Trusted Dog Daycare and Boarding Services in Racine

Trusted Dog Daycare and Boarding Services in Racine: What Sets Us Apart

If you’ve ever tried to leave your dog somewhere new, whether it’s just for a day or an entire weekend, you know the feeling. A weird mix of guilt, relief, worry, and “please don’t let them forget me.”

Totally normal.

Because dogs aren’t just pets. They’re part of your everyday. Your shadow in the kitchen. Your hiking sidekick. The face you wake up to (sometimes way too early). So, yes, finding someone who’ll care for them like you do? That matters.

That’s exactly why PetU Racine exists.

We’re not some massive kennel operation. We’re local. We’re personal. And we actually get to know your dog, their quirks, their favorite game, and how they take their belly rubs. Whether you’re heading out of town or just need a few hours of dog-free productivity, we make sure your pup feels safe, seen, and a little spoiled.

So What Makes PetU Different?

Honestly? It’s how much we care about the little things.

We’re a bunch of dog people who go way beyond squeaky toys and treat bags. Our team includes trainers, behavior nerds, and caregivers who obsess over how dogs communicate, how they rest, how they learn, and what makes them thrive in a group.

Here’s how that shows up:

• We keep our groups small. Less chaos. Safer play. Better supervision.
  
  
• Every dog gets their care plan, because no two dogs are alike.
  
  
• Our space is designed for movement and rest. (Yes, even the dogs who crash after 30 minutes of play.)
  
  
• We train our staff in first aid and canine body language, not just how to “watch dogs.”
  
  
• If your pup needs alone time, we make that happen. If they love cuddles, we give those too.
  
  

There’s no “assembly line” care here. Just real people doing real work to make your dog feel comfortable, confident, and cared for.

We’re Not Just Dog Lovers, We’re Certified Professionals Who Never Stop Learning

When you leave your dog with someone, you want to know they’re in good hands. Not just loving hands, but capable, trained, experienced hands. That’s why we’ve done the work to back it up:

• DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
  We’re proud to be a small, inclusive, locally owned business, and part of a community that reflects our values.
  
  
• APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers)
  Our team stays up to date with modern, science-backed, positive training methods. No outdated corrections. No cookie-cutter approaches.
  
  
• IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals)
  We’re part of a global network of trainers and behavior experts who share best practices and continuing education.
  
  
• AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators
  Yes, we can help your dog earn their CGC title if that’s one of your goals. But more importantly, we build those same good habits into everyday care.
  
• WBE (Women Business Enterprise)
  We’re also proud to be a woman-owned business, certified and committed to empowering leadership and diversity in the pet care space.
  
  

What Makes a Great Dog Daycare and Boarding Service in Racine?

How We Handle First-Time Dogs (Especially Nervous Ones)

We’ve seen all types, overconfident puppies, senior sweethearts, rescue dogs who’ve never been in a group before. And we don’t force anyone into anything.

Here’s how we ease them in:

• Intro sessions in a calm, quiet space
  
• Sniff-first socializing (no instant wrestling matches)
  
• Option to skip group time and stick to 1-on-1 play
  
• Staff shadowing new dogs to understand their cues
  

Dogs aren’t machines. We let them set the pace.

Dog Boarding vs. Daycare at PetU: What’s the Difference?

What We Don’t Do (And Why That Matters)

• No overcrowding
  
• No chaotic open-play all day
  
• No silent treatment, we communicate with you
  
• No outdated punishment methods
  
• No “set it and forget it” boarding
  

We want you to feel as good about leaving your dog here as your dog feels walking in.

General Dog Daycare and Boarding FAQs

Does dog boarding include daycare?
At PetU, yes! Our boarders participate in daycare activities unless they need downtime.

At what age can a dog go to boarding?
Most dogs can start around 4–6 months, but we look at behavior more than age.

How much do you tip for dog boarding?
Tipping isn’t required, but always appreciated, especially for longer stays or extra care.

What are the cons of doggie daycare?
Too much stimulation for some dogs, potential for minor injuries in rough play, or stress in crowded groups (which is why we keep our groups small).

Do dogs like going to doggy daycare?
Many do! Tail wags at drop-off are a pretty clear giveaway.

How long is too long for dog boarding?
More than two weeks may be too long for some dogs. We recommend check-ins or mid-stay visits if possible.

Is it bad to leave a puppy for a week?
Only if they haven’t been prepped for it. Gradual acclimation helps.

What shots do dogs need?
Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP are the big ones. Some facilities may also ask for the flu vaccine.

How many days a week should a dog go to daycare?
It depends on your dog and your schedule. Some thrive with 1–2 days a week, others come up to 5. We’ll help you find what works best.

Do dogs miss their owners at daycare?
A little, maybe. But they’re usually too busy playing to dwell on it.

Why is my dog acting weird after daycare?
They might just be overstimulated or tired. A quiet evening and lots of water usually help.

How long is dog daycare usually?
Anywhere from 4 to 10 hours. We’re flexible depending on your schedule.

What are the downsides of dog daycare?
It’s not for every dog. Some pups get overwhelmed or overexcited. That’s why we ease them in slowly.

How to tell if a dog enjoys daycare?
Watch their body language. Tail wagging, relaxed posture, and excitement at drop-off = happy pup.

Does boarding a dog stress them out?
Some dogs take time to adjust. But in a structured, caring environment, many settle in quickly.

Let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as a totally stress-free goodbye when you leave your dog for daycare or boarding. But there’s a huge difference between stressful and supported. At PetU Racine, we aim for the latter. Every pup is different, and we tailor our care to match.

If you’re looking for a dog daycare and boarding service in Racine that feels more like a second family than a kennel, come meet us.

Book a visit, schedule a trial day, or just stop by to say hi. We’ll treat your dog like our own.

📍 Visit our Racine Location –  2625 Eaton Ln. Racine, WI 53404
📞 Call us: 262-619-0109
📧 Email us: racine@pet-u.net