Where Every Tail Wags With Joy
Walks & Wags has served Mobile families since 2005 and is Mobile’s first dog daycare and Alabama’s first PACCC-certified pet care facility. While you’re conquering your day, your best friend is having the time of their life at Walks & Wags. Our enrichment-focused daycare for dogs gives pets more than a place to pass the time, combining thoughtfully selected playgroups, physical and mental enrichment, indoor and outdoor activity, rest, and personal attention from experienced caregivers.
Because dogs play, socialize, and recharge differently, we adjust the experience to fit your dog’s age, personality, energy level, play style, and comfort.
Table of Contents
What Is Enrichment Dog Daycare?
Enrichment dog daycare gives dogs a balanced day of social interaction, movement, mental stimulation, and rest. At Walks & Wags, open play is one part of the experience—not the entire schedule.
Depending on your dog’s needs and interests, their day may include:
- Supervised time with compatible dogs
- Mental and sensory enrichment
- Indoor and outdoor activity
- Rest and quiet time
- Swimming when added to their program
- An electronic report card with highlights from the day
Both models provide opportunities for social interaction. Enrichment daycare adds more variety, structure, and downtime to create a balanced day.
What Makes Walks & Wags Different?
A great daycare experience starts with understanding the dog in front of us.
Care Built
Around Your Dog
We learn how your dog likes to play, when they need a break, and what helps them feel comfortable. Their experience can change as their age, energy, and needs change.
Thoughtfully
Selected
Playgroups
We consider more than size when choosing companions. Age, temperament, energy level, play style, and social comfort all matter. Alongside carefully matched play, enrichment activities give dogs positive, supported exposure to everyday sights and movement like umbrellas opening, bicycles passing, and strollers rolling by, while helping them build confidence around new people and playmates.
Consistency That
Builds Comfort
Regular schedules create more familiar groups and routines. That familiarity helps dogs settle in, build relationships, and feel more at home while giving our team a clear understanding of each dog’s normal behavior and preferences.
Daily
Communication
Through our electronic report cards, you’ll know how your pup played, what they explored or learned, anything our team noticed, and why they’re sleeping so soundly tonight.
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Certified. Clean.
Constantly Supervised.
You are trusting us with a member of your family. We take that responsibility seriously.
PACCC-Certified Care
Walks & Wags is Alabama’s first PACCC-certified pet care facility. Our program is built around professional care standards, thoughtful routines, and an experienced team.
Active, Attentive Supervision
We treat every dog like a Fabergé egg through great care and attention. Our team is certified in Pet First Aid, Dog Language, Group Play, and Dog Behavior; skills that help us understand, connect with, and care for every dog safely and compassionately. Dogs are supervised during daycare playgroups and swimming sessions.
Clean, Secure Spaces
Our indoor and outdoor spaces are built for professional pet care, with secure play areas and equipment selected to support safe, engaging activities.
Comfortable Care in Every Season
Climate-controlled indoor spaces give dogs a comfortable place to play and relax when heat, rain, or other conditions make outdoor activity less appropriate.
What a Day at Walks & Wags Looks Like
Pet parents often ask us one important question: “What will my dog actually do while they are there all day?”Although every dog and every day are a little different, here is what your dog’s experience may look like.
STEP 1.
Arrival & Check-In
Your dog reconnects with our team, and we take note of how they are feeling before easing them into the day.
STEP 2.
Settling In
Some dogs are ready to join activities right away. Others benefit from a quieter start.
STEP 3.
Time With the Right Friends
Your dog joins a carefully selected group while our team monitors the interaction and adjusts as needed.
STEP 4.
Enrichment & Activities
Activities may encourage movement, exploration, problem-solving, confidence, or calm engagement.
STEP 5.
Rest & Reset
Breaks between activities help dogs recharge and avoid becoming overstimulated.
STEP 6.
Indoor, Outdoor & Optional Swimming Time
The day may include climate-controlled indoor activity, secure outdoor time, and supervised swimming when it is part of your dog’s program.
