New to doggy daycare? Every new dog starts with an assessment. Learn how to join →

A tired dog is a happy dog

Safe, supervised play throughout Halifax & Dartmouth

Indoor and outdoor play, experienced staff, clean facilities, and spaces designed for dogs to socialize, exercise, cool off, and relax.

Two happy dogs enjoying playtime on the turf at Jollytails daycare

The Jollytails daycare experience

Plenty of room for a jolly good day

Daycare gives dogs a consistent, supervised place to play, meet friends, burn energy, and take a well-earned rest.

Indoor & outdoor freedom

Dogs can enjoy generous open spaces, fresh air, shaded areas, pools, and resting mats throughout the day. Indoor areas are air conditioned or heated as needed for the weather.

Cleaned every day

Outdoor turf is cleaned daily. Sealed indoor play areas are vacuumed, mopped, drained, and disinfected every day.

Experienced supervision

Team training focuses on dog language, play styles, and responding to signals before small issues become situations.

Divided play areas

Our Lady Hammond and Burnside locations have separate play areas for big dogs and little dogs, giving each group room to play comfortably.

Daycare just got sweeter

Make their day with a Yappy Hour treat

Choose a special treat while making your daycare reservation. The Jollytails team serves it directly to your pup, and the cost is added to your account for easy payment at pickup.

Pup Cup $3.99

A hand-served combination of goat’s milk, honey, cinnamon, and ginger, topped with whipped cream and Crazy Dog all-spice sprinkles.

A Mighty Meatball $5.99

A frozen enrichment dinner served in a Woof Pupsicle so your dog can slow down, savour it, and work their senses. Protein choices vary.

Bosco & Roxy Cookie $4.99

A gourmet cookie crafted especially for dogs—an easy little celebration during their daycare visit.

Yappy Hour choices are based on the current menu and may change. Select an available treat when making your reservation.

Reserve daycare & choose a treat
Jollytails Yappy Hour daycare menu featuring a Pup Cup, Mighty Meatball, and Bosco and Roxy Cookie
A happy wet dog cooling off in a pool in the Jollytails outdoor play area

Play, pause, repeat

A day built around activity and rest

Dogs spend most of their visit in roomy play areas where they can socialize, explore, cool off, or find a comfortable place to relax.

  • Open indoor and outdoor play areas
  • Pools, shade, turf, and resting mats
  • Private mealtime and digestion breaks when food is provided
  • Slow-feed bowls used when appropriate

Life at daycare

Space to run, cool off, and find a friend

Real moments from Jollytails’ indoor and outdoor daycare spaces.

Dogs relaxing and playing around blue pools in the spacious Jollytails outdoor turf yard
Pool time with plenty of room to roam
Two dogs cooling off together in a daycare pool
Cooling off is better with a friend
A group of dogs sitting together beneath a large blue umbrella in the outdoor daycare yard
A sunny yard made for fresh-air play
A happy white dog running toward the camera while other dogs play across the outdoor turf
Full-speed fun across the outdoor turf
Two corgis playing together inside a bright Jollytails daycare room
Lively indoor play, whatever the weather
Dogs happily wrestling and playing together in an indoor daycare area
Big play energy in our climate-controlled rooms
Two Bernese mountain dogs happily wrestling together on the daycare turf
Best friends making the most of playtime
Three golden retrievers relaxing together beneath a blue umbrella in the outdoor daycare yard
A shady pause with the golden crew
A bulldog resting peacefully in the sunshine on the outdoor daycare turf
A sunny pause between play sessions
Two dogs resting side by side on the outdoor daycare turf
Friends catching their breath together
Four little dogs relaxing together on a raised daycare bed in their outdoor play area
A little-dog crew with space to socialize
A happy little dog stepping through a colourful outdoor daycare play structure
Little-dog adventures in their own play space

The Jollytails difference

Thoughtful care behind all that fun

A good daycare day is about more than activity—it depends on compatible groups, attentive people, and honest communication.

Assessment-based entry

Every new dog is reviewed and introduced carefully so the team can determine whether group daycare is a safe, enjoyable fit.

Trained playgroup staff

Staff continue learning about dog behaviour, body language, play styles, first aid, and safe group management.

Daily report cards

Owners receive an emailed update after each visit, along with honest feedback and recommendations when something needs attention.

Bigs & littles play separately

At Lady Hammond and Burnside, big dogs and little dogs have their own indoor and outdoor play areas, helping each group feel comfortable and play at its own pace.

Before the first visit

Who can join daycare?

Every dog begins with an assessment so the team can learn their history, observe their comfort, and introduce them to an appropriate playgroup.

