Daycare vs. Kennels in Liverpool: How to Decide Based on Your Dog’s Needs

Monday 2nd December 2024

If you’ve got a trip planned or simply need a temporary place for your furry buddy, you’re probably wondering: daycare or kennels in Liverpool? Spoiler alert: there’s no simple answer. It all comes down to your dog’s quirks, preferences, and, let’s be honest, mood swings.

So, let’s break it down and figure out if daycare or kennels is what’s best for your furry drama queen (or king).

Dog Daycare: A Social Haven for Energetic Pups

Imagine a room full of sugar-hyped kids at a birthday party. Now, replace the kids with dogs and throw in a few chew toys, and voilà! You’ve got doggy daycare.

It’s a great fit if your pooch is a social butterfly with an unlimited supply of energy. Daycare is basically their dream: non-stop action, doggy pals to wrestle with, and loads of new smells to investigate.

If your dog is the kind that never tires out and looks at you like, “Is that all you got?” after a three-hour walk, daycare is probably your answer.

The best part of daycare is that it saves your house from becoming a canine destruction zone. High-energy fidos need something to keep them occupied, and that something might as well be playing with other dogs instead of turning your sofa into an abstract art piece. Daycare means your puppy gets to party all day while you enjoy peace of mind.

But hey, not all dogs are extroverts. If your buddy prefers quiet time, is a bit shy, or looks at other woofers like they’re annoying neighbours (no judgment here), then the madness of daycare might not be their vibe. And that’s okay—everyone’s got their thing.

Kennels: A Chill Retreat for the More Discreet Canine

Kennels are more like a basic doggy spa getaway without the cucumber slices. Perfect for the dog that likes a bit of structure and peace and doesn’t feel the need to socialise constantly. A kennel is a designated space for your pup to have some quiet time, catch up on beauty sleep, and maybe dream of that fox they almost caught.

You know those fun trips with friends where everyone’s off to the pool to splash around and flirt, but there’s always that one person who stays behind in the hotel lounge playing solitaire? Kennels are kind of like those lounges—but for canines, not humans. Moreover, they are often better for overnight stays, especially if your dog prefers the ‘do not disturb’ vibe over rowdy parties.

However, don’t think kennels are all just naps and no fun. Many of them offer one-on-one play sessions, walks, and even grooming. It’s like less “rave” and more “relaxation retreat”.

How to Choose Based on Your Dog’s Needs

Temperament: Is your pet a socialite who loves making friends and can’t get enough playtime? Daycare might be their jam. But if your pup values personal space and peace over doggy mingling, kennels could be their haven.

Age and Health: Older dogs or those with medical needs? Kennels offer the comfort of structure and closer attention. Younger, “I-have-too-much-energy” pups will probably enjoy the stimulation of daycare more.

Duration of Stay: Daycare is great for those short bursts—like during your workday or while you run errands (or pretend to run errands for some alone time). Kennels are ideal for when your dog might prefer their own room and some quiet time.

Socialisation Needs: If your pup loves making new friends and playing ‘till they drop, daycare is heaven. But if they give new barkers the side-eye and would rather have a peaceful snooze, kennels will be much more comfortable.

So, What Should I Pick?

There’s no universal answer here—it all comes down to understanding your dog’s personality. Are they the life of the party, or do they prefer a quiet corner to themselves? Visiting facilities beforehand can help you determine which option best suits your furry diva.

That said, kennels in Liverpool come with some drawbacks. They often offer less interaction compared to daycare, which can mean reduced opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. Additionally, their quality can vary widely, so thorough research is essential to ensure your dog will be comfortable and well cared for.

On the other hand, daycare might not be the best fit for every puppy. Aggressive dogs, for example, may struggle in a group setting, which can lead to heightened stress and potential conflicts. Plus, these places tend to be more expensive than kennels, given the added benefits of personalised attention, activities, and socialisation.

The good news is that most daycares are equipped to accommodate even the shyest of dogs. If your pup feels anxious or overwhelmed, the staff can provide a cosy, quiet spot where they can relax and watch the action from a safe distance. Over time, as they grow more comfortable, they might even join in on the fun—at their own pace, of course.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure your dog is happy, safe, and well cared for while you’re away. Trust your instincts, ask all the questions you need, and choose a facility that puts your mind at ease. And don’t forget to reward your furry bestie with an extra treat when you pick them up—they’ve earned it for being such a star!

Tail-Wagging Testimonials: Happy Pups, Happy Owners

We believe that a happy dog means a happy owner, so we’re delighted that our doggy daycare centre has a satisfied customer base that comes to us time and time again. Every wagging tail, playful leap and excited bark shows how much the pups love their time with us.

But don’t just take our word for it! Let’s hear from the pet’s parents themselves. Here is a selection of testimonials from some of our customers, highlighting why many people choose us as a fun, safe and loving place for their four-legged family members.

“My dog has attended Faye’s for 4 years now, it is the best daycare in Liverpool. Our dog is so precious to us and we feel safe leaving him in the care of Faye and her team every week. He loves being there, he gets so excited when he arrives!!! The team are all so friendly and approachable, they all love dogs and will be outfit playing with the dogs in any weather. We also get our dog groomed at Fayes, they do an outstanding job, our dog hates being brushed but at Faye’s he is as good as gold being groomed. They make him feel very comfortable and he has a lot of trust in the staff to groom him. He’s a large dog, the prices are great and he always smells so good. Thank you Fayes!” – Abigail B | 5 Stars

“Hand on Heart I love Faye’s. Odie is so excited to go and see his mates. He loves the staff too and you can’t put a price on knowing just how looked after your little one is whilst there. I love the regular posts throughout the day of him and he’s always having fun and looks happy. These guys do what they do amazingly well. Thank you Faye’s!” – Paul H | 5 Stars

“Amazing day care! Our pup has been going for four years and she absolutely loves it, the girls look after the pups like they’re their own. Always something fun going on and we get loads of updates through the day. 5 stars!” – Lyzzi M | 5 Stars

“The most caring, dedicated and professional team you will find to look after your dogs. We are in our third year at Faye’s and feel very lucky we found this amazing place. The team take the time to understand your dogs needs and are always on hand to offer advice and support. If my dog Ned could stay 24/7 I think he would!. The grooming business in the same location is an added bonus – you can drop your dog for play and pick them up all freshly groomed. Best Pet Care Business you will find – fact as they won the award this year ! 100% recommend – a place where your dogs will feel loved and cared for. Pic of Ned enjoying his days with his pals.” – Michelle C | 5 Stars

Not Sure What to Do? Get in Touch with Faye’s Doggy Boutique

If you’re unsure whether our Liverpool daycare service is the right fit for your dog, just get in touch! Our team will be happy to discuss your best friend’s personality and help you make an informed decision. Plus, if you’re feeling nervous about how your fur baby will cope, we offer free trial sessions to see how they do before committing. Contact us now to learn more.