14 top doggy daycares in Charlotte

Esther is spoiled and comes to the office with me most days, but every once in a while I need to concentrate and get actual work done. It’s on these days that she goes to doggy daycare.

It wasn’t easy handing my fur princess over to complete strangers, but the good news is that Charlotte is home to several high-quality boarding facilities.

Here’s a list of Charlotte doggy daycares, complete with all the details you need to make a good choice for your own canine child. — Mary

[Related Agenda story: 60 photos of Charlotte pets to brighten your day]

Skiptown, South End

Often referred to as the Whitewater Center for dogs, Skiptown is South End’s newest doggy daycare and human hangout.

Known for: The bar and dog park. There’s 24,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space that includes a splash pad, agility course, and secret trails for off-leash play.

Application process: Download the Skiptown app and create your dog’s profile.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Cost: $31/day

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Other requirements: Must be at least 4 months old, spayed & neutered (if over 6 months in age), must have proof of updated vaccines, and completed the compatibility session.

Reservations: Required

Bonus: There’s a bar with beer, cocktails, and a dog-friendly “beer” on tap.

[Related Agenda Story: See inside Skiptown, a 24,000-square-foot dog park and bar, opening Monday in South End]

Central Bark, Matthews

Central Bark has a variety of offerings including dog grooming, boarding, training, and pet care products. But, their Enrichment Doggy Day Care is their specialty.

Known for: Their dog parties. That’s right Central Bark lets you rent out facility space for doggy playdates, birthdays, or any other special occasion.

Application process: Enroll online and schedule your dog’s Behavior Assessment.

Hours: Mon–Fri: 7 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Cost: $32/ day

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Other requirements: A behavioral assessment for daycare enrollment.

Reservations: On weekends and holidays

Club Fetch, South End

Club Fetch has a Frenchie in their logo which automatically scores points with me.

Known for: Luxury dog care with the most convenient location on this list (Convenient for me. This article is all about me.)

Application process: Very thorough application and full-day evaluation required.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends

Cost: $30/day

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Other requirements: Dogs six-months and older must be spayed or neutered.

Reservations: Required on weekends

Bonus: Almost every reviewer on Yelp talks about how impeccably clean their facility is.

The Barker Lounge, Montford Drive

The Barker Lounge is right across from 10 Park Lanes so you’ll always have a place to leave your dog when you go drunk bowling. (Fun fact: I once drank one and a half bottles of champagne at 10 Park Lanes and then was told that they had no more champagne but it turns out they were lying and just wanted me to leave.)

Known for: Top rated doggy daycare in Charlotte and the place where all my friends (two people) bring their dogs.

Application process: Register online and then they will contact you after they confirm vaccine records with your vet. If approved, you need to bring your dog in for a free trial day to see if they’re a good fit.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Cost: $30/day and reservations are non-refundable

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Other requirements: Must be 16 weeks or older, must be friendly to other dogs and people, and not be protective of food or toys.

Reservations: Suggested but not required. (Note: they do fill-up most days!) You can reserve spots online here.

Bonus: They are good about posting pictures of your pup so you can see what they’re up to! (I mean, the lighting could have been better in these photos but I’ll let it slide.)

Another bonus: They have a state-of-the-art air purification/filtration system which probably still can’t handle Esther’s farts.

NoDa Bark and Board, NoDa

NoDa Bark and Board says that they have 30,000 square feet of space for my dog to play and this means nothing to me since I have no idea how big of an area that is.

Known for: Fifteen-year-old company that offers personalized care for dogs with special needs. (They have no problem administering medication or caring for dogs who may have what I like to call “guy issues” and need to be handled by only females.)

Application process: Fill-out a membership application.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Cost: $30/day ($27/day for NoDa residents)

Reservations: Not required

Bonus: They keep orthopedic beds on-hand for older or handicapped dogs which makes my heart happy.

Lucky Dog Bark and Brew, Wesley Heights

Did you know that Lucky Dog is more than just a dog bar? One reason you may not know is because they don’t post any daycare photos on their Facebook page (just a lot of memes and dogs from the internet). BUT, never fear, they have a private Facebook group where they post all their photos. Whew.

Known for: Being a dog bar that will also watch your dog when you’re not drinking.

Application process: Application and temperament test.

Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, hands down the best hours on this list.

Indoor/Outdoor? Both (they have a garage door that they open so dogs can decide when they want to go outside)

Cost: $25/day, the cheapest on this list

Reservations: Drop-ins are welcome and they told me that they never fill-up.

Bonus: They do a rotating break/play schedule where your dog gets quiet kennel time for 90 minutes and then playtime for 90 minutes. This is great if you have a very rambunctious puppy that needs breaks.

Dogtopia, Madison Park

Dogtopia has the worst name on this list but they do offer some great options if you’re a helicopter dog mom like me. Fun fact: They’re a chain that opened in 2002 with over 40 locations.

Known for: I’ve never heard of them until I started this research.

