PAWS Dog Daycare

Dog Daycare Calgary — Kennel-Free Pack Walks Daily

PAWS Dog Daycare in Calgary costs $37–$59.50 per day and includes a daily 45-60 minute adventure pack walk with every visit. We've been Calgary's trusted kennel-free daycare since 2010 — experienced pack leaders, small playgroups, and a home-style environment where every dog roams and plays freely all day.

  • 160+ Google Reviews
  • Since 2010
  • Kennel-Free Since Day One
  • Free First Day Trial
What Makes Us Different

Not just a daycare.
A daily adventure.

Most daycares keep dogs indoors all day. At PAWS, every dog gets a 45-60 minute adventure pack walk through Calgary's parks and pathways — included with every visit, at no extra charge. It's the highlight of your dog's day.

  • Daily Pack Walks45-60 min outdoor adventure, every day
  • Kennel-FreeOpen-play all day — roam and explore freely
  • Small PlaygroupsMatched by size and temperament
  • Experienced StaffPack leaders trained to our standards
  • Free First DayTry us with zero commitment
  • 16+ Years in CalgaryTrusted by families since 2010
Dogs enjoying their daily pack walk at PAWS Dog Daycare Calgary
Why Kennel-Free Matters

“Kennel-free” isn't a layout choice.
It's the whole argument.

I've watched a lot of dogs come home from kennel-based daycares over the past 16 years. They walk in tired, sure — but it's the wrong kind of tired. Wired-up, jumpy at small noises, can't settle for hours. That's not a dog who had a good day. That's a dog who spent eight hours in a small box trying not to escalate.

Many Calgary daycares run what I call supervised storage: dogs cycle through short play sessions, then back into individual kennels for the rest of the day. It's easier for the operator — fewer staff, fewer dog-on-dog incidents to manage, more capacity to oversell — but it isn't what dogs need from a day away from home.

Kennel-free is the opposite premise. Dogs stay out and moving with their group all day, supervised by people who know each dog by name and read body language in real time. It's harder to run. It requires more staff, deliberate group composition, and a slow integration process for every new dog. We accept one new dog per day for exactly that reason — rushing introductions is how kennel-free goes wrong.

What kennel-free actually requires

A label on a website isn't the same as the operation behind it. When you're touring a daycare in Calgary, here's what to look for:

  • Visible structure, not just open floor. Free-for-all chaos isn't kennel-free care — it's a stress factory. Ask how groups are matched and how staff intervene.
  • A real outdoor component. If "kennel-free" means a dog spends nine hours indoors on turf with no leash work or pack walk, half the value of being out of a crate is gone. Our 45-60 minute pack walk is the daily anchor for a reason.
  • An honest intake process. Not every dog suits open-play daycare on day one. A facility that screens carefully — and turns dogs away when needed — is doing the work. A facility that takes every dog same-day is cutting corners somewhere.
  • Owner accessibility. Walk in midday and ask to see the room. If you're stalled or redirected, that's data.

None of this is glamorous. It's just the way we've run PAWS since 2010 — the boring discipline of structured groups, deliberate pacing, and people who actually know dogs. If you want to see what that looks like in practice, read about your dog's first day or come tour the room. The free intro day exists so you can verify the argument yourself.

Dogs playing in supervised playgroups at PAWS Dog Daycare
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 their playgroup.
  2. 10:00 – 11:00 AMAdventure pack walk. 45-60 minutes exploring Calgary's parks and pathways in small groups.
  3. 11:00 AM – 1:00 PMSupervised open play. Dogs play freely in groups matched by size and energy level.
  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

160+ Five-Star 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

Daycare Rates

Simple, transparent pricing.

Every package includes daily pack walks, supervised play, and full-day care.

  • Drop-In Day

    No commitment needed

    $59.50/day + GST

    • Full day of supervised open play
    • 45-60 min adventure pack walk
    • 3 outdoor potty breaks
    • Reservation required
    Book a Day
  • Best Value

    Calendar Month

    $769/month — unlimited visits

    $37/day + GST

    • Unlimited daycare visits
    • Free nail trims
    • 10% off retail & grooming
    • Reservation-free attendance
    Claim This Rate

  • 20-Visit Pass

    $949 total — save $241

    $47.45/day + GST

    • Passes never expire
    • 50% refund on unused value
    • 100% transferable
    • 50% off second dog
    Buy a Pass

First day is always free. See all rates & packages including 5-visit and 10-visit passes, multi-dog discounts, and more.

