Dog Day Care Near Shorewood
Give Your Dog A Better Day While You Work
Long days away from home can be tough on you and your dog. Instead of worrying about chewed shoes, lonely hours, or rushed walks in the dark, you can give your pup a full day of play, company, and care at our local camp.
At Camp Bow Wow Joliet, we offer safe, structured daytime care for dogs in Shorewood and nearby neighborhoods. While you handle your workday or family schedule, our team focuses on supervised play, social time, and plenty of chances to rest. The result is a dog who spends the day active and content, and a calmer evening at home for you both.
Our camp is designed with busy parents in mind. We work to make drop off and pick up simple, keep you informed about how your dog is doing, and provide a routine that feels predictable and reassuring. From your first visit, you will see that every part of the experience is built around safety, cleanliness, and genuine care.
To learn more about our flexible day care packages and schedules, contact us today at (815) 665-4557 or make a reservation online.
Why Local Dog Parents in Shorewood Choose Us
When you trust someone with your dog, you want more than a place to park them for the day. You want people who pay attention, understand how dogs interact, and care about your schedule as much as your pet’s. That is what our team strives to offer dog families who live or work in town.
Our playrooms are set up so dogs can move, explore, and relax while staff watch over every interaction. We keep groups organized, so dogs play with companions that match their size, age, and general energy level as closely as possible. Staff members stay in the play areas, guiding games, redirecting rough moments, and giving breaks when dogs start to tire.
A predictable routine is just as important as fun. During a typical day, dogs cycle between active play sessions and quieter periods so they can settle and recharge. This rhythm helps prevent overstimulation and supports a healthier, more relaxed dog at the end of the day. Many parents notice that their dog is pleasantly tired, not wired, when they get home.
Convenience matters too. Our location near Shorewood makes daycare a natural stop on your way to and from work. We keep our check in process simple, so you can drop off quickly in the morning, then pick up at a time that fits your normal weekday routine.
Cost is always part of the decision, so we keep our pricing structure straightforward. You will find clear options for single days and multi day use, and our team is happy to walk you through which choice might make sense based on how often you plan to visit. No surprises, just honest information so you can plan ahead.
What A Day At Our Daycare Camp Looks Like
It is easier to feel confident about daycare when you can picture your dog’s day from start to finish. From the moment you arrive, the focus stays on comfort and routine, both for your dog and for you.
Morning drop off is designed to be quick, but not rushed. You bring your dog inside, check in with our front desk team, and share any special notes for the day, such as feeding instructions or reminders. Staff then guide your dog to the appropriate play space, giving them a chance to greet friends and settle in before the first full play session begins.
Throughout the day, dogs rotate between playtime, rest, and regular potty breaks. During active sessions, they may chase toys, wrestle gently with compatible buddies, or simply stroll around and sniff, depending on their style. Water is always available, and staff keep a close eye on how each dog is handling the activity. If you provide food, we follow your instructions on when and how to offer it, so mealtimes remain familiar.
Dogs need rest just as much as movement. During quieter parts of the day, lights and energy levels come down, and dogs can stretch out, nap, or simply observe. This helps them reset and prevents the kind of constant excitement that can leave dogs exhausted or cranky. By the time you arrive in the late afternoon or evening, most dogs are ready to head home, happy from a full day that felt both fun and manageable.
Here is how a typical daycare day usually unfolds:
- Morning drop off and check in with our front desk team
- First supervised play session with carefully matched friends
- Midday rest period for naps, quiet time, and recharging
- Afternoon play blocks with water breaks and outdoor potty trips
- Late day wind down so dogs are calm and ready for pick up
If you have questions about how your dog is adjusting, our staff can share observations about who they played with, how much they rested, and what seemed to make them happiest throughout the day.
How We Keep Dogs Safe & Happy
Safety is the number one concern for most dog parents who are considering group care, and it is our top priority as well. We know you want your dog to have fun, but never at the expense of their wellbeing. Our systems are designed to manage that balance carefully.
Before a dog joins group play, we start with an intake process that gives us a chance to learn about their history, preferences, and general comfort level around other dogs. During this visit, staff spend time observing how your dog handles new people and environments. We look for relaxed body language, interest in others, and how easily your dog can take breaks when asked.
Once a dog is ready for group time, we introduce them slowly and thoughtfully. Playgroups are organized with size, age, and play style in mind, so gentle seniors are not wrestling with rowdy youngsters, and small dogs are not thrown into groups with much larger companions. As groups interact, staff stay present to read signals, separate dogs for short breaks if they start to get too excited, and keep the overall atmosphere friendly.
Cleanliness is another key part of safety. Play areas are cleaned regularly, with attention to surfaces, water bowls, and any accidents that happen during the day. We follow general health guidance that is common in group dog care, such as requiring core vaccinations, and we encourage parents to keep us updated on any recent illnesses or changes. This shared responsibility helps protect the whole group.
If your dog ever appears stressed, tired, or simply not in the mood for company, we aim to adjust. That might mean giving them a longer break, finding a quieter space, or suggesting a more gradual schedule. Our goal is not to push dogs into situations that do not suit them, but to find the pace and environment where they can relax and enjoy themselves safely.
