The Uptown Paw Journal

Choosing dog daycare in Huntington Beach: how we group dogs and why it matters

When you start looking at dog daycare in Huntington Beach, most places will tell you your dog will play all day. That part is easy to promise. The question that matters more is who your dog will be playing with. How a daycare groups dogs shapes whether the day is fun and relaxing or stressful and overwhelming. Here’s how we think about it at Uptown Paw Resort & Spa, and what we’d suggest asking any daycare you’re considering.

Why grouping matters

Dogs aren’t all the same, and a group that works beautifully for one dog can be too much for another. A playful young Labrador and a small, gentle senior might both be lovely dogs, but they don’t always enjoy the same kind of play. Size differences can make rough play riskier for smaller dogs, and energy and play-style differences can leave some dogs feeling overwhelmed.

Thoughtful grouping helps dogs relax, play in ways that suit them, and go home tired in a good way rather than frazzled.

How we group dogs at Uptown Paw

We group dogs mainly by size and temperament. Size is a sensible starting point, but it isn’t the whole story. Temperament, meaning how a dog plays, how they handle other dogs and how they respond to people, matters just as much.

That’s why our groups aren’t rigid. Depending on temperament, some larger-medium dogs may join our small group, and some smaller dogs may join a larger group. A calm, gentle medium-sized dog might be a perfect fit with smaller friends, while a confident small dog who loves to run might be happier with bigger dogs. We place each dog where they’re most comfortable and safe.

It starts with a temperament evaluation

Every dog goes through a temperament evaluation before joining daycare. It’s how we get to know your dog and decide which group fits them best. It also helps us make sure daycare is the right environment for your dog in the first place. Not every dog loves group play, and we’d rather tell you honestly than put a dog somewhere they won’t enjoy.

Dogs also need to meet our health requirements, including a negative Giardia fecal test every 6 months and being free of any symptoms. That includes things that might look like allergies, since those can sometimes be an undiagnosed upper respiratory infection. The leptospirosis vaccine is highly recommended but not required. If you have questions about your dog’s health, please check with your veterinarian.

Daycare rates and schedule

Our daycare rates are straightforward:

• Full day: $48
• Half day: $32
• Thursday full-day special: $42

We also offer daycare packages of 10, 20 and 30 days, as well as annual memberships, for families who come regularly. Ask us which option fits your schedule.

Daycare drop-off and pickup is Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, which works well for Huntington Beach commuters and weekend plans alike.

Staying connected during the day

On weekdays, we send daily report cards with photos and a summary of your dog’s day. On weekends, report cards depend on availability. It’s a nice way to see who your dog spent the day with and how they’re doing.

What to look for in any Huntington Beach daycare

Whether you choose us or somewhere else, these are good questions to ask:

• Is there an evaluation before a dog joins group play?
• How are dogs grouped, and is it based on more than size?
• What health requirements do other dogs have to meet?
• How will you hear about your dog’s day?
• Will the daycare tell you honestly if group play isn’t a good fit?

Frequently asked questions

Will my dog always be in the same group?

Most dogs settle into a group that suits them, but we pay attention to how each dog is doing. Because we group mainly by size and temperament, some dogs may fit best with a different group than their size alone would suggest.

Can I tour the daycare before my dog starts?

We don’t offer facility tours. We’re a small, boutique space, and visitors walking through can unsettle the dogs in our care, especially new dogs who are still adjusting. Keeping the day calm and predictable is part of how we look after them. We’re always happy to answer questions by phone, and the temperament evaluation is your dog’s real introduction to us.

Is daycare a good fit for every dog?

Not always, and that’s okay. Some dogs prefer quieter days. The temperament evaluation helps us figure out whether daycare will be enjoyable for your dog, and we’ll be honest with you either way.

Do you accept unaltered dogs in daycare?

Unaltered dogs over 6 months old are an additional $10 per day. We don’t accept females in heat, and unaltered dogs must be manageable and friendly with people.

How do I get started?

Call us at (714) 596-5312 or reach out through our website. After your dog completes the temperament evaluation, you can book daycare days through our client portal.

Ready to meet us?

If you’re looking for dog daycare in Huntington Beach where your dog is grouped with care, we’d love to meet them. Learn more about our dog daycare in Huntington Beach, or get in touch and call us at (714) 596-5312.

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