  • At least 14 weeks old
  • Current core vaccines and annual Bordetella vaccine, or accepted titre testing. Review vaccination guidance
  • Adult males must be neutered. Young intact dogs may attend while they remain suitable for the playgroup. Read about spaying and neutering
  • Flea- and tick-free and healthy enough for group play
  • Able to pass the daycare assessment and enjoy the play environment
Read the assessment steps

Choose a location

Different spaces for different dogs

Four locations offer daycare, with playgroup arrangements and added services that vary by facility.

Intercolonial Street, Halifax

One large indoor and outdoor area for spacious play, plus Saturday daycare. This playgroup is for medium-to-large dogs only; little dogs are not accepted at this location.

Lady Hammond Road, Halifax

A large, spacious indoor and outdoor play area for medium to large size dogs, plus a separate indoor and outdoor space for little dogs generally 20 lbs and under.

Joseph Zatzman Drive, Burnside

A large, spacious indoor and outdoor play area for medium to large size dogs, plus a separate indoor and outdoor space for little dogs generally 20 lbs and under.

Jollytails Resort, Bayers Lake

Daycare at 15 McQuade Lake Crescent, with overnight boarding available at the same location.

Explore overnight boarding →

Halifax & Dartmouth daycare questions

Good to know before drop-off

Clear answers about assessments, playgroups, meals, safety, and daily routines at Jollytails.

What will my dog do during the day?

Dogs spend most of their visit in supervised indoor and outdoor play areas, where they can socialize, explore, cool off in the pools, relax in the shade, or rest on a mat. The roomy spaces let dogs choose activity or downtime throughout the day.

How do I reserve a daycare spot?

Approved dogs can use the reservation form. Space-dependent drop-ins may be accepted, but a confirmed reservation is the best way to ensure a spot.

Can my dog attend for a half day?

Yes. We offer half days and half-day packages at a special rate for visits of up to four hours. All dogs should arrive no later than 1 p.m.

What should I bring?

Your dog should arrive wearing a regular quick-release collar without tags. Please do not bring choke collars or electronic collars of any kind, and leave personal toys at home because they are not permitted in daycare. We encourage you to pack lunch using a portion of your dog’s usual food. Use a Ziploc baggie or plastic container. Please do not bring glass containers.

What happens when my dog eats lunch?

Your dog is separated into a private kennel to eat their own food, then given quiet time to rest and digest before returning to play. Slow-feed bowls are used when appropriate.

Should I feed my dog before daycare?

Jollytails recommends feeding at least one hour before arrival. Tell the team if your dog has eaten more recently so they can allow settling time before active play.

What happens during the daycare assessment?

You will begin with a detailed form about your dog’s health, history, and behaviour. If group daycare appears suitable, you and your dog will meet the team before a careful introduction to an appropriate playgroup. If the introduction goes well, your dog stays for a half or full assessment day at the regular daycare rate.

How are the playgroups arranged?

Arrangements vary by location. Intercolonial Street has one indoor and outdoor playgroup for medium-to-large dogs and does not accept little dogs. Lady Hammond Road and Burnside each have a large main play area plus a separate indoor and outdoor area for littles, generally around 20 lb and under.

Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered?

Adult males must be neutered. Young intact dogs, male or female, may attend provided their intact status does not cause playgroup issues. Owners will be advised if their dog’s status affects continued participation.

Can my dog attend if they are sick or injured?

No. Dogs should be healthy, comfortable, and free of contagious symptoms before attending. If your dog is unwell or recovering from an injury, please keep them home and arrange another form of care.

What happens if my dog becomes sick or injured?

Staff trained in pet first aid will provide immediate assistance and contact you. Minor scratches can occasionally happen during normal group play; more serious injuries are uncommon. If urgent care is needed, your dog will be taken to the nearest veterinary clinic.

Should I bring toys for my dog?

No. The play areas already include pools and safe objects for dogs to enjoy. Personal toys and smaller items can sometimes encourage guarding, so they are best left at home.

Will my dog enjoy Jollytails?

The assessment helps determine whether your dog feels comfortable and enjoys supervised group play. The team provides honest feedback, and if daycare is not the right fit, they can discuss training or other options that may suit your dog better.

Why do you recommend pet insurance?

Daycare is a fun, high-energy environment where dogs play, socialize, and stay active. While safety is always our priority, play-related injuries can occasionally happen. Today, even a minor play injury can result in a significant veterinary bill, and Jollytails is not financially responsible for veterinary costs. For added peace of mind, we strongly recommend pet insurance. Many reputable providers are available; Jollytails is not affiliated with any insurer, but our team is happy to help point you in the right direction and answer your questions.

Can my dog be groomed during daycare?

Existing daycare guests can arrange a full groom, bath and dry, or nail trim during their visit at any Jollytails location. Please book full grooming appointments in advance. Nail trims and other quick services can be requested on the day of your visit without prior scheduling.

New dog or returning regular?

New dogs begin with an assessment. Approved dogs can reserve their next visit—and add a Yappy Hour treat.