SmartPlay
Winter Session Begins January 7: Enroll soon, space is limited. Call us at 952-447-3644 for more information or to register.

Daycare 2.0 improves dogs’ well-being through play and rest, benefiting dogs physically, mentally and emotionally!
Why offer a new Dog Daycare option?
It’s hard to believe but dog daycare has been around for a couple of decades now. It has moved from being viewed as a discretionary activity for a pet to a much needed social and physical outlet for a beloved family member. However, we’ve learned over the years that one size does not fit all when it comes to dog daycare. Dogs can get overly tired or stimulated by playing all day without adequate rest. Some dogs can become bored by the same routine, while others don’t do well with larger groups of dogs. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our new SmartPlay daycare program!
Paws & Pals SmartPlay Daycare
This new and innovative program ensures that your dog will get excellent quality of play as well as plenty of rest. Your pet will get playtime with other dogs, special small group activities, one-on-one activities and increased interaction and attention from our staff. Every day will be an active and fun day specifically designed for what your dog likes to do!
Learn more about dog daycare evolution: Read the article 10 Lessons From Our Dogs
Ready to make reservations? Call 952-447-3644!
Benefits of SmartPlay
We have thoroughly tested this concept and are confident that your dog will benefit physically, emotionally and mentally in the following ways:
- Be happier getting to participate in a variety of activities
- Be healthier and feel good getting the right blend of exercise and rest
- Enjoy getting to “choose” his favorites games or activities
- Get to spend more time with his favorite friends due to smaller groups
- Be stimulated by the mental challenges of games and toys
- Appreciate spending quality time with people as well as other dogs
SmartPlay FAQ
Customer Comments about Dog Daycare:
About the Program:
Program Details
SmartPlay will be offered Monday-Friday (based on # of participants) from 9 am to 5 pm. Each session lasts 3 months. Space is limited due to the personalized and high-touch nature of this program. We will conduct a simple assessment with you to determine the best activities for your dog. Advance registration and payment are required to participate. Groups will be limited to 7 or 8 dogs. A daily report card and detailed feedback will be provided on how your dog’s day went.
Our Professional Expertise
Our professional staff will make sure each daycare day is an exceptional experience for your dog! We don’t just love dogs, we love taking care of dogs. Just as importantly, we are trained to the highest standards available in the industry – this really sets us apart! Our staff must complete rigorous training that includes, pet first aid and CPR, canine body language and communication, dog behavior, dog handling, pack interaction, group play, and on-going industry certified pet care courses. Our level of expertise and experience is unmatched in the Twin Cities!
Safety First = Peace of Mind for You
Unfortunately, dog daycare is an unregulated industry. That’s why we’re such proud charter members of The Dog Gurus, the best educational resource available on off-leash dog play, and have taken their Dog Play Safety Pledge as our commitment to keeping your dog safe. You and your dog will love the difference in our playgroups where safety and fun is the measure of success and every dog gets a program especially tailored to what he or she wants to do the most!
About Paws & Pals
Paws & Pals is an all-suites, full- service pet resort conveniently located in Prior Lake. In addition to excellence in daycare services, we’ve been frequently rated as one of the top boarding, grooming and training facilities in Minnesota. We’re convenient to Prior Lake, Lakeville, Savage and Shakopee, and other south Twin Cities metro locations. Get a map or contact us!
View/Print SmartPlay program brochure here.
Our loving staff will truly know your dog’s personality and preferences while developing a deeper relationship through SmartPlay.
New Customer Paperwork
Please complete and return our Services Contract and Guest Profile prior to your dog’s first daycare visit. Thank you!
Looking for the Daycare Webcam? Daycare playtime is 6:45am – 7:00pm
Typical break time is from 10am-12noon and 2-3:30pm.
About The Dog Gurus and Daycare Games: Paws & Pals Pet Resort is one of the inaugural members of The Dog Gurus and we have maintained our each year since then. We were a Dog Daycare Games participant in the inaugural 2015 event and in 2016 and 2018. Our individual staff members won national recognition most recently in 2018, for demonstrating specific dog handling skills: Recall Gold & Silver; Group Sit Gold, Silver & Bronze; Gate Boundary all seven of our staff received Gold! Through a fun competition Paws & Pals will demonstrate our dog leadership skills that set us apart from the local competition and make our off-leash dog playgroups safe and fun!