Application process: Enrollment form and meet and greet with a 30-minute tour. They are the only doggy daycare on this list that charges for a tour ($15).

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sunday.

Cost: $32/day

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Other requirements: Dogs must be spayed or neutered if over seven-months old.

Reservations: They take reservations through Facebook and Instagram (#somillennial) but they really only require reservations during peak times.

Bonus: Dogtopia does fun holiday dog parties and even offer playroom webcams so you can be a 100% creepy dog parent.

Another bonus: They use the same flooring as human children daycares which helps protects the pads on your dog’s feet.

Camp Bow Wow, (Multiple Locations)

Camp Bow Wow has been around for more than 20 years and provides premier doggy daycare and boarding at three locations in South Charlotte.

Known for: Their doggy daycare and dog boarding are their most popular services.

Application process: Fill out the Camper Application and schedule a doggy interview.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, holiday hours differ

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Cost: $30/day

Other requirements: Must be at least four months old, spayed or neutered (if six months or older), up to date on vaccines, flea/tick free, and wearing a quick-release collar with a name tag.

Reservations: Required

K9 Playland Resort

Treat your pup to the daycare of their dreams at K9 Playland Resort. There is a 3,000 square foot outdoor play space, plenty of balls and toys, and even extra amenities like storytime and personal play.

Known for: Their active Facebook page. Expect frequent posts and fun pictures of the pups at play.

Application process: Must complete the online registration form and schedule an evaluation day.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $30/day

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Other requirements: Must be at least 16 weeks of age and up to date on vaccines.

Reservations: Required

Bonus: Extra services include snuggle sessions ($10 for 15 minutes), storytime ($10 for 15 minutes), Doggy Ice Cream ($3), and an exit bath ($10).

Dogs All Day

When they say Dogs All Day, they mean all day. Dogs All Day is open seven days a week every day of the year.

Known for: Whether you have a shy wallflower or a social butterfly, the staff at Dogs All Day will make sure your pup gets acclimated and feels loved while you’re away.

Application process: Must complete a pet profile application and schedule a pre-screening.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $30/day

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Other requirements: Dogs must be spay or neutered if over the age of one, current on all vaccines, in good health, and non-aggressive.

Reservations: Not required

Bonus: Dogs All Day carries several brands of all-natural, holistic dog foods and treats; freeze-dried and raw.

Midwood Barkery, Plaza Midwood

When you bring your pup to Midwood Barkery, you can expect top-notch doggie daycare, boarding, and grooming services.

Known for: Their pet portraits. They are a go-to if you’re looking to get your pet’s picture for a holiday card or just to have.

Application process: Call to schedule a trial day.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $27/day

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Other requirements: Must be up to date on vaccines

Reservations: Required

Puptown Charlotte

Puptown prides itself on supporting its doggy visitors and their owners. You can drop off your dog and have peace of mind in knowing that he/she is having a ton of fun.

Known for: Their splash park. When the weather is nice, the staff takes daycare and boarding guests out for some fun.

Application process: Complete the new client form and call to set up a Pup Preview Day.

Hours: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost: $33/day

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Other requirements: Must be over 14 weeks of age, current on vaccines, spayed or neutered if over six months of age, strong enough to walk and potty without assistance, and well-behaved.

Reservations: Required

Bonus: Daycare and boarding guests enjoy free Splash Park admission.

One Lucky Pup

Even the overprotective pet parent can feel at ease when bringing their pet to One Lucky Pup. Their patient and professional staff cares for every dog as if it were their own.

Known for: Their text report cards and webcam feature that allows you to see what your dog is up to.

Application process: Complete the online registration form and call to schedule an evaluation appointment.

Hours: Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $30/day

Indoor/Outdoor? Both

Other requirements: Must be up to date on all vaccinations, at least four months of age, and spayed or neutered if over six months of age.

Reservations: Required

Animal Medical Hospital, Monroe Road

Animal Medical Hospital is a pretty convenient place to have a doggy daycare, considering they’re a vet’s office and 24-hour urgent care.

Known for: Daycare with direct access to vets if anything goes wrong. (Perfect for paranoid dog parents/dogs with actual health issues that you don’t make up in your head and then call your vet about and then your vet tells you to please stop calling her so much.)

Application process: Free evaluation with a pet counselor.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day (Their actual daycare ends at 5 p.m. but they’ll put your pup in a private kennel until you arrive.)

Cost: $28.85/day

Indoor/Outdoor? Indoor only

Other requirements: All day campers seven months or older must be spayed or neutered. Dogs must also be vaccinated and free of contagious health conditions (it is a vet’s office after all.)

Reservations: Required

Bonus: You can schedule bathing, grooming, or even veterinary services while your pup is at daycare which is super convenient.

Cover image via Facebook

Other doggy daycares we love:

• Camp Run-A-Mutt – 2908 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
• Pack Pet Resort – 101 Post Office Dr., Indian Trail