Small Dog Daycare in Round Rock

Why we run a separate small-side daycare room

If you've shopped around for small dog daycare in Round Rock, you've probably seen the warning signs at facilities that throw all dogs into one room: a 60-lb adolescent boxer wrestling enthusiastically with a 9-lb yorkie. Even with no aggression, the size mismatch alone is dangerous. A friendly slap from a large dog can break ribs on a small one. A wild zoomies sprint can run small dogs over.

Our small side exists so that doesn't happen. It's a dedicated room with its own outdoor area, populated by dogs of similar sizes and energy levels. The pace is calmer, the play is more proportionate, and small dogs actually get to play instead of hiding under a chair from the boxers.

Who attends the small side

Small breeds. Yorkies, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Cavaliers, Pomeranians, mini Doxies, French Bulldogs, Bostons, mini Schnauzers, anything in the under-40-lb range.
Small mixes. Most small-mix dogs do great on the small side regardless of breed makeup.
Older or lower-energy larger dogs. Many senior Goldens, retired Labs, and mellow medium dogs do better on the small side because the energy level matches them. We assess this case-by-case.
Sensitive temperaments. A few medium-sized dogs who find the big-side energy overwhelming end up happiest on the small side.

What the small-side day looks like

The small-side schedule mirrors the main daycare day: drop-off at opening, off-leash supervised play in the small-side room and outdoor area, midday rest from 12 to 2pm, then more play until pick-up. The differences are scale and intensity:

Smaller group sizes. Naturally, there are fewer small dogs in any given session.
Sized-appropriate equipment. Furniture, ramps, splash pools, and toys scaled for small bodies.
Slower pace. Less aggressive wrestling, more gentle play. Lots of small dogs spend time just hanging out near staff and having occasional play bursts.
Quiet zones. A few raised beds and small enclosures for dogs who want a break from the action.

Why size separation matters more than size mixing

Some daycares argue that mixing all sizes is more "natural." We disagree. In any group of unfamiliar dogs, mismatched size is the single biggest predictor of injury. Dogs of similar sizes correct each other appropriately, communicate clearly, and play styles tend to match. When you mix a 70-lb adolescent with a 12-lb senior, the senior either gets bowled over or spends the day stressed. That's not socialization. That's just survival.

Our small/big split is one of the reasons we've kept our injury rate low for two decades. It's also why our small-dog clients tend to keep coming back: their dogs go home tired and happy, not stressed and spooked.

Small dog daycare pricing

Small-side daycare uses the same rates as our main daycare. Sibling discounts apply automatically when you have multiple dogs on the same account.

Number of Dogs	Single Day	10-Day Pass	20-Day Pass
1st Dog	$30	$270	$510
2nd Dog	$23	$207	$391
3rd Dog	$20	$180	$340

The 20-day pass works out to $25.50/day for the first dog. All passes are refundable for unused days and never expire. More on passes & pricing →

Frequently asked questions

What is the size cutoff for the small side?

Roughly 40 lbs. Most small-side dogs are well under that, the typical small-side dog is 5–25 lbs. We also place older or lower-energy larger dogs on the small side when it's a better behavioral fit.

Are big dogs ever in the small dog room?

Sometimes. A larger dog who plays gently and appropriately with smaller dogs can be a great addition to the small side, many older Goldens, Labs, and other mellow large dogs do well there. Any larger dog placed on the small side is carefully vetted first.

Will my small dog get hurt by bigger dogs?

We split groups by size specifically to prevent that. Small dogs interact with size-appropriate playmates. The few larger dogs who join the small side have to demonstrate gentle, appropriate play first. Staff supervise constantly and intervene at any sign of mismatched play.

Is the small-side outdoor area separate too?

Yes. The small side has its own enclosed outdoor play area, separate from the big-side outdoor space. Sized-appropriate equipment, splash pool, and shade structures.

Does my small dog need to be neutered?

Yes, same policy applies regardless of size. Dogs over 6 months must be spayed or neutered. The reason is behavioral, not medical; we respect medical reasons to wait but can't accommodate intact dogs over 6 months in our environment.