Dog Walking vs. Dog Daycare

Choosing the best daytime care for your beloved pup is an important decision for every pet parent, especially as many workers return to the office full-time. Two of the most popular options are doggie daycare and professional dog walking, and while both provide enrichment and exercise, they offer very different experiences and levels of safety for the dogs themselves. If your top priorities are your dog’s well-being (and your convenience,) dog walking is usually the ideal solution. Let’s explore why when it comes to dog walking vs. dog daycare, dog walking wins almost every time!

The Doggie Day Care Experience

Dog daycare centers offer group play, socialization, and activities for dogs of several ages and breeds. While many dogs enjoy the fun and stimulation of group play, there are also notable drawbacks every pet parent should consider before signing their pup up for daycare. Here are my top concerns:

Risks in Dog Daycare Group Settings

When multiple dogs with different temperaments are grouped together, the risk of conflict is undeniable. Even in the most well-supervised facilities, spats or even serious dog fights can happen in a split second. Unfamiliar dogs may not share the same behavior, play style, or tolerance for stress, which could result in injury or trauma as a result of a confrontation with another dog. The traumas dogs experience often cloud future interactions, therefore, while confrontations thankfully don't always result in a worst-case scenario, they leave their mark on the dog and can turn a social dog into a reactive or fearful dog in the future.

Lack of Customization in Dog Daycare

Group settings can be stressful rather than fun for small, shy, anxious, or older dogs. Unfortunately for these dogs, there is usually too much going on, even if they are grouped with other shy or older dogs. Dog daycare can overload the senses, and even if these more sensitive dogs are separated from the main areas, they can still smell and hear the commotion, which can be very unnerving. Many times, pet parents think their dog is coming home exhausted from dog daycare because they played so hard, but, often, it's because they were in fight or flight mode all day and finally feel relief once back home and in their safe space.

Exposure to Illness in Dog Daycare

Dogs in daycare are exposed to a wide range of potential illnesses, from kennel cough to contagious parasites. While reputable daycares maintain cleanliness and require vaccinations, no facility can guarantee total protection from communicable diseases. In fact, every so often, dog-specific viruses pop up that are not vaccine-preventable and can result in serious symptoms and extensive vet bills. We wrote a blog about one such illness here. The consensus when this particular respiratory illness was going around was to avoid doggie daycare and boarding as much as possible.

Time and Logistics

Having worked with busy pet parents for over a decade, I know that many pet parents appreciate that we come to their homes while they are at work. If you choose to take your dog to dog daycare in Yorktown, Newport News, Poquoson, or Hampton, you’ll need to drop off and pick up your dog at set times. For those juggling work, family, and other commitments, this can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Even when daycare facilities offer transportation, it comes at a cost, which then makes dog daycare less accessible and more complicated because, while I think bussing dogs around is kinda cute, I don't like the idea of dogs being unrestrained in a vehicle in case of an accident or conflict.

The Dog Walking Advantage

Dog walking offers a more individualized approach designed for your dog’s safety, comfort, and your own peace of mind. I started Hearts at Home Pet Sitting because I knew that pets would be more comfortable in their homes and wanted to make that option possible for Yorktown pet parents.

One-on-One Attention

A professional dog walking company like ours provides tailored walks and undivided attention to your pup. We serve one household at a time and work with you to design the ideal dog walking routine for all the dogs in your home. You don't need to worry about interactions with unfamiliar dogs because we avoid them while on walks, which greatly reduces the risk of dog fights and stress, especially for pets who prefer space or have special needs.

Socialization

If you're considering dog daycare for socialization, we can schedule adventure walks for your dogs that allow for socialization. We'll happily match your dog to another dog in the Hearts at Home family. That way, both dogs get socialization but in a controlled, customized context rather than a chaotic, overwhelming daycare setting.

Our presence also socializes your dogs to humans outside their immediate family, in a safe and intentional way!

Lower Exposure to Illness

Because your dog isn’t in an enclosed space with many other animals, their risk of contracting viruses or parasites is dramatically lower. Walks take place in your own neighborhood or local parks, minimizing exposure to other dogs and germs. While germs are everywhere, the sun and ground do a great job of keeping things under control outdoors; indoors is always a whole other ballgame.

Ultimate Convenience

While keeping your pet safe, comfortable, and free from illness is a key benefit of in-home pet care, the biggest advantage for you, the pet parent, is that dog walking works around your schedule. There are no drop-offs or pick-ups—your walker comes directly to your home, ensuring your dog gets much-needed potty breaks, exercise, and companionship when you can't be there. With our industry-leading client portal and mobile app, you'll enjoy updates and photos to keep you in the loop and provide reassurance while your dog has a pleasant, stress-free visit from our highly trained team.

Dog Walking vs. Dog Daycare: Which Is Best for Your Dog?

For dogs who are highly social and outgoing and love group play, daycare can be a fun, energy-burning adventure. But, for the majority of dogs— most of whom thrive in a quieter, less risky environment—dog walking is not only safer but also far more convenient for today’s busy pet parents.

By choosing dog walking, you provide your dog with secure exercise and loving company, free from the stress and risk of group environments, and you reclaim valuable time in your day. It’s a win-win for both you and your best friend!

The Best Dog Walkers in Yorktown, Poquoson, Hampton, and Newport News

We were just named one of the best dog walkers in Newport News, Virginia! Why? Because we're worked tirelessly to create an operation that keeps pets safe and pet parents informed. From our employee training and client policies to our emergency plans and everything in between, we make quality care our utmost priority. We also prevent worst-case scenarios to ensure the pets in our care are at ease and safe at all times.

To register your pet(s) or home with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here. Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.

Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more.