As pets increasingly become cherished family members, innovative services tailored to their well-being are popping up everywhere. In Baoshan, Shanghai, a uniquely designed "doggy kindergarten" is winning over local pet parents. Unlike traditional boarding facilities, this daycare places a strong emphasis on canine socialization, behavioral training, and emotional health—offering a perfect solution for busy working owners.
Stepping into the facility feels just like walking into a cheerful preschool for young kids, with pups engaging in well-organized activities under the affectionate care of their teachers.
Zhang Zhiyan, founder of Paw³ Dog Kindergarten, explains that every service is designed entirely from the dogs' perspective. Daily outdoor time isn't just for potty breaks, but to give pups the chance to explore, sniff, and gather rich sensory stimulation. Unless extreme weather strikes, the dogs enjoy outdoor walks twice a day. Inside, their daily schedule is equally packed and engaging: mornings start with health checkups and basic grooming like toothbrushing and ear cleaning, followed by a cozy midday rest where soft music or dog-friendly TV shows create a soothing atmosphere without forcing any sleepyhead to nap if they'd rather play.
In the afternoon, the pups head out for physical and mental stimulation, tackling obstacle courses, scent games, and puzzle toys. Zhang notes these sessions are much like a kids' PE class, led by dedicated teachers to help the dogs burn off energy and build social skills. The day wraps up with a delicious afternoon tea featuring freshly made pet treats.
This thoughtful approach is earning high praise from pet owners. By June, the daycare had built a community of nearly 200 clients, with 70 to 80 pups visiting two to three times a week—and some even attending five days a week.
Ms. Qian, owner of a high-energy Border Collie, shares that keeping up with her dog's exercise needs while working full-time was a constant challenge. "Here, the teachers take them for walks, play games, do scent work, and serve fresh afternoon snacks," she says. "He comes home happy and totally tuckered out." Her pup now attends five days a week for about 1,500 RMB a month, a price she considers fully worth every penny for her dog's happiness.
(Reporter & Cameraperson: Kong Wenqiong | Video Editor: Rainy, Kong Wenqiong | English Editor: Ella Qu, Darius)
Related News:
Cuteness overload | Test for dog-friendly dining: What's it really like to eat out with your pup?
Comment