How Much Does Dog Daycare Cost in Calgary?
A single day of dog daycare in Calgary costs between $30 and $59.50, depending on the facility and what's included. The city-wide average sits around $44 per day for a drop-in visit.
At PAWS Dog Daycare, a drop-in day is $59.50. With our Calendar Month plan, that drops to $37 per day — and every day includes a pack walk, kennel-free environment, outdoor potty breaks, and monthly professional photo shoots at no extra charge.
If you're comparing costs, the daily rate is just the starting point. What matters is what's included in that rate — and what gets tacked on as a surprise fee later.
PAWS Dog Daycare Pricing (2026)
We keep our pricing straightforward. Every package includes the same full-service experience — the only thing that changes is the per-day cost.
| Package | Per Day | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial Day | Free | — |
| Intro 5-Visit | $49.80 | $249 |
| Drop-In | $59.50 | — |
| 5-Visit Package | $57.30 | $286.50 |
| 10-Visit Package | $54.40 | $544 |
| 20-Visit Package | $47.45 | $949 |
| Calendar Month | $37 | $769 |
All prices are before GST. Multi-dog discount: 50% off the second dog. See our full rates page for complete details.
New dogs start with a free Intro Day — a complimentary, no-obligation trial. We admit only one new dog per day so every introduction is calm and individualized. After that, the Intro 5-Visit package is the best way to get started while your dog settles into the routine.
10 Calgary Dog Daycares Compared (2026 Prices)
We researched the top dog daycares across Calgary and surrounding areas. This comparison covers drop-in day rates and four key services that vary widely between facilities.
| Dog Daycare | Area | Drop-In Rate | Pack Walks | Kennel-Free | Outdoor Potty | Monthly Photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAWS Dog Daycare | SW Calgary | $59.50 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Balanced Bark | SW Calgary | $50 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| The Petropolitan | Inner City | $49 | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Central Bark | Inner City | $49 | No | Yes | No | No |
| Clever Canines | Inner City | $49 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dogtopia Calgary | Downtown | $48 | No | Yes | No | No |
| Marda Loop Doggie Daycare | SW Calgary | $44 | No | No | Yes | No |
| Pup City | SE Calgary | $42 | Add-on | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pawsitively Pooched | NW Calgary | $40 | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Airdrie Puppy Pals | Airdrie | $40 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Last verified: March 2026. All prices are before GST. For corrections, email info@pawsdogdaycare.ca.
PAWS is the only facility on this list that includes daily pack walks, a kennel-free environment, multiple outdoor potty breaks, and monthly professional photo shoots — all at no extra charge. For a deeper dive into what each facility offers, see our full Calgary dog daycare comparison.
What's Included vs. Hidden Fees
The sticker price at many daycares is just the beginning. Common add-on fees that increase your actual daily cost:
- Lunch feeding: $2–$5 per meal at some facilities. Included at PAWS.
- Medication administration: $3–$5 per dose elsewhere. Included at PAWS.
- Pack walks: An add-on service at some daycares, or not offered at all. Included at PAWS — every dog walks every day.
- Photo updates: Extra charge or unavailable at most facilities. Monthly themed photo shoots are included at PAWS.
- Late pickup fees: Standard across the industry. At PAWS, pickup is between 3:30–7:00 PM, with a $25 per 15-minute fee after 7:00 PM.
When you factor in the add-ons, a $44/day daycare that charges separately for walks, feeding, and photos can quickly cost more than a facility with a higher base rate that includes everything.
Best Package Rates Compared
Most Calgary daycares offer multi-visit packages that bring the per-day cost down. Here's how the best available package at each facility compares:
| Dog Daycare | Best Package | Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Marda Loop Doggie Daycare | Unlimited monthly | $24.00 |
| Dogtopia Calgary | Monthly membership | ~$28.00 |
| Pawsitively Pooched | 20-visit ($585) | $29.25 |
| Airdrie Puppy Pals | 20-day package | $31.00 |
| The Balanced Bark | 20-visit package | $36.30 |
| PAWS Dog Daycare | Calendar Month ($769) | $37.00 |
| Pup City | 20-day package | $38.00 |
| The Petropolitan | 40-day admission | $43.00 |
| Clever Canines | 24-visit package | $43.65 |
| Central Bark | 40-visit pass | $46.50 |
PAWS isn't the cheapest per-day rate on this list — and we don't try to be. Our Calendar Month plan at $769 works out to $37 per day for a full month of daycare that includes pack walks, outdoor potty breaks, supervised small playgroups, and professional photo shoots. The daycares with lower per-day rates often charge separately for services we include.
What to Look for Beyond Price
Choosing a dog daycare based on price alone can lead to a poor experience for your dog. Here's what matters most:
Staff-to-Dog Ratio
A well-run daycare maintains a safe staff-to-dog ratio and employs pack leaders who understand canine body language, stress signals, and pack dynamics. Ask any potential daycare about their ratio and training.
Daily Pack Walks
Structured pack walks are one of the most beneficial activities for dogs in daycare. Walking together builds trust, reduces conflict, and provides physical exercise and mental stimulation that free play alone cannot. Not every daycare offers this — some rely exclusively on indoor play or fenced runs.
Kennel-Free Environment
A kennel-free facility allows dogs to socialize freely throughout the day rather than spending time in individual enclosures. This promotes natural pack behaviour and reduces stress.
Outdoor Access
Regular outdoor potty breaks are essential for your dog's health and the cleanliness of the facility. Dogs that hold it all day can develop urinary tract infections and anxiety. Ask how often dogs go outside.
Visit Before You Commit
Visit during operating hours. Watch how the dogs interact. If the pack is constantly elevated, excessively loud, or dogs seem stressed, the environment may be overstimulating. A well-managed daycare strikes a balance between play, rest, and structured activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog daycare cost per month in Calgary?
For a dog attending 5 days a week, monthly costs range from about $500 to $1,200+ depending on the facility and package. At PAWS, our Calendar Month plan is $769 — that's $37/day for unlimited weekday attendance with everything included.
Is dog daycare worth the cost?
For dogs that benefit from socialization, exercise, and routine — yes. A good daycare provides structured activity, supervised interaction with other dogs, and professional care while you're at work. Dogs that attend regularly tend to be calmer, better socialized, and more balanced at home.
Why is PAWS more expensive than some other Calgary daycares?
Our daily rate reflects what's included: daily pack walks, a kennel-free environment, outdoor potty breaks, supervised small playgroups, lunch feeding, medication administration, and monthly professional photo shoots. Many daycares with lower base rates charge extra for some or all of these services.
Do Calgary daycares charge GST on top of posted prices?
Yes. All daycare prices in Calgary are before GST (5%). So a $44/day rate becomes $46.20 after tax, and PAWS's $59.50 drop-in becomes $62.48.
Can I try dog daycare before committing to a package?
At PAWS, your dog's first visit is a free Intro Day — a full day with the pack at no cost or obligation. We admit only one new dog per day to keep the introduction calm and individualized. Register here or call (403) 984-9247 to book.
Ready to See the Difference?
The best way to understand what you're paying for is to experience it firsthand. Book your dog's free Intro Day and see what a full-service, kennel-free daycare looks like.
Register your dog or call us at (403) 984-9247.
