--- title: "How much does dog daycare cost, and what are the alternatives?" description: "How much dog daycare costs, how it compares with dog walkers and other options, and how to budget for care when you work away from home." author: "Wealtie Team" published: 2026-11-12 updated: 2026-11-12 category: "Budgeting" canonical: https://wealtie.com/blog/dog-daycare-cost --- # How much does dog daycare cost, and what are the alternatives? How much does dog daycare cost? It varies with where you live and how many days you need, and in a worked example three days a week at 25 a day costs about 325 a month, against about 200 for a midday dog walker. ## Key takeaways - How much dog daycare costs depends on location and how many days you need. - In a worked example, three days a week costs about 325 a month, against 200 for a daily midday walker. - Mixing options, like daycare twice a week and a walker on other days, can lower the cost. - Price dog care before you get a dog, since it can be one of the biggest ongoing costs. ## How much does dog daycare cost? It depends on where you live, the type of daycare and how many days you need. Dog daycare looks after your dog during the day while you work, with company, play and supervision. It's great for sociable dogs and busy owners, but the cost adds up quickly, especially if you need it every working day. For many owners, dog care becomes one of the biggest costs of having a dog. Knowing your options, and mixing them, can make care affordable. ## How do the options compare? Here's a worked example of monthly costs, in round numbers that work in any currency: | Option | Monthly cost | | --- | --- | | Daycare, 3 days a week at 25 a day | 325 | | Daycare, 5 days a week | 540 | | Midday dog walker, 5 days a week | about 200 | ![Monthly cost of dog care options. Daycare, 3 days a week: 325, Daycare, 5 days a week: 540, Midday walker, 5 days: 200.](https://us-1-s3.polodev.net/wealtie-blog-media/posts/2026/11/monthly-cost-of-dog-care-options-daycare-3-days-a-week-325-c8c4c4fdd1.webp "Source: Worked example in round numbers") Your own prices could be quite different, since dog care costs more in cities and busy areas. Some daycares offer cheaper half days, packages of days or discounts for regular bookings. Collection and drop-off services add convenience but often cost extra, so check whether you need them. ## What are the alternatives to daycare? Several options can cost less: - **A midday dog walker**, who visits for a walk and a break while you're at work - **A drop-in visit**, for older or calmer dogs who just need a toilet break and company - **A neighbour, friend or family member**, perhaps in return for a favour or a small payment - **Working from home some days**, if your job allows it - **A dog-sharing arrangement**, where someone who'd like time with a dog helps out Each suits different dogs. Check that any walker is insured and has references, since you're trusting them with your dog and often your keys. Young, energetic dogs often need more company and exercise, while older dogs may be happy with a visit. ### Mix and match Many owners combine options: daycare two days a week for play and socialising, a walker on the other days and working from home when possible. A mix often gives the dog what it needs for less than daily daycare. ## What should you check before choosing daycare? Visit before booking. Look at how many dogs there are per staff member, how dogs are grouped, what happens if a dog is unwell and whether they need proof of vaccinations. Ask about insurance and any extra charges, like late pickup fees. A trial day shows whether your dog enjoys it. A daycare that suits your dog is worth more than a cheaper one that doesn't. Check reviews from other owners and ask how they handle dogs who are nervous at first. ## How do you budget for dog care? Treat it like childcare: a fixed monthly cost. Add it to your budget before you get a dog, if you can, and check that it fits alongside food, insurance and vet care. If you're thinking of getting a dog and work away from home, pricing local care first can change the decision. It's much easier to choose a breed and age that suits your working life than to find expensive care afterwards. [The cost of a pet](https://wealtie.com/blog/budget-for-a-pet) covers other ongoing costs. ### Holiday care Daycare covers workdays, but holidays need planning too. Boarding kennels, house sitters or taking your dog with you all have costs. Booking early for busy holiday periods usually gets better prices, and friends who swap pet care with you can cost nothing. ## How do you lower the cost? Ask about packages and regular-booking discounts. Book half days if your dog only needs a few hours. Share a walker with a neighbour, so they walk two dogs together for a lower price each. Arrange your working week, if possible, so you're home on some days. Good training also matters, since some daycares charge more for dogs who need extra handling. A tired, well-exercised dog before work can also cope better with fewer care days. ## What if your work pattern changes? Review your care when your working week changes. A move to hybrid working might mean you need far less daycare, while a new job with longer hours might mean more. Updating your plan keeps you from paying for care you don't need. Many daycares need notice to change bookings, so check their terms. ## How do you track dog care costs in Wealtie? Set up regular daycare or walker payments as recurring transactions with the [bill tracker](https://wealtie.com/features/recurring), so they're logged each month. Give dog care its own line in your [expense categories](https://wealtie.com/features/categories), alongside food and vet costs, so you can see what your dog costs in total. ## Questions people ask ### How much does dog daycare cost? Prices vary by area. In a worked example, three days a week at 25 a day costs about 325 a month. ### Is a dog walker cheaper than daycare? Usually. In a worked example, a daily midday walker costs about 200 a month, against 325 for daycare three days a week. ### How can I save on dog daycare? Book packages or half days, mix daycare with a walker, share a walker with a neighbour and work from home when possible. ### What should I check before choosing a dog daycare? Staff-to-dog ratios, how dogs are grouped, vaccination rules, insurance, extra charges and whether a trial day is offered. *This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.*