Updated February 23, 2022. Day care isn’t just for your kids anymore. If you’re a pet parent, chances are you’ve probably caught wind of others who let their four-legged friends head to doggy day care, with playtime, social interaction, and more.
If you’re heading back into the office and are concerned about keeping your dog entertained, or you’re merely looking for a way to keep them busy during social distancing during the COVID-19 era, here are NoVA’s doggy day care locations that can keep tails wagging all week long.
Note: COVID-19 could be causing local services and hours to change on a weekly basis. If you are looking to enroll your dog in a nearby doggy day care, be sure to call ahead for additional information on safety procedures during this time.
A Dog’s Day Out
Voted by Northern Virginia magazine readers as one of the best pet day cares, A Dog’s Day Out provides small, medium, and large spaces for doggy day care and boarding, where dogs are able to socialize and interact with the dog-loving staff all day long. All dogs are separated by size and kept cage-free all day. Spaces are also climate controlled, and some locations have outdoor spaces for your dog to enjoy. Multiple locations
Affectionate Pet Care
Wagging tails are so much better than lonely days spent at home, so let your pup play and roam with Affectionate Pet Care in Fairfax. At the doggy day care, your dog can run through large fenced-in grass yards, swim in the doggy pool, jump, bark, nap, and sniff the day away. Dogs are divided into size and temperament groups, and trained staff encourage good behavior with positive reinforcement. 3851 Pickett Rd., Fairfax
Capitol Canine Club
A typical day at Capitol Canine Club will keep your pup moving and socializing, with down time too! All dogs are walked outside before and after playtime, where they will also learn basic training and manners, and will be given a midday nap period to rest and recuperate for an afternoon of fun. The club offers the same high-quality service expected from the Old Dominion Animal Health Center and is proud to have served the NoVA community for the past 40 years. 6719 Lowell Ave., McLean
Dogtopia of Alexandria
A day for your dog spent playing their heart out sounds just about perfect for them and will keep them entertained while you’re at work. Your pup will get up to 10 hours of play at this Alexandria location, where they’ll have access to climate-controlled playrooms, dog groups of their size, and more. Plus, you can tune into the webcam to check in throughout the day. 3121 Colvin St., Alexandria
Dog Tales Daycare
Doggy day care may sound great and all, but what if your pet has specific needs? Take your pup to Dog Tales Daycare to get the specialized attention they’ve been looking for, through small play groups, frequent outdoor walks, and much more. The caring and attentive team is ready to help your dog get out all of their pent-up energy and give them the opportunity to have as much fun as they can. 13944 Willard Rd., Ste. B, Chantilly
Fur Get Me Not
A 4,000-square-foot playroom is a whole lot bigger than your living room, so it’s hard to see how your pup wouldn’t enjoy getting to run, jump, slide, and play around with other dogs for the entire day. All pups are divided into five playgroups depending on size and personality, and at Fur Get Me Not, they’re allowed to play depending on their age, size, physical needs, and more in a safe and positively reinforcing setting. 4140 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington
Healthy Hound Playground
A happy dog is one that gets to spend a day filled with play, and they can get that easily at Healthy Hound Playground. With multiple locations across Northern Virginia, these doggy day care centers are ready to welcome your pup for much-needed exercise and socialization, or even individualized attention with outdoor walks and sessions on the treadmill. If you want to boost your pup’s experience (fit with an individual cottage for nap time), enroll them in day boarding for extra services, and all the benefits of a day of play. Multiple locations
Just Fur Pets
Sure, your dog loves getting a lot of exercise and playing with other dogs, but what about playing fun games and engaging with trained professionals throughout the day too? At Just Fur Pets, your dog will get to play, exercise, and rest, but also will participate in games such as Follow the Leader, Find the Human, Red Rover, Group Sits, and story times. Want to add a little something extra? Add on a frozen treat for your pup or simple training for the “trick of the month.” 6230 Rolling Rd., Springfield
The Animal House
If your dog is left home alone, or simply bored throughout the day while you work nearby, you could notice some behaviors that seem to be disrupting or different from their normal routine. Avoid potential new habits of bad behavior or curiosity chaos by enrolling your pup in doggy day care at The Animal House. All dogs need some sort of stimulation depending on their needs, and The Animal House is happy to provide them with that throughout the week. 20789 Great Falls Plz., Ste. 170, Sterling
The Backyard Pack
Your nine-to-five job doesn’t have to depress your pup: Give them the chance to enjoy their days being social rather than lonely when they head to The Backyard Pack for doggy day care. The Lorton-based location has an indoor, climate-controlled playroom, as well as a sunroom that emulates the feeling of home and allows for your furry friend’s nap time. 7213 Lockport Pl., Ste. 4, Lorton
Whole Dogz
This Alexandria location was inspired by the founder’s and team’s love of dogs, and they can’t wait to share it with yours! At holistic doggy day care, all pups get to play with their “pack” (dogs of their same size and stature), in a safe and sustainable environment both indoor and outdoor, as well as custom exercise depending on your dog’s activity level. On hot days, pups will even get to play in the fresh air, on the grass, and in a puppy pool. There’s too much fun to list, so check it out for yourself. 4748 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
Woofs! Dog Training Center
Woofs offers doggy day care fit for dogs ready to play the day away. But if you have a puppy, or a dog that simply needs a little more time and attention, you might consider enrolling them in day school. Your pup will get a day full of learning filled with lessons for sit, stay, lay down, and even remaining calm in a crate. For more advanced or custom training, reach out to Woofs for more information, or simply register them for a day of day care to enjoy as much play as they can. 4241-A N. Pershing Dr., Arlington; 4160 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington
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