen, and cared for. That’s what we offer at The Canine Club. From supervised playgroups to personalized grooming and overnight stays, we’re here to support your dog’s well-being every step of the way.
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