PAWS Dog Daycare

Kennel-Free, Daily Pack Walks, Outdoor Potty Breaks

At PAWS, dogs of all sizes spend the whole day out of kennels together in one managed pack, and every visit includes a 45-60 minute pack walk and outdoor potty breaks. We've run daycare this way since 2010. Drop-in days are $59.50 + GST.

Before you request an Intro Day

A quick check for your dog, your schedule and your first visit.

Weekdays only

7 am–7 pm · Closed weekends & statutory holidays.

General drop-off is by 10 am. Your Intro Day may have a different arrival window; check your request.

Comfortable with other dogs?

Kennel-free care means group play.

If your dog is fearful, has snapped or needs behavioural support, call first. Group daycare may not fit; separate support may have different pricing.

Plan for pickup at 3–4 pm

The 3–4 pm window is strongly recommended, not a mandatory cutoff. It gives us more time to discuss the day and answer your questions before the pickup rush.

Pickup until 7 pm is available if needed, but we discourage such a long first day.

Have vaccination records ready

Core vaccines (DHPP) and Rabies required. Bordetella strongly recommended.

Read the first-day guide: puppy requirements, intake & what to bring

A request first. Staff confirmation next.

  1. 01 · Set up

    Create your account and add your dog.

  2. 02 · Request

    Choose an available date. Review times and cancellation terms, then submit.

  3. 03 · Await confirmation

    Your request is pending. It does not confirm a reservation or approve your dog for daycare.

Create An Account

Need to change a pending request? Contact staff.

Compare later-visit rates & package conditions
  • 160+ Google Reviews
  • Since 2010
  • Kennel-Free Since Day One
  • Intro Day Assessment
What Makes Us Different

Not just a daycare.
A daily adventure.

Along with open play, every dog at PAWS gets a 45-60 minute pack walk through Calgary's parks and pathways, included with every visit at no extra charge.

  • Daily Pack Walks45-60 min outdoor adventure, every day
  • Kennel-FreeOpen-play all day — roam and explore freely
  • Structured SocializationOne managed pack of all sizes
  • Experienced StaffPack leaders trained to our standards
  • Intro DayFree Intro Day — Regular daycare rules and regulations apply.
  • In Calgary Since 2010Kennel-free from day one
Dogs on their daily pack walk with PAWS
Why Kennel-Free

What kennel-free means at PAWS.

Kennel-free means dogs aren't returned to individual kennels or crates between play sessions. They stay out with the pack all day, with rest built into the schedule, supervised by pack leaders who know each dog by name and read body language as the day goes.

Daycares are run in different ways, and some use kennels between sessions. We chose to run PAWS without them, and it takes more work: more staff on the floor, trained pack leaders, and a slow introduction for every new dog. We accept one new dog per day for exactly that reason — rushing introductions is how kennel-free goes wrong. Staff supervise at 15–20 dogs per staff member, depending on the size and temperament of the group.

Questions worth asking any daycare

Whichever daycare you're considering, these questions tell you how the day actually runs:

  • How is the pack managed, and how do staff step in? Open play works best with structure: pack leaders who read body language and redirect play before it escalates.
  • Is there time outside? Our 45-60 minute pack walk is the daily anchor, because leash work and fresh air are a big part of a good day away from home.
  • What does intake look like? Not every dog suits open-play daycare on day one. A careful intake is one that can tell you when group care isn't the right fit.
  • Can you see the space? Ask for a tour. A daycare should be glad to show you where your dog will spend the day.

None of this is glamorous. It's the way we've run PAWS since 2010: structured groups, deliberate pacing, and staff who know the dogs in their care. If you want to see what that looks like in practice, read about your dog's first day or come tour the room. The Intro Day assessment lets you and our staff discuss whether group daycare fits your dog.

Dogs of all sizes playing together in the supervised pack at PAWS
A Typical Day

What your dog's day
actually looks like.

Every day at PAWS follows a structured routine designed to balance exercise, play, and rest. Your dog arrives to a warm welcome, heads out for an adventure walk, plays with friends, and comes home tired and happy.