How Walks & Wags Creates the Right Playgroups
Great playgroups are built around compatibility, not size alone. We consider size, age, temperament, energy level, confidence, play style, and social preferences when choosing companions. Some dogs love chase and energetic play. Others prefer gentle interaction, a smaller group, or more personal space. Our team watches how dogs communicate and adjusts the group when a different companion or pace would be more comfortable.
Consistent attendance can also help familiar friendships develop over time.
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Benefits of Dog Daycare Beyond Exercise
Daycare can support more than physical exercise. For the right dog, a well-managed program can provide:
Mental stimulation
Activities, smells, environments, and experiences engage the mind.
Healthy social interaction
Social dogs can communicate and play with appropriate companions under supervision.
Routine
A familiar schedule helps dogs know what to expect.
Confidence
Positive experiences can help dogs become more comfortable with people, dogs, and everyday environments.
Natural dog behaviors
Dogs have opportunities to sniff, explore, move, play, and rest.
An appropriate outlet for energy
Activity can be matched to the dog’s age, stamina, and comfort.
The New Dog Evaluation helps us determine whether group daycare is a good fit for your dog.
Is Dog Daycare Right for My Dog?
The best doggy daycare for your dog is one they can genuinely enjoy. Group daycare may be a good fit when a dog enjoys appropriate social interaction, responds to other dogs’ cues, takes breaks from play, and settles comfortably with trusted caregivers.
Your Dog May Enjoy Daycare If They:
- Seek appropriate interaction with other dogs
- Enjoy activity and new experiences
- Respond to social cues and pause during play
- Settle comfortably with trusted caregivers
- Recover well after excitement or stimulation
Your Dog May Need a Different Type of Care If They:
- Remain fearful or distressed
- Consistently avoid other dogs and prefer solitude
- Become overstimulated and cannot settle
- Show aggressive behavior toward people or dogs
- Have medical or mobility needs that require another setting
Not sure? The New Dog Evaluation gives our team an opportunity to observe your dog’s comfort, behavior, and social preferences before recommending the next step.
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Puppy Daycare & Healthy
Socialization
Daycare, socialization, and training support different needs:
Daycare
provides supervised care, activity, rest, and appropriate interaction.
Healthy Socialization
helps a puppy build confidence around people, dogs, sounds, surfaces, handling, and everyday experiences.
Training
teaches specific skills and helps puppies learn how to live successfully with their families.
Walks & Wags offers Puppy Academy for eligible puppies from 8 to 16 weeks old. Around 16 weeks, puppies may transition into regular enrichment daycare when they meet current health requirements and our team determines they are ready. Readiness depends on more than age. Health, confidence, behavior, and the ability to recover from stimulation all matter.
Daycare for Small Dogs, Senior Dogs & Individual Needs
Daycare should adapt as a dog’s needs change. We consider age, size, energy, confidence, mobility, and need for rest when planning the day.
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Indoor, Outdoor & Swimming Enrichment
Different spaces give us more ways to create a balanced day. Our climate-controlled indoor dog daycare areas provide a comfortable setting for supervised activity and rest, especially during Mobile’s hotter, wetter, or less predictable weather. Secure outdoor areas give dogs opportunities for fresh air, movement, and exploration.
For dogs that like to swim, supervised pool time can be added to the daycare routine. Walks & Wags’ temperature-controlled indoor pool has a gradual, beach-style entry, and dogs who are new to swimming can receive support as they build confidence. Swimming is optional and is not automatically included with daycare.
New Dog Evaluation & Daycare Safety
The New Dog Evaluation gives your dog time to meet our team and explore the environment while we observe their comfort, behavior, and response to other dogs. It helps us determine whether group daycare is a good fit and how to create the right experience for them.
Step 1: A Full Day With a Smaller Group
New Dog Evaluations are currently held on Mondays, when group sizes are intentionally kept smaller. Your dog spends the day getting to know the team and the environment at their own pace. We focus on building trust rather than forcing interaction when a dog feels unsure.
Step 2: A Midday Update
Around lunchtime, one of our head trainers will contact you with an update. If your dog shows significant distress or fear, we may arrange an early pickup rather than asking them to continue. Dogs must remain non-aggressive toward people and other dogs during the evaluation.
