PetSmart Doggie Day Camp Prices & Timings + Requirements
PetSmart Doggie Day Camp usually costs about $20 to $40 for a full day and $15 to $25 for a half day. PetSmart doesn’t publish one national price, so it asks owners to call their store for exact rates.
Camp runs seven days a week at PetSmart stores with a PetsHotel. Before booking, check three rules that turn dogs away.
- Dogs must be at least 4 months old
- Intact males, pregnant females and females in heat can’t attend
- Bully breeds and wolf hybrids aren’t accepted
Day Camp Prices and Options
PetSmart offers three ways to book a day of care. Prices vary by location, so the ranges below are typical rather than fixed.
| Option | What’s included | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Full day of camp | Up to 8 hours of group play and enrichment | About $20 to $40 |
| Half day of camp | Up to 4 hours of group play and enrichment | About $15 to $25 |
| Day Stay | A private space plus 30 minutes of supervised play or one-on-one time | Ask your store |
Day Stay suits senior or shy dogs who’d rather not spend all day in a group. You still get a safe place for your dog while you’re at work.
Late pickups after 7 p.m. may cost extra. PetSmart waives that fee if you add a salon bath or groom, or pay with a Play & Save Pass.
What Camp Costs Over a Month
Regular campers spend more than most people expect, so it helps to run the numbers. This example uses a $30 full day, near the middle of the typical range.
| Schedule | Days a month | At $30 a day | With 20-pack bonus days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Once a week | About 4 | About $120 | About $96 |
| Twice a week | About 9 | About $270 | About $216 |
| Three times a week | About 13 | About $390 | About $312 |
| Every weekday | About 22 | About $660 | About $528 |
The pass column assumes a 20-pack’s roughly 20% saving. Your store’s real rate may be higher or lower, so ask for its price before you budget.
Play & Save Passes
Passes are the simplest way to cut the daily rate. PetSmart adds free days to each pack size.
| Pass | Free days | Effective saving |
|---|---|---|
| 5-pack | 1 extra day | About 17% |
| 10-pack | 2 extra days | About 17% |
| 20-pack | 5 extra days | About 20% |
Passes have expiration dates, so check the terms when you buy. Choose the pack you’ll actually use rather than the biggest discount.
The Play & Pamper Package is another option. It takes 25% off a full or half day of camp and 15% off a bath or groom on the same visit.
What Happens at Camp
Camp takes place indoors in temperature-controlled playrooms. PetSmart calls its program The Ultimate Experience, with activities that change every hour.
Rest breaks are built into each activity so dogs don’t get overstimulated. Food and treats are only given in each dog’s own room, never in the playroom.
At pickup you get a Pawgress Report describing your dog’s day. Most owners also notice a very tired, happy dog that evening.
How Dogs Are Grouped
Campers are grouped by size, play style and physical limits. A gentle senior won’t share a room with a pack of boisterous adolescents.
Senior dogs in good health are welcome. Their schedules focus on mobility and cognitive activities rather than nonstop running.
Day camp associates go through a training program with hands-on experience, covering dog behavior, enrichment, health and safety.
Requirements Before Your First Visit
PetSmart asks for written proof of vaccines from a licensed vet. Shots must be given at least 1 hour before check-in, though PetSmart prefers 10 days.
| Vaccine | Rule |
|---|---|
| Rabies | 1 or 3-year vaccine, per local law |
| DAPP or DHPP | 1 or 3-year vaccine |
| Bordetella | Every 12 months |
Many vets only give Bordetella on request, so ask for it specifically. Local laws may add other vaccines, so confirm with your store when booking.
Dogs should also be free of fleas and ticks. Any camper with signs of them will be treated in the grooming salon at your expense before check-in.
Behind on shots? The walk-in clinics in our PetSmart vaccination guide offer Bordetella and DAPP at low cost.
Dogs PetSmart Won’t Accept
These rules apply before any behavior assessment. They’re set by policy, not by how your dog behaves.
| Not accepted | Details |
|---|---|
| Puppies under 4 months | Wait until your puppy is old enough and vaccinated |
| Intact males | Unneutered males of any age |
| Pregnant females or females in heat | Can return once no longer pregnant or in heat |
| Bully breeds | Including pit bull types, Staffordshire terriers, bull terriers and American bulldogs |
| Wolves and wolf hybrids | Not accepted at any PetSmart location |
The breed rule also covers mixed breeds that look like one of those breeds. If your dog might be affected, call the store before you book.
The adult dropping off your dog must be over 18. If neutering is what’s stopping you, our spay and neuter cost guide explains the options.
Forms and Medication
PetSmart asks you to complete the PetsHotel and Doggie Day Camp Services Agreement before your first visit. Doing it in advance speeds up check-in.
