The 9-to-5 grind wears on most of us. Throw a lengthy commute in there and it can be downright exhausting. But there’s another family member who feels just as dejected about it as you do: your pup. After all, eight-plus hours is a long time to go without a friendly pat on the head or a treat every now and again. And for the more exuberant canines out there, being cooped up without activity and human interaction can lead to some pretty destructive behavior. (You didn’t really like those new patent leather shoes anyway, right?)
Pet sitters and dog walkers are great options to consider, but Miami also has plenty of action-packed day care options for the pooch in your life. From plastic swimming pools for a refreshing splash on a sunny day to bike rides that are guaranteed to burn up some of that frisky canine energy, the seemingly endless list of activities available means you can rest assured that your pup will be in good hands at the five day care spots we’ve rounded up below.
Barkhaus
Address: 7153 NW First Court, Miami, FL 33150
Phone: 305-484-9038
The day care program at Barkhaus is perfect for the pup with boundless amounts of pep. Haus leaders take the dogs on “pack adventures” for a few hours in the morning, including jaunts to the beach or bike rides through the neighborhood. Dog walk paths are switched up every day to provide new sites, smells, and stimuli. In the afternoon, dogs are let off-leash to socialize and play in a supervised environment. And when the temperatures rise, the Barkhaus crew trots out the swimming pool for a refreshing splash in the sweltering Miami sun. Day care at Barkhaus is offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $30 a day.
Dogtown
Address: 3210 Grand Ave., Miami, FL 33133
Phone: 305-448-5225
Located in the uber dog-friendly neighborhood of Coconut Grove, Dogtown lets pooches roam around the premises off-leash so they can better socialize with their fellow canine companions. At midday, all dogs are taken outside for a potty break and have the option of getting groomed while they’re waiting for their humans to come scoop them up. This small, intimate facility prides itself on really getting to know your furry friend — right down to what food they like to eat and their favorite games to play. Dogtown offers day care during store hours seven days a week for $30 a day.
Doggies Gone Wild
Address:
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Doral: 1675 NW 97th Ave., Miami, FL 33172 | P: 305-579-1244
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Miami Gardens: 16555 NW 13th Ave., Miami, FL 33169 | P: 305-783-3896
With more than 10 years of experience, both locations of Doggies Gone Wild go above and beyond to make sure your pet feels right at home. The air-conditioned indoor playground features ramps and chew toys and is supervised at all times. Pups are also given outdoor playtime with groups so they’re constantly socializing with the rest of the pack. If your pooch works up a thirst, don’t worry — they’ll have unlimited access to fresh, filtered water all day. Wondering what Fido is up to during the day? Doggies Gone Wild posts playtime pics on its Facebook and Instagram accounts daily. The facility offers day care Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for $25 a day.
Pet Lounge
Address: 355 NE 79th St., Miami, FL 33138
Phone: 305-381-5551
Voted 2016’s best dog hotel by the Miami New Times, Pet Lounge offers a cage-free environment with indoor and outdoor playgrounds that are separated according to each dog’s size, age, and temperament. You’ll find slides, ramps, and even swinging hammocks in the playgrounds, and each one is fully supervised at all times. Pups are given several walks per day, naps, and, of course, chow time! And if you want to give your pooch some extra calorie-burning fun, a doggy treadmill is available upon request. Pet Lounge offers day care service Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $25 (for pups under 70 pounds) or $30 (for pooches over 70 pounds).
freeDOGm
Address: 101 NW 24th St., Miami, FL 33127
Phone: 786-502-8880
Boasting 14,500 square feet of all-natural, outdoor park, freeDOGm really does live up to its name. There are plenty of shady spots for pups to escape the heat after some off-leash romping around, and both the indoor and outdoor playgrounds come equipped with doggy cams so you can log in and check up on your pooch throughout the day. Dogs are also divided into groups according to size and sociability, so you can be assured that they’re safely socializing with their furry buds. Rest and nap breaks are offered throughout the day, complete with TV time (yes, seriously!) and snacks. FreeDOGm offers day care Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for $30 a day or $20 for up to five hours a day.
