Puddle of Pooch is located at 1420 Mayson Street. If you’re heading from Buckhead towards the center of the city, it’s easy to hop off the Spring Buford connector and drop your precious pooch off. They’re open from 7am until 8pm most days. This is the only daycare service I’ve found that allows the dogs to go outside for extended periods of time during the day. There are so many good things about Puddle of Pooch it’s difficult to list them. So let’s start with the basics.

Crate free. I cannot express how happy this makes me (and Autumn, seeing as how her crate is far from her happy place). There are several crates in the back for dogs who need to be separated while they eat, which brings me to my next point.

You can bring your own food! Honestly, how awesome is that? I was paying $3 a day for Autumn to get a snack at her last daycare! Now, I know what she is eating is healthy and I know exactly how much food she is getting throughout the day.

The sweet owners, Erika and Bill, take the dogs outside. Outside! For extended periods of time! They’ve got a large yard in the back that is perfect for the puppies to play and get plenty of exercise.

I love this doggy daycare not only for the reasons listed above, but because they offer great care for an affordable rate. The more your pooch attends, the less you’ll have to pay. The owners are always looking for ways to help their loyal customers out. Here’s the price breakdown:

• 1 Day a Wk $18/day
• 2 Days a Wk $17/day
• 3 Days a Wk $16/day
• 4 Days a Wk $15/day
• 5 Days a Wk $14/day

Not only does Puddle of Pooch offer doggy daycare, but they also do grooming (Erika has been grooming for more than 10 years), boarding, and dog parties (on Saturday there was a doggy princess party!). You cannot go wrong with Puddle of Pooch, people. Go check them out and tell them Autumn’s mommy sent you!

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Do you feel bad leaving your dog at home all day alone? Does your dog need more exercise and interaction? If you need to let your dog burn off some energy and it’s too cold or rainy to hang out at the park, I cannot recommend Doggie Day Camp enough. Autumn is a happier dog on doggie day care days and I’m a happier mommy knowing that she is well taken care of. When you visit for the first time, bring your veterinary paperwork to prove your dog is up to date on shots (note: your dog will need bordetella every six months rather than one year to be in any kind of day care service in Atlanta).

While you’re filling out the day camp paperwork, one of the caregivers will evaluate your pet’s health and personality. Each dog must go through a personality check before being let in with the other dogs. Lots of other day care services I have researched don’t even mention the personality tests. This is so important, especially if you’ve got a puppy and there are other dogs that may be a bit impatient with a rambunctious baby. It doesn’t take very long at all, and it’s completely worth it.

Once the dogs are together, they are free to run around and play (they even have little jungle gyms for them to climb on and slide down). There is someone in with the dogs at all times to pet, love, and watch over them. If a fight breaks out, they are armed with spray bottles loaded with water. And if you’re worried about your dog going to the bathroom- they’ve got special textured floors for the dogs to go potty on. It’s totally safe and it gets cleaned up almost immediately.

The other important stuff you need to know: It’s not cheap. Doggie Day Camp at the Buckhead PetSmart is going to run you $20 for 6+ hours and $13 for less than 6 hours. And if you want your pup to have a snack (Kong peanut butter paste and a treat) at noon, you’ll have to cough up an extra $3. It’s going to cost you to have your pet well taken care of. But I don’t think you’ll find another place quite as safe and loving as PetSmart. If you are a PetPerks member, they will run discounts every month or so- right now until February 1, the Buckhead location is giving a $5 discount. I’ve also heard that during select months, if your dog is in daycare for 10 sessions, you get one free. Read more about the Frequent User Program.

The hours differ at every store, so please be sure to call yours to find out specifically. Buckhead is open from 7-7 during the week, but maintains slightly different hours during the weekend.

If you call ahead and make reservations, check in and check out will be a lot smoother and faster for you. Try calling ahead and let them know, that way the caregivers can have ample time to get the temporary collar ready and paperwork set up.

Required vaccinations: DPP, Bordetdella, Rabies Read more about Doggie Day Camp requirements.