Dog Daycare at Mud Puppies
Not Just Dog Daycare – Playcare
Most Austin doggie daycares are just that – daycare for your dog. But at Mud Puppies, it’s all about Playcare. We’re much more than a kennel and a big yard. A good playcare facility should feel more like a pre-school than a dog park, and that’s Mud Puppies. We love our dogs and make sure their playcare days are full of fun and friends – plus plenty of downtime to relax between intentional, curated play sessions.
Curated Play Groups
30-Minute Play Sessions
Active Monitoring
Decompression Time In-Between
SEVEN-TIME Best of Austin Winner
My pup has been coming here quite a bit as we’ve had a ton of pre-scheduled travel before adopting her. I feel good knowing Mud Puppies will take great care of her. I have gotten several grooms there and my most recent was the best yet! The groomer Meg checks in with me to get my opinion on what I want every time. Thanks Mud Puppies!
Emma Armer
I highly recommend Mud Puppies! My golden doodle is crazy & very high energy. I tried taking him to other places and they would say that he doesn’t stay still, and would only bathe him and still charged me a ridiculous amount. Mud puppies was actually was able to bathe Dexter get him fully groomed, and now I am a loyal customer. Dexter has improved & he loves his groomer Lance! 10/10
Marisa Hernandez
Was my first time using Mud Puppies and will be back with my other pups! They did such a great job with my sweet old lady❤️
Kendra Marino
The best! We checked out a few other daycare / boarding spots in Austin and we liked Mud Puppies the best. Everyone that works there is awesome, our dog liked going there more than he liked hanging with us, and they have a bunch of useful services we ended up using (like their grooming).
Elizabeth Burkly
There are so many great things about Mud Puppies! The entire staff is so welcoming (to both me and my big furbaby), and most importantly, he always wants to go play. I never worry about him when I leave him because I know he gets top notch care. The groomers are outstanding and he gets many compliments on our walks in the neighborhood.
Eleece Moffatt
Love the staff and groomers they always work well with my dog, she has separation anxiety so they always make her feel comfortable and welcome when they groom her!
Bellissima Rahmeier
Literally the BEST place to bring your dog for all of yours and theirs daycare, boarding, and grooming needs. Everyone is super helpful and friendly, and the whole place has a fun and energetic atmosphere. Don't worry though, if you have a senior fur baby they cater to them too. There is absolutely no other place I will trust more than the wonderful staff at Mud Puppies!
Alex Robinson
Your Pup’s Playcare Agenda
Here’s what a typical Mud Puppies Playcare day entails:
Morning Check-In
We’ll be thrilled to see you and get any notes you might have
Play Sessions
Numerous 30-minute play sessions with their curated friends throughout the day
Decompression Time
Your pup gets quiet rest in their bunk between sessions to prevent overstimulation
Monitoring
Staff watches body language, energy shifts and stress signals
Afternoon Pick-Up
Your pooch will be so happy to see you! We’ll relay any important news from the day, but if you’d like to know more on a regular basis, consider adding a report card to your pup’s stay.
Best Friends List
We watch each of our canine friends carefully to see who they get along best with, and create curated play groups from these insights, or, as we like to call it, their “Best Friends List.” Dogs are matched first by size, then by their temperament and energy level. Puppies get age-appropriate play buddies, and bigger dogs are paired with similar energy levels instead of just similar sizes. Some dogs are happier in smaller groups, and that’s okay, too!
Meet and Greet Day
Before any pup becomes part of the Mud Puppies Playcare family, they need to have a Meet and Greet day to make sure they enjoy being here and are a good fit. This is how we ensure your dog will be happy during playcare and come home delightfully worn-out.
Observation
How does your dog interact with other dogs and our team?
Assessment
What is your dog’s energy level, play style, comfort level and stress signals?
Placement
Which play group will be the best fit? If your dog isn’t a good fit (which is rare), we’ll be honest about it.
Meet and Greet includes a full day of playcare and a report card with pictures for only $35!
Playcare Pricing
| Playcare /Dog Daycare | $35/day |
| Second dog from same home (Share a bunk) |
$30/day |
| Meet and Greet Day | $35 |
Playcare & Boarding Add-Ons
Every dog has its day. Make it even better for yours. Grooming add-ons can also be added to your playcare or boarding reservation.
| Report Card | $5.00 |
| Report Card with Pics | $8.00 |
| Each Additional Sibling | $4.00 |
| Fro-Yo | $6.50 |
| One-on-One Time | $15.00 |
| Peanut Butter Kong | $5.00 |
| Enrichment pick from Snoop Treat Ball, Topsy Treat Ball, Go Slow Lick Mat, Layered Puzzle Feeder, Spinning Lick Mat, Treat Maze Puzzle Feeder, Hide N’ Slide Treat Puzzle, Spin, Scoot, and Treat Puzzle, Pineapple Slow Feeder |
$5.00 |
| House Food | $1.50 per cup |
| Medication Administration | $1.00 per Dose |
| ID Food | $7.00 |
| Training Session (qualified clients only) | $35.00 |
Save More with a Mud Puppies Membership!
Playcare Requirements
For the health, safety, and comfort of your pet and other pets in our care.
Spay/Neuter
Pets over six months must be spayed or neutered
Overall Health
Pets must be in good health
Vaccinations
Veterinarian proof of Bordetella, Rabies and DHPP vaccinations are required. Rabies tags are not an acceptable form of proof
Behavior
Pets must interact with people and other pets in a safe and non-threatening manner
Fleas & Heartworm
Pets must be on widely accepted flea prevention and heartworm prevention programs
Meet and Greet Day
Upon receipt of a complete application packet and required documents, all pets will attend a first day Meet and Greet and screening period to assess suitability
Age
Pets must be through their puppy series of shots
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccinations are required for dog daycare?
All dogs must be current on Bordetella, Rabies, and DHPP (distemper) vaccinations before attending daycare at Mud Puppies. We require proof of vaccination at your Meet and Greet appointment. Bordetella is not always included in routine vet visits, so confirm with your veterinarian that your dog is up to date before scheduling.
What happens during the daycare Meet and Greet?
Every new dog starts with a $35 Meet and Greet day at Mud Puppies. Our staff observes how your dog interacts with other dogs and the team, assessing energy level, play style, and comfort. By the end of the day, we know the best play group fit for your dog.
What if my dog does not pass Meet and Greet?
We will tell you honestly. Not every dog is a good fit for group daycare – and that’s okay! Some dogs do better with private play or alternative arrangements. We will always recommend what is best for your dog, even if it means suggesting somewhere else.
What do I need to bring to daycare?
Nothing. Mud Puppies provides everything your dog needs during their daycare visit, including water and rest areas. If your dog requires a special meal during the day, you can bring their food. Otherwise, just bring your dog and we’ll handle the rest.
Is daycare available at both Mud Puppies locations?
Yes, dog daycare with curated play groups is available at both the Mopac/Domain location and the 620/Lake Creek location in north Austin. The experience, pricing, and play group approach are identical at both facilities.
Can I add grooming to my dog’s daycare day?
Absolutely. You can add a full grooming session or a la carte grooming services like exit baths or nail trims to any daycare reservation at Mud Puppies. Having everything under one roof means your dog goes home played out and freshly groomed in a single visit.
How does training work with daycare at Mud Puppies?
Training at Mud Puppies is offered through a package of six sessions that combines six playcare days with six private training sessions. This structure lets your dog practice skills in a real social environment. Once established with a trainer, additional sessions can be added as needed.