Requirements

Vaccination requirements

The safety of every dog in our care is our top priority. All dogs attending PAWS must be current on the following vaccinations before their first visit.

VaccinationDetailsFrequency
RabiesRequired by law in AlbertaPer vet schedule (1-3 years)
DHPPDistemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, ParvovirusAnnual
BordetellaKennel cough prevention — required 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.

Serving Calgary Neighbourhoods

Dog daycare for every Calgary community.

PAWS Dog Daycare is centrally located at 1313 16 Ave SW — accessible from across Calgary in minutes.

See our full service area

Your dog's first day is on us.

Book Your Free Intro Day
Frequently Asked Questions

Dog daycare questions, answered.

How much does dog daycare cost in Calgary?
At PAWS Dog Daycare, a drop-in day costs $59.50 + GST. With packages, the cost drops: a 5-Visit Pass is $57.30/day, a 10-Visit Pass is $54.40/day, and a 20-Visit Pass is $47.45/day. The Calendar Month unlimited pass works out to about $37/day. Every visit includes a 45-60 minute pack walk at no extra charge. The first day is free for all new dogs.
What makes PAWS different from other Calgary dog daycares?
PAWS is Calgary's only kennel-free daycare that includes daily 45-60 minute adventure pack walks with every visit. Dogs roam and play freely all day in small playgroups matched by size and temperament, supervised by experienced pack leaders who know every dog by name.
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.
Do you offer a free trial day?
Yes, every new dog gets a complimentary first day at PAWS. This trial day lets your dog experience our facility, meet the pack leaders, and join a pack walk — with no commitment required.
What vaccinations are required for dog daycare at PAWS?
All dogs must be current on Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), and Bordetella (kennel cough). Proof of vaccination from your veterinarian is required before the first visit.
Is dog daycare good for my dog?
Dog daycare provides socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation that most dogs need and can't get from staying home alone. At PAWS, dogs get 45-60 minutes of outdoor exercise plus supervised play, reducing anxiety, destructive behaviour, and excess energy. Daycare is especially beneficial for young, high-energy, or social dogs.
How are dogs grouped at PAWS?
Dogs are grouped into small playgroups based on size, energy level, and temperament. This ensures every dog has a comfortable, safe play experience. Pack leaders monitor groups throughout the day and adjust as needed.
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 small groups, rest periods, fresh water, and enrichment activities. Pickup is between 3:30 and 7:00 PM.
Where is PAWS Dog Daycare located in Calgary?
PAWS Dog Daycare is located at 1313 16 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3C 0Z7, in the Sunalta/Beltline area. We're easily accessible from downtown, Kensington, Mission, Bankview, and the SW communities, with street parking available.
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). We introduce puppies gradually with appropriate playmates. Early socialization at daycare helps build confidence and good manners. Learn more about our puppy daycare program.
How much is daycare in Calgary per month?
Calgary dog daycare runs about $40–$60 per single day. Monthly cost depends on attendance: a 5-Visit Pass at most facilities runs $200–$300, a 20-Visit Pass $400–$600. At PAWS, the Calendar Month unlimited pass is $769 + GST — which works out to $37/day for full-time attendance and includes the daily pack walk. For 2–3 day-a-week attendance, the 10-Visit or 20-Visit packs are usually the better fit.
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. And not every facility runs the same: a daycare that warehouses dogs in kennels between play sessions can create more stress than it relieves. At PAWS we screen carefully on the free 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 works out to $37/day and is built for full-time attendance, but the 10-Visit and 20-Visit packs are sized for the 2–3 day rhythm.
How many dogs are allowed per household in Calgary, Alberta?
Calgary's Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw (47M2021) allows up to 6 dogs per household without an excess animal permit. Households above that limit can apply for a permit through the City. Most of our regulars are multi-dog households — PAWS offers a 50% discount on the second dog's daycare to make multi-dog attendance affordable.

Ready to Try Kennel-Free Daycare?

Your dog's first day is free. Call us to book an intro day or ask any questions.

Call (403) 984-9247
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