Is Dog Daycare Right For Your Dog
Every dog is different, and it is normal to wonder whether your pup will enjoy the daycare environment. Some dogs bounce into group play as if they have been waiting for it their whole lives. Others need a slower path, especially if they are shy, older, or more reserved around new friends.
High energy dogs who seem to have endless stamina often benefit from regular daycare. Giving them several play blocks during the day, instead of a single burst of activity, can help them settle at home and may reduce unwanted behaviors that come from boredom. Social butterflies also tend to thrive, since they love the chance to meet familiar faces and new companions.
More sensitive or quiet dogs can still enjoy daycare, provided introductions are careful and expectations stay realistic. We look at their behavior during the first visits and may suggest shorter days, smaller groups, or more rest time if that seems to suit them better. If we believe a different setup would be kinder for your dog, we will share those thoughts with you so you can decide together with our team.
Age plays a role too. Many puppies, once they are ready for group play and have appropriate vaccinations, enjoy the chance to learn good manners from other dogs in a controlled space. Older dogs may appreciate shorter stays, softer surfaces, and calm company instead of nonstop wrestling. The right match depends on your dog’s health, personality, and what you hope they gain from the experience.
Some signs your dog might enjoy daycare include:
- They have plenty of energy even after daily walks or yard time
- They perk up when they see other dogs on walks or at the park
- They seem lonely, restless, or vocal when left home for long hours
- They relax more easily after busy social days with people or pets
If you are unsure where your dog fits, our team can discuss your questions and help you decide whether to try a first visit at our camp.
All-Inclusive Pricing
Get more play in your stay at Camp! We offer premier care with no hidden fees. Whether your dog is here for the day or overnight, they'll play all day with furry friends and get lots of TLC from our Camp Counselors. With Camp Bow Wow, you get the best care at the best value:
- Day Camp included in overnight stays
- All-day play in indoor and outdoor play yards
- Individual cozy Cabin and nightly Campfire TreatTM for Overnight Campers
- No charge for medication administration and other special requests
- Lots of individual attention and TLC from Camp Counselors
- Safety First
- Live Webcams
- Spacious Play Space
- All-in-One Pricing
Always Safety First
Our Camp Counselors adhere to and exceed industry standard safety standards, including:
- Certified Camp Counselors® who are extensively trained in dog behavior, pet CPR, and pet first aid
- Assurance that all our Campers have passed the Camper interview, are spayed or neutered, and are current on vaccinations. Learn about our Bordetella policy
- Live webcams that allow you to check in on your pup on our computer or mobile device
| Benefits | Camp Bow Wow | Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive Pricing | ||||
| Live Webcams | ||||
| Free First Day | Some Charge | |||
| Required Safety & CPR Training | ||||
| Comprehensive Enrichment Services | ||||
| Rest Area Separate from Play Area |
Dog Day Care FAQs
Have questions? Camp Bow Wow Joliet is here to help!
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Yes, Camp Bow Wow requires all dogs attending daycare to be up to date on their DHPP vaccine to keep them healthy and able to play safely with other dogs. It’s also recommended that dogs receive the Leptospirosis vaccine annually, as it can be deadly and spread to humans.
The DHPP vaccine protects dogs from four serious and contagious illnesses: Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. These illnesses can spread quickly between dogs, making vaccination important.
Puppies start the DHPP series at 6–8 weeks old, with two boosters given at 3-week intervals, followed by a third booster a year later. Adult dogs continue booster shots as recommended by their veterinarian, with the Distemper and Parvovirus portion usually given every 1–3 years.
In addition to the DHPP vaccine, the Rabies and Bordetella vaccines are also required for all dogs attending daycare at all our locations. For more information on our vaccine requirements for dog daycare, contact your local Camp Bow Wow.
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Camp Bow Wow requires all dogs must be spayed or neutered at 7 months of age in order to receive daycare and boarding services.
- Camp Bow Wow understands that the choice to spay or neuter and at what age is a decision to be made for each individual dog and by the dog’s owner and veterinarian.
- For safety in a play group, dogs must be spayed or neutered by 7 months of age to take part in boarding or daycare services at Camp Bow Wow.
- As dogs reach sexual maturity, they are able to reproduce and hormonal changes occur that can alter behavior or may cause tension amongst other dogs within the group dynamic. This can impact the safety of all Campers and is not advised for open play environments.
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Dogs staying overnight can be dropped off anytime that day during Camp hours. We suggest arriving before 4 p.m., so they can play, eat, and play again before bedtime. While you can check your pup in and out anytime during Camp hours at no additional cost, we do request you pick them up 15 minutes before closing, so we can tuck in our Overnight Campers.
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This measure is to ensure the safety of all our Campers. Dogs can become possessive of toys, which can cause an altercation. If small pieces are torn off or broken off, a dog could choke or swallow and cause an obstruction.
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You can view the free live webcams on the Camp Bow Wow website via your computer, tablet, or mobile device. We also invite you to download our iPhone or Android app to easily access the cameras from anywhere. The cameras are on during business hours when the pups are at play. Many locations offer luxury suites with 24/7 access to the suite’s webcam.