In addition to providing caring supervision for dogs while their owners are out of the house, these daycare centers give dogs the opportunity to get exercise and socialization. In the past, individuals who worked long hours did have the option of leaving their dogs at a kennel for the day. The owner was assured that their dog would be walked at least once during the day, and that no destructive behavior would occur in their absence. Unfortunately, the dogs were usually crated most of the day, and had little opportunity for activity or socialization. A playgroup is a group of dogs carefully selected by size and temperament, to socialize with each other.
Activities range from wresting and playing ball inside to agility activities outside.
A business to which pets are brought for both day and nighttime supervision. A satisfactory boarding facility should be licensed and insured, with tours and references available upon request. Traditional boarding facilities crate pets in individual cages, or runs. Recently, boarding facilities have begun to offer alternatives such as daytime playgroups, but these facilities are more difficult to find. Rather than transporting a pet to a separate facility for supervision, a pet owner can hire a pet sitting service to visit the home several times a day.