- Services Agreement, signed
- Medication Form, if your dog takes anything
- Vaccination release form for your vet to send records
Medication must be in its original, labeled packaging. PetSmart doesn’t give injections, and giving medication costs extra.
What to Bring
- Printed vaccine records for the first visit
- Your dog’s regular food if it will eat during the day
- Treats, if you’d like, which are given in its own room
- A leash and a collar or harness with ID tags
PetSmart also sells food options and special treats on site, such as a Snack KONG or doggie ice cream sundae. Water is always available.
Health and Safety
Rooms, bowls, toys and play equipment are sanitized daily, with extra cleaning through the day. PetsHotels also use an Aerapy air purification system with UV light.
Every pet gets a hands-on check at arrival, and associates are trained to watch for signs of stress. If a dog shows signs of illness, they can get it veterinary care right away.
Monthly Playdates
Day Camp runs themed Playdates between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Each includes a doggie treat and a digital photo.
Premium Playdates, which now run four days a week on selected dates, add a plush take-home toy. Ask your store about the current themes.
Preparing for the First Day
A calm start makes the first visit go much better. A few simple steps help your dog arrive relaxed.
- Take a short walk and a potty break before drop-off
- Feed a smaller breakfast than usual to avoid an upset stomach
- Bring printed vaccine records and the signed agreement
- Keep the goodbye short and upbeat
- Book a half day for the first visit
Practice short separations at home in the week before. Dogs that are used to brief time apart settle into camp faster.
How Often Should Your Dog Go?
Two or three days a week suits many social, high-energy dogs. It burns off energy without wearing them out.
Daily camp works for some dogs but can overtire others. Watch for a dog that’s sluggish, sore or grumpy, and add rest days at home if needed.
Signs Camp Is Working
| Good signs | Signs it may be too much |
|---|---|
| Pulls toward the door at drop-off | Hides or freezes at drop-off |
| Sleeps soundly that evening | Restless or unable to settle at night |
| Eats normally the next day | Loses appetite or has an upset stomach |
| Good notes on the Pawgress Report | Notes about stress or avoiding the group |
Most dogs need a visit or two to feel at home. If stress signs continue after three visits, talk to the counselors about Day Stay or a half-day schedule.
Puppies at Day Camp
Puppies can join once they’re at least 4 months old and have the required vaccines. Camp gives them safe practice meeting other dogs during an important learning stage.
Start with half days, since puppies tire quickly and need lots of naps. Pair camp with puppy classes so good manners keep pace with playtime.
Busy Weeks and Holidays
Camp fills up fast around holidays and school breaks. Book early for the weeks around Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer travel.
Indoor playrooms make camp a handy option on rainy, icy or very hot days when walks are short. Check our PetSmart holiday hours guide before booking around a holiday.
Try Camp Before Boarding
A day at camp is a low-risk preview of PetsHotel. Your dog meets the staff and learns the building before spending a night away.
If your dog handles camp well, an overnight stay is usually much easier. It’s a smart step a few weeks before a holiday trip.
Which Dogs Thrive at Camp
| Great fit | Think twice |
|---|---|
| Young, social, high-energy dogs | Dog-reactive or selective dogs |
| Dogs left alone during long workdays | Dogs with separation panic |
| Puppies over 4 months that need socializing | Low-energy dogs who prefer quiet |
| Dogs that love other dogs | Dogs that guard toys or food |
Try a half day first and see how your dog comes home. A tired but relaxed dog is a good sign, while an anxious one may do better with Day Stay.
If manners are the problem rather than temperament, PetSmart training classes can help. Young puppies can start with puppy classes.
Day Camp vs Other Options
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Doggie Day Camp | Social dogs that need exercise and company |
| Day Stay | Shy or senior dogs that want a quiet space |
| Dog walker | Calm dogs that only need a midday break |
| Independent daycare | Dogs affected by PetSmart’s breed rules |
| PetsHotel | Overnight stays, with camp play included |
Overnight guests get Day Camp playtime as part of their stay. Our PetSmart boarding prices guide and PetsHotel guide cover the details.
Day Camp Questions
Is Day Camp open every day?
Yes, Doggie Day Camp is open seven days a week at participating stores. Only stores with a PetsHotel offer it.
Do I need a reservation?
Booking ahead is wise, since space is limited. You can book online or call 1-888-332-7387.
How will I know how my dog did?
You’ll get a personalized Pawgress Report at checkout. It describes your dog’s activities and behavior.
Can my dog go to camp during a PetsHotel stay?
Yes, dogs staying overnight get Day Camp playtime included. Shy or senior dogs can have one-on-one time instead.
What if my dog doesn’t get along with the group?
Counselors will move your dog to a better-matched group or suggest Day Stay instead. Some dogs simply prefer a quieter day, and that’s fine.
Can I book more than one dog?
Yes, though multiple pets or appointments are booked in store or by phone. You can also text CHAT to (800) 682-7387.
