Dog Daycare for Senior Dogs in Austin: Low-Key Days for Older Dogs

Quick Answer

Big Little Paws offers dog daycare for senior dogs in Austin in a calm, home-based environment with small groups. We consider most dogs 8 and older to be seniors. Every dog is grouped by behavior and energy level more than age alone. All new dogs go through our full intake process: New Dog Inquiry Form, approval, free meet and greet, and free trial daycare day. Daycare is $30-45 per full day (packages available)! Fill out the New Dog Inquiry Form below to apply!

How Big Little Paws Does Dog Daycare for Senior Dogs in Austin

Most dog daycare facilities in Austin are built for young, high-energy dogs. Big open play yards, loud groups, nonstop stimulation. For a lot of dogs that is great. But for a 10-year-old who gets tired after an hour of play and just wants a quiet sunny spot to nap, that environment might be too much.

Dog daycare for senior dogs in Austin works best in a smaller, calmer setting where older dogs can socialize, get some gentle exercise, and rest when they need to. That is exactly what we offer at Big Little Paws and our senior regulars absolutely love it here!

What Are the Benefits of Daycare for Senior Dogs?

Senior dogs still need social connection and mental stimulation. Staying home alone all day is hard on older dogs, especially ones who have been used to being around people or other dogs. Daycare gives them something to look forward to without pushing them past what their body can handle.

Our senior regulars come back happier, calmer, and more tired in the best way! Dogs are social animals. Even older ones light up when they get to be around other dogs they know and trust! It is so sweet!!

How Does the Intake Process Work for New Senior Dogs?

Every new dog at Big Little Paws goes through the same process. You fill out the New Dog Inquiry Form below. We review it and reach out if we think your pup is a good fit.

From there, we schedule a free meet and greet at our house in University Hills (78723). You come check out our home, get comfortable with us, and see exactly where your dog will be staying! Your pup gets to explore the space, meet some of the dogs, and start getting familiar with the environment. And we get to assess whether it is a good fit for everyone. It is a really important step and we love doing them!

If the meet and greet goes well, we schedule a free trial daycare day. You drop your dog off in the morning, we watch how they do with the group all day, and you pick them up that evening. We send photos and videos throughout so you can see exactly how they are doing. If everything goes well, your dog is approved and ready to start booking!

How Do We Make Dog Daycare for Senior Dogs in Austin Work?

We group dogs by behavior and energy level, so senior dogs go with the calmer crowd. We would never put an older dog in a group with a young puppy who does not know their own strength yet. Not fair to either of them.

We build in real rest time throughout the day. Senior dogs need more downtime than younger dogs and we watch for signs of fatigue. If a dog needs a break, they get one.

If your senior dog takes medications during the day, bring them with written instructions and we will follow your schedule exactly.

How Often Should a Senior Dog Come to Daycare?

It really depends on your dog but we typically see anywhere from 1-3 times per week! Some younger pups come 4+ times per week because they are full of energy!

It gives them enough social time to stay engaged without wearing them out. We always recommend starting with one day a week and adjusting based on how your dog recovers at home.

Some senior dogs genuinely surprise us! They come in and keep up with dogs half their age and have the best time. Others need a quieter, slower pace. We pay attention and adjust as we get to know your dog better.

What Should I Bring for My Senior Dog's Daycare Day?

Parents bring the dogs leash, harness, and food if they need. Some parents feed their pups before coming and others bring their food here.

Bring any daytime medications with a detailed written notes as well!

We have beds, water bowls, toys and crates here already.

How Much Does Dog Daycare for Senior Dogs in Austin Cost?

That said, most of our daycare customers get one of our packages because they are a much better deal if your dog is coming regularly.

Our packages: 10 days for $350, 20 days for $650, or our most popular 50-day pack for $1,500. We also have one-off full days available for $45.

Packages are available for multiple dogs too, just ask us!

Fill out the New Dog Inquiry Form below!