Dog Daycare in Richmond, CA
Structured Play, Rest, and Enrichment for Every Dog
We know how hard it can be to leave your dog home alone all day.
At Metro Dog, we’ve built a safe, behavior-focused daycare in the San Francisco Bay Area where your dog can genuinely play, learn, and burn off energy under expert supervision.
Just minutes from Berkeley, Oakland, and El Cerrito, we’re easily accessible for a quick drop-off and pick-up for your pup.
Why Choose Metro Dog Daycare in Richmond, CA?
Metro Dog stands out among dog daycare options in Richmond because of our expert staff, comprehensive supervision, and structured play/rest cycle that mirrors your dog’s natural rhythms. Our experienced handlers actively engage with every dog, adjusting programs for your pup’s comfort and happiness throughout the day.
Metro Dog is trusted by local pet parents across Richmond, El Cerrito, San Francisco and the East Bay who value professional supervision, small group sizes, and transparent communication.
Find the Right Fit for Your Dog
- Social dogs thrive in our group play environments with careful supervision
- Energetic dogs get the physical and mental stimulation they need
- Shy dogs receive gentle encouragement in our semi-private programs
- Special needs dogs get customized one-on-one care
Dog Daycare Programs at Metro Dog
Social Daycare Program
The majority of our client dogs are enrolled in this program. It’s ideal for well-socialized pups who want to play or simply enjoy spending their day in the peaceful company of other dogs at our dog daycare in Richmond, CA.
If you’re searching for the best dog daycare in Richmond, CA, our social program offers exactly what active, friendly dogs need.
From the most active hound to the sunbathing lounger, our social dog daycare programs in Richmond are designed for dogs of all ages and energy levels, from playful adolescents to relaxed seniors. Social groupings consist of 6–20 compatible dogs, with an experienced handler supervising all play sessions. Play is balanced with rest, creating a healthy rhythm throughout the day.
When not in the play yard, your dog will be roomed for downtime with friends or in their own private suite. Dogs relax on Kuranda cots in group or single suites, or rest in a crate depending on their needs and preferences. Our daily schedule follows a rotation of activity–rest–activity–rest, helping dogs reset and refresh while building positive routines.
Looking for overnight stays? Learn more about our dog boarding services — the perfect companion to daycare.
Puppy Daycare Program
Usually for pups under 6 months old, placement is determined by assessing your puppy’s comfort level and play skills at our puppy daycare in Richmond, CA.
At our Richmond puppy daycare program, your pup may interact with other puppies, carefully selected adult dogs, and our experienced handlers. Whether your puppy is outgoing or a little more timid, we meet them where they are and help them grow with patience and guided play.
Through structured activities, your puppy will learn to read cues, develop appropriate play skills, take short breaks, and practice self-regulation. Nap time, lunch service (we provide your pup’s regular food from home to maintain a healthy gut), and a housebreaking schedule all promote healthy development. We also introduce puppies to a variety of environmental stimuli throughout our center, helping them gain confidence in new situations.
Once your puppy demonstrates the play skills and emotional maturity needed, they graduate into our social dog daycare program in Richmond, joining larger play groups with ease.
Semi-Private Daycare Program
This program is designed for dogs that have a solid foundation of social skills but prefer smaller play groups — ideal for families looking for doggy daycare for shy dogs in Richmond, CA. These dogs prefer time with just a few friends, making it an excellent option for families looking for doggy daycare for shy dogs in Richmond, CA.
Custom play groups are crafted around the needs of the semi-private dog. Group sizes are smaller, typically 1 to 4 other dogs. Semi-private dogs have three 15-minute play sessions and one 30-minute play session. Potty breaks are offered every 2 hours.
Private Daycare Program
Less-social or special-needs dogs have a customized program just for them. They stay in a private suite and receive one-on-one handler attention that includes one 30-minute play, TLC session, or walk, along with three customized 15-minute play sessions in one of our seven play yards with emphasis on outdoor play time. Our private program also provides attentive care for dogs with special needs, ensuring they are safe and supported throughout the day.
If your dog isn’t ready for group play, explore our dog training programs to help them gain confidence and social skills.
Play sessions are enriching experiences that occur throughout the day. Potty breaks are offered every two hours.
Dog Daycare Rates
Our affordable dog daycare rates provide excellent value for comprehensive care for pets & parents in Richmond, CA:
View our complete Rates & Services for package details and add-ons.
| Full Day Daycare | Half Day Daycare | |
|---|---|---|
|
Social Program |
$60 |
$45 |
|
Single Room |
$70 |
$55 |
|
Puppy Daycare Program |
$100 |
$75 |
|
Semi Private Program |
$100 |
$75 |
|
Private Program |
$100 |
$75 |
|
Medical Private Program |
$100 |
$75 |
How to Get Started with Metro Dog Daycare
Ready to give your dog the best doggy daycare experience in Richmond, CA? Getting started is easy:
Schedule Assessment
Contact us to book your dog’s evaluation. We’ll assess their temperament, play style, and social skills to determine the best program fit.
