Many of the dog parents I work with in Louisville do not have a neat nine-to-five. Some work 12-hour hospital shifts. Some start before sunrise, some rotate between days and nights, and some simply have commutes and meetings that stretch the day longer than a dog should be home alone. If that sounds familiar, dog daycare can be a practical way to make sure your dog gets attention, exercise and rest while you work.
This guide explains how home-style daycare works, who it tends to help most and how Extended Daycare covers longer days. If you are still comparing daycare with walks or drop-ins, my article on choosing between mid-day walks, drop-ins and daycare is a good companion read.
What Home-Style Dog Daycare Looks Like
Daycare at Raven's K9 to 5 takes place in a home-style, cage-free setting rather than a large commercial facility. The goal is a day that feels balanced for your dog, with time to play, time to rest and plenty of individual attention. A standard daycare day includes up to 12 hours of personalized care, along with:
Supervised play with compatible dogs
Free roam, rest time and individual attention
Unlimited potty breaks and fresh water at all times
Personalized feeding with food provided by the owner
Medication administration when needed
Photo updates and detailed report cards
Current rates for dogs over and under one year old are listed on the Dog Daycare service page. Final pricing, availability and applicable policies are confirmed during booking, and all rates are subject to the applicable 6% sales tax.
Extended Daycare for Long Workdays
A 12-hour shift rarely means exactly 12 hours away from home. Add a commute, a late handoff or an unexpected delay, and the day gets longer. That is why Extended Daycare exists. It was designed for healthcare professionals, first responders and other pet parents who need dependable care beyond a traditional workday.
Here is how it works, based on the current service details:
Standard daycare covers up to 12 hours.
Extended options are available for 13 and 14 hours.
Additional time is billed in 30-minute increments on top of standard daycare.
Stays beyond 14 hours may be available by arrangement.
Extended Daycare includes the same personalized attention, supervised play, rest periods, feeding, potty breaks and photo updates as a regular daycare day. The full rate table is on the daycare page.
Scheduling That Bends With Your Week
Busy schedules rarely look the same from week to week. Daycare is set up to work with that reality, including:
Early morning drop-offs
Late evening pickups
Rotating weekly schedules
Weekend and holiday availability
Recurring daycare arrangements
If your hospital or employer releases schedules a few weeks at a time, you can reserve dates as your schedule becomes available. Extended Daycare must be scheduled in advance and paid before services begin, so it helps to request dates as soon as you know them.
Nurses and shift workers may also find my article on recurring walks for 12-hour schedules helpful, especially on days when a full daycare day is more than your dog needs.
Is Daycare a Good Fit for Your Dog?
Daycare works best for dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs and can relax in a shared environment. It may be a great fit if your dog:
Has energy to burn and gets restless when left alone for long stretches
Is social and comfortable around compatible dogs
Needs midday potty breaks or medication while you are at work
Does better with company than with long periods of quiet alone time
Daycare may not be the right choice for every dog. Aggressive or unsafe pets cannot be accepted, and behavior history must be disclosed honestly so every dog in care stays safe. Dogs who are very anxious around other dogs, or seniors who mainly need a quiet potty break, may be happier with dog walking or Drop-In Pet Visits at home. If you are unsure, my article on questions to ask about boarding and daycare safety can help you think it through.
Getting Ready for Your Dog's First Day
A little preparation helps the first day go smoothly for everyone:
Complete your Time To Pet profile. Include feeding instructions, medications, your veterinarian's contact information and any behavior notes.
Pack food and medications. Food is provided by the owner, and medications should be clearly labeled with written instructions.
Plan your drop-off and pickup times. Drop-offs and pickups are appointment-only and take place at the front door. The drop-off address and arrival instructions are shared after a deposit is received.
Review the guide. The boarding and daycare guide covers what to bring and what to expect.
Daycare Throughout the Year
Daycare is not only for workdays. Families also use it during home renovations, on days when guests are visiting, or during the holiday season when schedules get packed with shopping, events and travel prep. Because availability is limited in a home-style setting, recurring clients benefit from reserving dates as early as possible, especially around holidays.
Common Questions About Dog Daycare
How long can my dog stay in daycare?
Standard daycare covers up to 12 hours. Extended Daycare adds 13-hour and 14-hour options, with additional time billed in 30-minute increments, and longer stays may be available by arrangement.
Do I need to bring food?
Yes. Feeding is personalized, and food is provided by the owner. Pack meals in labeled portions with written instructions so your dog's routine stays consistent.
Can my dog get medication during daycare?
Medication administration is available when needed. Provide medications in their original containers with clear written instructions in your Time To Pet profile.
Can I book daycare around a rotating schedule?
Yes. Rotating weekly schedules and recurring arrangements are welcome, and you can reserve dates as your work schedule becomes available. Extended Daycare needs to be scheduled in advance and paid before services begin.
How do I know how my dog's day went?
Every daycare day includes photo updates and a detailed report card, so you can check in on your dog even during a busy shift.
Book Dog Daycare in Louisville
Boarding and daycare take place at my Louisville home. Raven's K9 to 5 serves many Louisville, Oldham County and Southern Indiana communities, from St. Matthews, the Highlands and Middletown to Anchorage, New Albany and Jeffersonville. Please contact us to confirm availability for your dates.
Every service is provided by a Fear Free Certified, Pet First Aid and CPR trained and insured caregiver, with GPS-tracked visits and photo report cards through Time To Pet.
To get started, register in Time To Pet. Registration is required before requesting services. Existing clients can log in to request daycare or Extended Daycare dates. Have a question about your schedule first? Reach out through the contact page.
