Why Puppies Under 8 Months Are Not Accepted at Our Doggy Daycare

At Mindfulpaws Doggy Daycare, we are dedicated to creating a safe, enriching, and enjoyable environment for all dogs in our care. While puppies bring boundless energy and charm, we have chosen to only accept dogs over 8 months of age to ensure the best experience for both our canine guests and our team. Here’s why:

1. Developmental Needs of Puppies

Puppies under 8 months are in a critical stage of growth and learning. Their young age makes them more susceptible to stress from high-energy environments, loud noises, and unfamiliar dogs. Daycare settings can sometimes be overwhelming for puppies, impacting their confidence and socialization development if introduced too early.

2. Staff Ratios for Supervision

Caring for younger puppies requires significantly more one-on-one supervision. They often need additional support for frequent toilet breaks, close monitoring of their interactions with other dogs, and guidance to manage their high-energy bursts. To maintain our high standard of care and ensure every dog receives the attention they deserve, we prioritize an appropriate staff-to-dog ratio that better suits older, more independent dogs.

3. Noise Levels and Puppy Well-Being

Daycare environments can be noisy, particularly during playtime and group activities. Puppies are more sensitive to loud sounds, which can create anxiety or fear. Allowing puppies time to mature in quieter, more controlled home environments before introducing them to daycare helps build their confidence and resilience.

4. Crate Training and Rest Periods

Puppies under 8 months need regular naps throughout the day to support their development. While we offer quiet spaces for rest, younger puppies may not yet be comfortable or trained to settle in a crate or designated area, which can make resting difficult in a busy daycare setting. Ensuring they are fully crate-trained before attending daycare helps promote calm and stress-free rest periods.

Setting Puppies Up for Success

Our priority is the safety, happiness, and well-being of all dogs at Mindfulpaws Doggy Daycare. By setting an 8-month age limit, we ensure that puppies have had time to grow, develop, and prepare for the exciting adventure of daycare life. For younger puppies, we recommend alternative services such as one-on-one training or smaller socialization groups designed specifically for their age and needs.

We look forward to welcoming your puppy when they are ready to thrive in our daycare environment! If you have any questions or need advice on preparing your puppy for daycare, feel free to reach out to our team.