BY KATELYN RUTT
From dog-friendly breweries to the vast expanse of parks, it’s evident that the Tar Heel State cherishes its four-legged residents. And at the heart of it all: top-tier doggie daycares.
But don’t be fooled—these facilities offer more than games of fetch. They’re lively hubs that celebrate the unique quirks and charms of every pup, offering safe spaces for mental stimulation, socialization and snuggles. We’ve narrowed the search to four of Raleigh’s premier doggie daycares, catering to all shapes, sizes and temperaments!
Suite Paws Pet Resort & Spa
For the Environmentally Mindful Pet Parent
In the world of dogs, variety is the spice of life. Founded in 2008 by Laura Muntel, an animal lover and volunteer at high-kill shelters, Suite Paws Pet Resort & Spa was born from a desire to honor the individuality of our furry companions. Here, inclusivity is not just a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle, reflected in discounted rates for nonprofit rescues and a personalized boarding service that caters to every need.
While some dogs thrive in group activities, others prefer or require individualized attention, and Suite Paws provides a variety of options to make sure each guest feels right at home. From private cuddle sessions with extra treats to expansive play yards and energetic group play in the pool, there’s something to delight every pup.
And for environmentally conscious pet parents, Suite Paws ticks all the right boxes with its eco-friendly skylights, 30,000-gallon rainwater tank with a recycling setup, antimicrobial K9 grass underfoot and more. But the pampering doesn’t end there. Treat your pooch to an exit bath before heading home, and they’ll return looking and smelling like a million bucks! Plus, they’ll be happily worn out from all the TLC showered upon them by the caring team at Suite Paws.
Dog Diggity Daycare & Boarding
For the Spirited Pup
High-energy, lonely and bored dogs meet their match at Dog Diggity Daycare & Boarding, the Triangle’s only true all-day-play and all-inclusive facility. From its vibrant turquoise floors to the cozy orange beds and trio of indoor/outdoor spaces, every aspect of this facility radiates fun.
At Dog Diggity, celebration happens daily—birthday pups don snazzy hats and crowns, holiday photo ops are a must, and the newest “pack” members get heartwarming social media shoutouts. Safety comes first, with complimentary temperament tests ensuring that every dog is a perfect fit for the lively group play. Pet parents can kick back and relax knowing their fur babies are in the best of hands, with flexible drop-off and pick-up options to suit any schedule. And during the scorching summer days, indoor spaces are always climate-controlled for maximum comfort.
With a decade and a half of dedication to the Raleigh community, Dog Diggity and its passionate “pack” leaders are experts at turning lonely pups into social butterflies. Through interactive play and heaps of love, they transform solitary days into lively adventures, creating lasting friendships among pups, staff, and owners alike!
Pup’s Day Out Playcare
For the Affectionate Pooch
Locally owned and operated, Pup’s Day Out prides itself on a set of core “no’s” that every dog owner will appreciate: no naps, no crates, and no use of boarding rooms except for short calm-down periods. From the dedicated leadership and high standards of Kyle Kirkpatrick, Nick Lasky and Ray Dauley, to the compassionate staff who lavish your furry friends with love and attention, Pup’s Day Out embodies everything a doggie daycare should be.
Their top priority is ensuring a safe and stimulating environment for dogs of all sizes and energy levels, which means no extra charges for one-on-one attention or extended fetch time. Ever wondered what a typical day at Pup’s Day Out entails? Picture endless fetch sessions, cuddles and plenty of belly rubs. And if you’re feeling uncertain, just take a peek at the daycare’s social media feed. With happy (and sometimes silly) faces and wagging tails posted daily, you can trust that your pet is in excellent hands and will return home both exhausted and eager for their next visit.
Whether your four-legged friend is frolicking through bubbles or basking in the warmth of the sun, a day at Pup’s Day Out is a true celebration of all things dog.
Dogtopia of North Raleigh
For the Cleanest Canine
Step into the world of Dogtopia, where fun and safety reign supreme! With plenty of local awards and a steadfast commitment to pushing the boundaries of industry excellence, this doggie daycare is like no other. You can expect certified coaches, proactive management led by the in-house canine behaviorist, and a meticulous guest evaluation process—all designed to give you total peace of mind.
Dogtopia is a supervised off-leash paradise with three cutting-edge playrooms and a sprawling outdoor play area where your furry friend can let loose and live their best life. And as if that weren’t enough reason to love Dogtopia, they’re proudly certified as a Heroes for Healthy Pets facility. That means they go above and beyond with top-notch preventative care measures, including strategic vaccinations and rigorous sanitizing protocols, to keep your pup in tip-top shape.
Conveniently located between I-540 and I-440 off Capital Boulevard, this daycare is just a stone’s throw away from the shops at North Hills. So while your dog is living its best life, you can treat yourself to a little retail therapy or run some errands. Everybody wins!
North Raleigh Pet Nanny
Looking for home-based pet care while you’re hustling at the office or off on an adventure? Meet Kat and Stephen Penney, the dynamic duo behind the white-glove services of North Raleigh Pet Nanny.
They understand that every animal has its own routine, so they go above and beyond to keep your furball happy, healthy and active while you’re gone.
And here’s the cherry on top: For those longer stays, they’ll take care of the little things, too. From bringing in your mail and newspapers to giving your plants some TLC, Kat and Stephen guarantee seamless operations—as if you were there yourself!
