PAWS Dog Daycare

Puppy Daycare Calgary — Early Socialization at PAWS

PAWS puppy daycare in Calgary accepts puppies from 12 weeks with at least 2 sets of vaccinations. Same day rates as adult daycare — $37–$59.50/day — with one critical difference: puppies get a carefully managed introduction to the pack through slow greetings, supervised by experienced pack leaders who know how to build confidence during the critical socialization window.

Why Puppy Daycare Matters

The socialization window
closes at 16 weeks.

Between 3 and 16 weeks, a puppy's brain is primed to learn that new dogs, new people, and new environments are safe. Miss this window and building that confidence takes significantly longer. Daycare is one of the most effective ways to fill that window with positive, supervised experiences — before habits form and before fear has a chance to take hold.

  • Early Socialization

    Positive dog-to-dog exposure during the critical development window

  • Confidence Building

    Gradual challenges in a safe, controlled environment

  • Safe Pack Introduction

    Slow, supervised greetings with the pack from day one

  • Experienced Staff

    Pack leaders trained to read puppy body language and intervene early

  • Gradual Integration

    Your puppy sets the pace, building on those greetings visit by visit

  • Free First Day

    Zero commitment — try us and see how your puppy responds

German Shepherd puppy at PAWS Dog Daycare Calgary
Corgi puppy at PAWS Dog Daycare Calgary
How It Works

What puppy daycare
actually looks like.

Puppies are not dropped into a room full of adult dogs. Every new puppy at PAWS goes through a structured introduction process designed to build confidence one step at a time. Pack leaders stay close, watch for stress signals, and keep every interaction positive.

  1. Drop-Off (7:00 – 10:00 AM)Warm check-in. A pack leader greets your puppy, notes any updates, and prepares the introduction plan for the day.
  2. First IntroductionOne or two calm dogs. Your puppy meets the pack through slow greetings in a quiet, low-pressure setting — not all at once.
  3. Supervised ExplorationFollowing your puppy's lead. Pack leaders let your puppy explore at their own pace with close supervision and positive reinforcement throughout.
  4. Rest PeriodsBreaks built in. Puppies tire faster than adult dogs. Regular quiet time prevents overstimulation and keeps the experience positive.
  5. Group Expansion (Over Time)Gradual introduction to the pack. As your puppy gains confidence across visits, we carefully build on those greetings until they are integrated with the pack.
  6. Pickup (3:30 – 7:00 PM)A tired, happy puppy. Pack leaders give you a brief update on how your puppy did and what to expect next time.
Our Approach

Why we don't have a puppy room.

At PAWS, we believe puppy daycare should prepare your dog for life, not just for a room full of other puppies. Puppies are still learning everything: how to read another dog, when play has gone too far, and how to settle down. A room of puppies can burn off energy together, but none of them has learned the manners they’re all trying to learn.

So we use the wisdom of the pack. Your puppy is introduced gradually to our managed pack, where adult dogs who already know the rules show them how to greet, play and calm down. Pack leaders supervise every interaction. It’s real-world socialization with the kind of dogs your puppy will meet on sidewalks, at off-leash parks and for the rest of their life.

Comparing a puppies-only program? Ask them:

  • When and how does my puppy move into the adult group?
  • Who teaches dog manners when every dog in the room is still learning them?
  • How will my puppy handle meeting adult dogs outside daycare?
PAWS pack leaders walking the pack along a Calgary pathway
Requirements

Puppy daycare requirements

These requirements protect your puppy and every other dog in our care. If you are unsure whether your puppy qualifies, call us at (403) 984-9247 and we will walk you through it.

RequirementDetailsNotes
Minimum Age12 weeks (3 months) at time of first visitMust have completed at least 2 vaccine sets, or have a vet letter
DHPP VaccineDistemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, ParvovirusMinimum 2 sets required before first visit, or a vet letter in lieu
BordetellaKennel cough prevention — strongly recommended for group settingsEvery 6–12 months
RabiesRequired by PAWS once age-eligibleRequired when your vet administers it per schedule
Spay / NeuterNot required for puppies under 1 year oldRequired once your dog turns 1 year to continue attending
Temperament CheckAssessed on the free first dayWe confirm your puppy is a good fit for group daycare

Upload proof of vaccination from your veterinarian with your Intro Day request, or bring it with you. If your puppy is mid-series on their DHPP shots, contact us and we will confirm the earliest date they can attend.

Book your puppy's free first day.

We welcome one new dog per day. Request your puppy's free intro day online — no commitment required.

Request Free Intro DayWhat to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions

Puppy daycare questions, answered.

What age can puppies start daycare?
Puppies can start daycare at PAWS once they are at least 12 weeks old and have completed a minimum of 2 sets of core vaccinations (DHPP series), or a letter from your vet confirming daycare readiness in lieu of a full vaccination record. This is when the immune system is developed enough to safely socialize in a group setting. We recommend starting as early as your vet clears it — the socialization window closes around 16 weeks.
Are puppies kept separate from adult dogs?
No. We don't run a puppy room. Puppies are still learning dog manners, so we introduce them gradually to our managed pack, where adult dogs show them the rules under pack leader supervision. It's real-world socialization that prepares them for life outside daycare.
What vaccinations do puppies need for daycare?
Puppies must have at least 2 sets of DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) vaccinations before attending, and must be at least 12 weeks old. A letter from your vet confirming daycare readiness is accepted in lieu of a full vaccination record. Bordetella (kennel cough) is strongly recommended every 6–12 months. Rabies is required once your puppy is old enough to receive it per your veterinarian’s schedule. Bring proof of vaccination from your vet when you register.
How do you introduce puppies to the pack?
We use a structured, gradual introduction process. On the first visit, your puppy meets the pack through slow greetings under close supervision. Over subsequent visits we build on that as your puppy gains confidence. Pack leaders monitor body language closely and intervene early to keep every interaction positive.
Is daycare good for puppy socialization?
Yes — and the timing is critical. The primary socialization window for puppies is 3 to 16 weeks. Positive exposure to other dogs, new people, and novel environments during this window shapes behaviour for life. Daycare provides structured, supervised socialization that reduces fear, builds confidence, and establishes good canine manners.
How much does puppy daycare cost at PAWS?
Puppy daycare at PAWS is priced the same as adult daycare. A drop-in day is $59.50 + GST. Visit packages reduce the per-day cost: a 5-Visit Pass is $57.30/day, a 10-Visit Pass is $54.40/day, a 20-Visit Pass is $47.45/day, and the Calendar Month unlimited pass works out to about $37/day. After the free first day, Intro 5 Visits is $249 + GST for five visits. Intro 5 Visits must be used within 30 days.
Do puppies need to be spayed or neutered for daycare?
No. Puppies under 1 year old are not required to be spayed or neutered to attend PAWS. Once your dog turns 1 year old, spay or neuter is required to continue attending daycare.
What does a puppy's first day at PAWS look like?
On your puppy’s first day, a pack leader greets you at check-in and gets to know your puppy’s personality. We introduce them to the pack through slow greetings in a quiet space. There is no pressure — your puppy sets the pace. We monitor closely throughout the day and send you updates so you can see how they are settling in.

Last updated September 23, 2026

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