STRUCTURED DOG DAYCARE IN MERCER, MAINE

Daycare that feels a little like camp.

Friends. Games. Pool days. Snow days. The occasional photo shoot. And plenty of time to just be a dog.

No two daycare days look exactly the same. Our experienced team leads the way, adjusting play, activities, groups, breaks, and rest to the dogs in front of us.

Fun for them. Thoughtfully managed by us.

COME PLAY
A Belgian Malinois dog wearing a green bandana playing with a yellow tennis ball attached to a string held by a person, on a paved surface.
Two women wearing matching black T-shirts with dog graphics and the text 'Play & Stay Pet Retreat' stand outside a brick building. Each has a dog with them: a German Shepherd puppy, sitting on the sidewalk to the left, and an adult German Shepherd, sitting to the right. The women are smiling, and the background shows a street with buildings and trees.

New to Play & Stay daycare?

We’ll help you get started.

Before joining the daycare crew, new dogs complete a temperament evaluation with one of our trainers.

We’ll introduce your dog to one of our trainer’s dogs so we can observe how they communicate and determine whether group daycare is an appropriate fit.

We aren’t looking for a “perfect” dog. We’re gathering the information we need to make thoughtful decisions for your dog and the group.

What you’ll need

Rabies • Distemper/Parvo • Bordetella

A negative fecal screening is required within 30 days of enrollment and every 6 months thereafter.

A happy large brown and black dog sitting on a street with a green bandana around its neck, with a group of people, trees, a tent and a table in the background at an outdoor event.
A happy large brown and black dog sitting on a street with a green bandana around its neck, with a group of people, trees, a tent and a table in the background at an outdoor event.

Daycare Hours + Pricing

Daycare Hours
Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Daycare: 6:45 AM–5:15 PM

Morning drop-off: 6:45–8:30 AM
Afternoon pick-up: 4:30–5:15 PM

Daycare Pricing
Single Day — $28/day
Additional Dog — $22/day

Multi-Day Savings
Planning on more play days this week? Save a little when you purchase several daycare days together in advance for the same week.

3-Day Package — $75
$25/day • Save $9

4-Day Package — $100
$25/day • Save $12

Packages are purchased in advance and apply to daycare days used within the same week.

A happy dog with a black face and tan body lying on the grass, wearing a bandana with the American flag design, with toys and a person sitting in the background.
A happy dog with a black face and tan body lying on the grass, wearing a bandana with the American flag design, with toys and a person sitting in the background.

Before your first daycare day

Temperament Evaluation Required
Before joining daycare, new dogs need a scheduled temperament evaluation with one of our trainers and one of our trainer dogs so we can observe communication, comfort, and whether group daycare is a good fit.

Health Requirements
Rabies • Distemper/Parvo • Bordetella

A negative fecal screening is required within 30 days of enrollment and every 6 months thereafter.

Before Your First Visit
Send current health records ahead of time and complete the required Play & Stay waiver before your dog’s first daycare day.

A woman with glasses, a black T-shirt that says 'Play & Stay Pet Retreat,' denim shorts, and sandals is standing on a paved area outdoors with a black and white puppy sitting in front of her. The puppy is wearing a blue collar and looking up at her, who is holding its leash. There are trees and a brick building in the background.
A woman with glasses, a black T-shirt that says 'Play & Stay Pet Retreat,' denim shorts, and sandals is standing on a paved area outdoors with a black and white puppy sitting in front of her. The puppy is wearing a blue collar and looking up at her, who is holding its leash. There are trees and a brick building in the background.

A few good things to know.

Lunch + Rest
Some dogs bring lunch, too. Those pups get time to eat followed by an appropriate rest period before returning to activity.

Play While They Stay
Staying with us? Eligible boarding dogs can join the daycare crew during their stay for $17/day per dog.

Looking for a little more learning?
Day School is part of our Dog Training program.
On select dates, dogs receive dedicated training from 10 AM–1 PM, with daycare before and after.

$85/day • daycare included

EXPLORE DAY SCHOOL + TRAINING

Pet CPR + First Aid Certified
Every member of our team is Pet CPR & First Aid certified, so safety and preparedness are part of the care we provide every day.

A happy German Shepherd dog lying on a concrete sidewalk in front of a brick building with a window and a person visible in the background.

Ready for camp?

Okay... technically daycare.

But we’re pretty sure your dog won’t know the difference.

Whether they’re already a daycare pro or this is brand new for both of you, we’re happy to answer your questions and help determine whether Play & Stay is a good fit.

Tell us about your dog. Let’s get their first day started.

Come Play
A person sitting on a foldable chair holding a happy black Labrador retriever dog with a open mouth, showing teeth, outdoors.

Not sure where to start?

You don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Tell us about your dog, what’s going well, what’s been challenging, and what you’d love to be able to do together.

Maybe that means a puppy class. Maybe it’s a private session. Maybe you need more support than you originally thought.

We’ll listen, talk through your options, and help you find a good place to start.

LET’S TALK TRAINING