HOW MANY DOGS PER PERSON IN DAYCARE

How Many Dogs Can a Dog Daycare Handle? Finding the Right Staff-to-Dog Ratio

Running a successful dog daycare requires more than just a love for dogs—it involves careful planning, proper staffing, and professional training to ensure the safety, well-being, and enrichment of every dog in your care. One of the most important factors to consider is how many dogs your facility can reasonably accommodate at one time.

While the exact number will vary depending on several factors, a general guideline is 10 dogs per staff member. This ensures that every dog receives adequate supervision, engagement, and individualized attention while maintaining a safe and stress-free environment.

Factors That Affect the Number of Dogs You Can Handle

The ideal staff-to-dog ratio depends on several factors, including:

✔ Facility Size & Layout – A larger facility with separate play areas can safely accommodate more dogs, while smaller spaces may require a lower capacity.

✔ Staff Experience & Training – Well-trained staff with canine behaviour knowledge can handle more dogs effectively and safely, while inexperienced staff may need to work with fewer dogs per shift.

✔ Dog Size & Temperament – Large breed dogs, high-energy dogs, or dogs with behaviour challenges require more hands-on supervision, reducing the number of dogs each staff member can manage.

✔ Playgroup Management – Organizing dogs into compatible playgroups based on size, temperament, and play style helps maintain a balanced daycare environment.

✔ Enrichment & Activity Levels – Facilities that offer structured enrichment activities, training sessions, and rest periods may find that they can safely accommodate more dogs while maintaining a high standard of care.

Why Understanding Capacity is Crucial for a Dog Daycare Business

Understaffing Can Lead to Problems
If you don’t have enough staff, dogs may not receive the supervision and engagement they need, increasing the risk of accidents, fights, or stress-related behaviours. This can lead to unhappy clients, negative reviews, and potential liability issues.

 Overstaffing Can Impact Profitability
On the other hand, hiring too many staff members without a corresponding increase in revenue can affect your bottom line, making it harder to sustain a profitable business.

 Finding the Right Balance
To succeed, it's essential to strike a balance—ensuring each dog gets proper care and supervision while maintaining financial sustainability.

The Importance of Professional Training for Dog Daycare Staff

Every daycare staff member should receive professional training before handling or interacting with client dogs. Proper education ensures:

✔ Safe playgroup management to prevent conflicts and injuries.
✔ Understanding canine body language to recognize early signs of stress or aggression.
✔ Effective handling techniques to maintain a safe and positive environment.
✔ Emergency preparedness to respond to injuries, illnesses, or behavioural incidents.

One way to ensure daycare staff are well-prepared is by ensuring have professional knowledge and education.  Education such as Good Dog Academy’s Professional Pet Dog Trainer (PPDT) Certificate Program. This comprehensive program provides in-depth education on canine behaviour, enrichment, group management, and effective training techniques, equipping staff with the skills needed to excel in a daycare setting.

Conclusion

As a dog daycare business owner or as a concerned pet parent, it’s essential to understand and determine the right staff-to-dog ratio based on your facility’s size, staff experience, and the types of dogs in care. A general 10 dogs per staff member rule can serve as a guideline, but adjustments may be necessary based on playgroup dynamics and operational needs.

Additionally, facilities that invest in professional training for staff not only enhance safety and quality of care but also help the business stand out in a competitive industry. If you're looking to expand your knowledge of canine behaviour and daycare management, consider enrolling in Good Dog Academy’s PPDT Program or Daycare and Boarding Management Program to take your skills—and your business—to the next level.

Interested in learning more about running a successful dog daycare?

Explore Good Dog Academy’s training programs today and build a safe, structured, and thriving daycare environment for your clients and their dogs! 🐾✨