Step 3: An Honest Report Card
At the end of the day, you receive a report card explaining what our team observed. When your dog is comfortable, the evaluation may also include a soothing bath and nail trim before pickup.
New Dog Evaluation Price
The New Dog Evaluation is currently $60. It includes:
- The daycare assessment
- Enrichment activities
- An electronic report card
- A bath and nail trim when appropriate and comfortable for the dog
After the evaluation, we’ll share what we observed and recommend the next step. We look forward to welcoming your furry friend to our pack and making their transition into our daycare family as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
Memberships, Scheduling & Dog Daycare Prices
Regular daycare is offered through a monthly membership. Consistent scheduling supports familiar groups and predictable routines while helping families plan ahead.
How to get Started
STEP 1.
Register as a New Client
Create your client account and submit the requested information and health records.
STEP 2.
Schedule the New Dog Evaluation
Your dog spends the day getting to know our team and daycare environment.
STEP 3.
Review the Evaluation
We share what we observed and whether daycare appears to be a good fit.
STEP 4.
Choose Your Membership
Select the approved attendance option that fits your dog’s recommended routine and your family’s schedule.
STEP 5.
Reserve a Consistent Schedule
Schedule visits in advance so your dog can return to a familiar routine.
Current Daycare Membership Pricing
Approved Attendance Options
Daily Rates
Monthly Tuition
$55
$65
$75
Optional Swim Club Memberships
Swim Club options include:
4 swims
(per month)
8 swims
(per month)
12 swims
(per month)
20 swims
(per month)
$240
$440
$600
$900
Physical Wellness Packages
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Support for you, Not just your dog
Your relationship with Walks & Wags extends beyond pickup. Report cards and observations help you understand what your dog enjoyed, how they interacted, and whether our team noticed anything worth discussing.
When your family needs more than daycare, our team can also help with:
Dog Training
Dog Training
Build manners, communication, confidence, and everyday skills.
Puppy Academy
Puppy Academy
Give your puppy a structured start with early learning and positive social experiences.
Dog Swimming
Dog Swimming
Add low-impact movement, water confidence, or a fun change of pace.
Pet Grooming
Pet Grooming
Coordinate baths, nail care, coat care, and full-service grooming.
Dog Boarding
Dog Boarding
Provide familiar, enrichment-focused care during overnight or extended stays.
Pet Taxi
Pet Taxi
Arrange transportation for individual visits or recurring care.
We want to partner with you to raise a happy, healthy, and engaged dog.
Daycare Requirements
New-Client Registration
New families must create an account through the Walks & Wags online reservation system and provide the requested client and pet information.
New-Client Registration
Dogs must be current on:
- Rabies
- Distemper/parvo
- Bordetella
Flea & Tick Prevention
Current flea and tick prevention is required for services.
New Dog Evaluation
Dogs must complete the New Dog Evaluation before joining regular enrichment daycare.
Behavior
Dogs must remain non-aggressive toward people and other dogs during the evaluation process.
Membership & Advanced Scheduling
Regular daycare for dogs is offered through a monthly membership, and visits are scheduled in advance.
Unaltered Dogs
Unaltered dogs are welcome. Grouping and care plans may be adjusted according to the individual dog.
Young Puppies
Eligible puppies between 8 and 16 weeks old are directed to Puppy Academy before transitioning into regular enrichment daycare.
*Requirements can change. Confirm all policies with the Walks & Wags team when registering your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related resources
Ready to Find the Right Daycare Experience for Your Dog?
A great daycare relationship starts with the right fit. Schedule a New Dog Evaluation so our team can get to know your dog and recommend the next step.
Already approved for daycare? Log in to your client account to manage your reservations and membership. Enrichment for them. Peace of mind for you.
Cindie Carter
Cindie Carter is the founder of Walks & Wags, a trusted provider of dog daycare, dog boarding, dog grooming, group puppy training classes, dog swimming lessons, and pet taxi services in Mobile, Alabama. With more than 28 years of experience in professional dog care, Cindie is passionate about canine enrichment, dog behavior, safe socialization, and positive training experiences that help dogs feel comfortable, confident, and cared for.