The Best Pet Daycares in Santa Cruz, CA
Finding the perfect pet daycare for your furry friend in Santa Cruz is easier than ever. We’ve researched and curated the top 3 pet daycares based on quality of care, services offered, customer reviews, and safety standards. Whether you need daily daycare, boarding, grooming, or training services, these trusted facilities provide exceptional care for your beloved pets.
The Wellstone Center
Contact Information
2340 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 425-1270
Services
About
The Wellstone Center is a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital and pet resort offering premium daycare and boarding. Their facility features indoor and outdoor play areas with artificial turf, webcams for owners to check on their pets, and a full-service veterinary hospital on-site for ultimate peace of mind. It is known for its clean, modern facility and highly trained, attentive staff.
Camp Run-A-Mutt - Santa Cruz
Contact Information
2805 S Rodeo Gulch Rd, Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 476-2828
Services
About
Located in Soquel, just 4 miles from Santa Cruz, this facility offers a cage-free environment with indoor and outdoor play areas, including a splash pool. They provide constant supervision, separate playgroups by size and temperament, and offer live webcams so owners can watch the fun. Their "all-day play" philosophy ensures dogs are active and socialized throughout their stay.
K9 Camp
Contact Information
2310 Delaware Ave #5, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 425-1919
Services
About
K9 Camp provides a structured and social daycare and boarding experience, focusing on positive reinforcement and dog psychology. Their facility includes both indoor and secure outdoor play yards, and they offer small, supervised playgroups to ensure safety and proper socialization. They are praised for their experienced staff and their ability to manage dogs with various energy levels and temperaments.
Nearby Cities
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical vaccination requirements for dog daycare in Santa Cruz?
Most Santa Cruz daycares require proof of up-to-date vaccinations, including Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), and Bordetella (kennel cough). Due to our proximity to natural areas, many facilities also strongly recommend or require the Leptospirosis vaccine. You must provide records from your veterinarian before your dog's first day.
How much does dog daycare typically cost in Santa Cruz, and are there package deals?
In Santa Cruz, a full day of daycare typically ranges from $35 to $50. Half-day rates are often between $20 and $30. Many facilities offer discounted packages, such as a 10-day pass for $300-$450. Some also provide monthly membership options for frequent users, which can lower the per-day cost significantly.
What should I do to prepare my dog for their first day at a Santa Cruz daycare?
Schedule a mandatory temperament evaluation or trial day. Ensure all vaccinations are current and you have the paperwork. Due to Santa Cruz's active, outdoor culture, make sure your dog is tired from a long walk or hike beforehand to help them settle in. Label all belongings and use a secure, quick-release collar. Discuss any specific behavioral traits or fears (like noise sensitivity from local firework events) with the staff.
Do Santa Cruz daycares offer additional services beyond group play?
Yes, many local daycares offer enriched services tailored to the Santa Cruz lifestyle. This often includes add-ons like one-on-one play sessions, basic obedience training refreshers, soothing brush-outs after play, and even 'adventure hikes' or beach outings for small, pre-screened groups. Many also provide boarding, grooming, and specialized care for puppies and senior dogs.
How do Santa Cruz daycares handle dogs that aren't suited for large group play?
Understanding that not all dogs thrive in a busy pack environment, many Santa Cruz daycares offer excellent alternatives. This includes smaller, segregated playgroups based on size, temperament, or play style, and 'individual care' options where your dog receives one-on-one attention from a staff member with walks, play, and cuddle time without the stress of a large group.
Ready to Find Your Pet’s Perfect Daycare?
Contact any of these top-rated pet daycares directly to schedule a tour and give your furry friend the quality care and socialization they deserve in Santa Cruz.