Choose the Right Program
Based on the assessment, we’ll recommend the ideal daycare program for your dog’s needs, whether it’s social daycare, puppy program, or specialized care.
Bring Your Dog for Their First Day
Once approved, schedule your dog’s first day. We’ll be here to make sure your pup has a smooth transition and to monitor their comfort throughout the experience.
Please call or contact us to become a client. Our team is here to answer any questions and help your dog join the Metro Dog family.
Whether you’re in Richmond, El Cerrito, or Oakland, our daycare center is conveniently located near Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline Park, making drop-off and pick-up easy.
For more information on what you can expect at dog daycare, view our handy guide.
Benefits of Doggy Daycare in Richmond, CA
Doggy daycare offers numerous advantages for both dogs and their families:
Physical Benefits:
- Regular exercise and physical activity
- Improved cardiovascular health and muscle tone
- Better sleep patterns from appropriate daytime activity
Mental & Emotional Benefits:
- Socialization with other dogs in supervised settings
- Mental stimulation through varied activities and environments
- Reduced separation anxiety and destructive behaviors
- Enhanced confidence and social skills
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), regular supervised play builds confidence, strengthens social skills, and helps prevent anxiety in dogs.
Owner Benefits:
- Peace of mind during work hours
- Reduced guilt about leaving dogs home alone
- Professional supervision and care
- Convenient location near Richmond and Oakland
Safe, Supervised Environment:
- Trained handlers monitor all interactions
- Veterinarian-developed cleaning protocols
- Emergency procedures and 24/7 staffing
- Climate-controlled indoor and outdoor spaces
Dog Daycare Hours
Metro Dog is staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Our open hours are 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Saturday through Sunday. After-hours drop-off or pickup is available by reservation for $26, which includes meal service (we prepare the meal you provide). After-hours pick-ups until midnight. Early morning drop-offs begin at 4 AM.
A half day of Daycare is under 5 hours. No after-hours service is available between 12:00 AM and 4:00 AM.
Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
After-hours service: $26 (4 AM – 7 AM, 7:30 PM – Midnight)
We have 24/7 staffing for boarding guests!
Dog Daycare FAQs
Is it good for a dog to go to daycare?
Dog daycare provides essential socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation. It helps prevent behavioral issues like boredom and separation anxiety, while providing your pup with a safe, supervised space to play and interact.
At Metro Dog daycare in Richmond, CA, we focus on your dog’s happiness, health, and overall well-being every step of the way.
What age is best for dog daycare?
The best age for a puppy to start dog daycare is between 12 and 16 weeks old, after they’ve received their initial vaccinations. This is the ideal time for socialization and early behavioral development, and daycare provides the stimulation and structure needed for healthy growth. Our Richmond, CA daycare team helps young pups start socializing safely once they’ve had their vaccinations.
How many days a week should a dog go to daycare?
Most dogs thrive with about three days of daycare per week, striking a healthy balance between play, rest, and socialization. It gives them plenty of time to exercise, interact, and stay mentally engaged without becoming overstimulated. However, every dog is different—some thrive with more frequent visits. At Metro Dog’s Doggy Daycare in Richmond, CA, your pup is welcome as often as they need a safe, fun, and structured place to spend their day.
Is dog daycare worth it?
Yes, dog daycare is highly worth it for providing your pup with essential exercise, mental stimulation, and safe socialization while you work. For busy pet parents in the Richmond area, it offers total peace of mind and helps prevent the destructive behaviors that often stem from a dog being bored at home all day. Ultimately, investing in a supervised, structured daycare environment ensures your dog stays happy, healthy, and well-adjusted.
How much does dog daycare cost?
Dog daycare at Metro Dog starts at $45 for a half day in our Social Program, with full-day rates ranging from $60 to $100 depending on the program. Puppy Daycare, Semi-Private, Private, and Medical Private programs are priced at $100 for a full day and $75 for a half day. Visit our Rates & Services page for full pricing details and add-ons.
Do you offer early morning doggy daycare?
Yes. Metro Dog opens at 7:00 AM Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM on weekends for regular drop-off. For pet parents who need to drop off even earlier, early morning service is available by reservation starting at 4 AM for a $26 fee.
Still have questions? Visit our Become a Client page to start your dog’s enrollment.