  1. 7:00 – 10:00 AMDrop-off & check-in. Dogs are greeted by pack leaders and settle into the pack.
  2. 10:00 – 11:00 AMAdventure pack walk. 45-60 minutes exploring Calgary's parks and pathways, in walking groups matched by energy, size, and temperament.
  3. 11:00 AM – 1:00 PMSupervised open play. Dogs of all sizes play together in one pack, managed by pack leaders.
  4. 1:00 – 2:00 PMRest & recharge. Quiet time with water, comfortable rest areas, and calm enrichment.
  5. 2:00 – 3:30 PMAfternoon play session. More supervised play and activities.
  6. 3:30 – 7:00 PMPickup window. Dogs are cleaned up and ready to go home happy.
What Calgary Dog Owners Say

Rated 4.8 from 160+ Google Reviews

  • By far the best dog care service around! The pack walks and socialization in a professional structured environment were a game changer when we started taking our 6 month old pup here. One of the most valuable things we were able to give our pup.
    Kelsey & CharlieGoogle Review
  • Great environment- dogs are so happy and relaxed. I trust the staff to know the dogs' behaviour and keep my dog safe. My dog always comes home tired from a day of socialization and play. Also, the photo shoots are hilarious!
    Kay & HugoGoogle Review
  • PAWS was recommended to us by a friend and we couldn't be happier with their level of service. The pack walks, the staff, the photos, EVERYTHING they do demonstrates their commitment to a loving and inclusive environment for both furry and human friends.
    Deborah & GeorgeGoogle Review

Read all reviews on Google

Drop-in days are $59.50 + GST, and passes lower the daily cost. The pack walk is included with every visit. Your first day is a free Intro Day. Regular daycare rules and regulations apply. See rates & packages

Requirements

Vaccination requirements

The safety of every dog in our care is our top priority. Rabies and DHPP must be current before the first visit. Bordetella is strongly recommended every 6–12 months.

VaccinationDetailsFrequency
RabiesRequired by PAWSPer vet schedule (1-3 years)
DHPPDistemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, ParvovirusAnnual
BordetellaKennel cough prevention — strongly recommended for group settingsEvery 6-12 months

Please bring proof of vaccination from your veterinarian when you register. Dogs must also be spayed or neutered if over 1 year old. Puppies welcome at 12 weeks with at least 2 sets of vaccinations, or a letter from your vet in lieu of a full vaccination record.

Serving Calgary Neighbourhoods

Close to downtown and the inner city.

PAWS is at 1313 16 Ave SW, in the Sunalta/Beltline area.

See our full service area

Start with a Free Day

Regular daycare rules and regulations apply.

Book Your Free Intro Day
Frequently Asked Questions

Dog daycare questions, answered.

What hours is PAWS Dog Daycare open?
PAWS Dog Daycare is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Drop-off is between 7:00 and 10:00 AM, and pickup is between 3:30 and 7:00 PM.
Are dogs separated by size at PAWS?
No. Daytime play at PAWS is one managed mixed pack, which we call Structured Socialization: dogs of every size, energy level, and temperament learn to be comfortable around each other. Pack leaders manage the pack all day and step in before play escalates. Pack walks are the exception: walking groups are matched by energy, size, and temperament.
Where do dogs rest if there are no kennels?
Rest is part of the schedule rather than time in a kennel. After the midday play session, dogs have an hour of quiet time with water, comfortable rest areas, and calm enrichment.
What does a typical day at PAWS Dog Daycare look like?
Dogs arrive between 7:00 and 10:00 AM for a supervised check-in. The day includes a 45-60 minute adventure pack walk through Calgary's parks and pathways, supervised open play in the pack, rest periods, fresh water, and enrichment activities. Pickup is between 3:30 and 7:00 PM.
Can I bring my puppy to daycare?
Yes! Puppies are welcome at PAWS once they have at least 2 sets of vaccinations (typically around 12 weeks), or a letter from your vet confirming daycare readiness. We introduce puppies gradually with appropriate playmates. Early socialization at daycare helps build confidence and good manners. Learn more about our puppy daycare program.
What are the disadvantages of doggy daycare?
Daycare isn't right for every dog, and the honest disadvantages matter. Some dogs find group play overstimulating — particularly older dogs, dogs with low bite inhibition, or dogs recovering from significant trauma. Daily cost adds up versus a walker or sitter for owners who only need occasional coverage. We screen carefully on the Intro Day for exactly these reasons — if your dog isn't suited to group daycare, we'll tell you.
How many days a week should a dog go to daycare?
Most dogs do best with 2–3 days a week of daycare, balanced with home time and one-on-one walks. Daily attendance suits high-energy working breeds or dogs with serious separation anxiety, but most dogs benefit from variety — daycare for social and physical needs, quiet home days for rest and bonding. The Calendar Month pass at PAWS is $769 + GST, as low as $37/day. The 10-Visit and 20-Visit packs are sized for the 2–3 day rhythm.

Ready to Try Kennel-Free Daycare?

Call us about a free Intro Day. Regular daycare rules and regulations apply.

Call (403) 984-9247
LoginRequest Intro Day