Doggy Day Care Ames
Drop off your dog at your sitter's home in the morning, and pick them up in the evening.
Over 261 pet parents in Ames have booked doggy day care
Ames, Find top rated doggy day care
Prices are estimates per day. Pricing may vary based on your search. A booking fee of 11% and taxes will apply.
“Angela and her family are THE BEST! We have such peace of mind knowing our dog is loved and taken care of. Our dog loves being able to play with her dogs and the other dogs she watches and she takes them for walks and trips to the dog park. She sends photo and video updates and has been amazing with our demanding schedule. We could not recommend her more!”
“They are so lovely! A massive yard for Ace to run in which he definitely needed. Her dogs are so friendly and playful. Her children are also very helpful and respectful in asking if they can give my dog one of their dog toys. Will definitely be coming back!”
“Samantha is so great to work with! She follows directions perfectly and takes excellent care of all the (3) dogs we’ve had her sit for (doggie day care). She communicates effectively and timely and we never have to worry.”
“Our dog was happy and relaxed when we picked him up. It seemed like he had a fun afternoon and it was clear that he was well cared for. Thank you Tilaine and family, and extra thanks for working with us on such short notice!”
“I'm pretty sure my dog, Frank, is currently petitioning for a legal name change to "Frank of Ames" after his stay with Katrina yesterday. We were in town visiting our daughter at Iowa State and needed a safe, fun place for Frank to stay, and we hit the jackpot. From the moment we dropped him off, Frank was already sizing up his new crew—Katrina's two incredibly friendly dogs—and planning his fun. The photo and video updates she sent were amazing, showing Frank living his absolute best life, running around and making new friends. Seriously, if you ever need photographic evidence that your dog is having a better time than you are, book with Katrina. Frank came home happy, perfectly exhausted, and now gives us serious side-eye every time we suggest a plain old walk instead of a dog playdate at her place. Thank you, Katrina! You made our trip worry-free. Highly, highly recommend!”
About: I’ve taken care of fur babies of all kinds since before I could walk. I grew up with a dog and cat always in tow. I lived in the country, so learned fast that the world can be hard for an animal, thus beginning my rehab ‘career’. As I got older, I pet sat for neighbors and family friends. In my mid 20s I trained as a vet tech, prepping animals for surgery, giving vaccinations, nail trims, etc. Until the ISU Wildlife Clinic closed, I volunteered there, learning more care for wild native animals. I’ve had dogs and cats my entire life, I can’t imagine life without animals. I currently have a senior border collie named Lola, she has arthritis so sometimes she needs help getting around and I’m always willing to help my girl. I also have a senior cat. Currently I’m a doordash/grub hub driver, so I literally am free 24/7 to care for your pets! I will prioritize Rover over delivery, so I can work with any schedule you need. I’m available for repeat needs (several walks a week, drop ins, etc). I live in a duplex with a yard. For me to board a pet, they would need to get along with my dog, and she can honestly be a bit grumpy meeting new dogs, so I feel going to the client’s home would be best. I will respect your home and follow whatever instructions you have for the care of your pets.
“I was visiting town for a work trip and was beyond impressed by the care and communication! My pup Barley is older and just had surgery - it was so wonderful leaving him without worry, knowing he would be extra loved and cared after during the day!”
About: Seasoned dog owner offering full-time pet care you can trust. My passion for animals started early—even before spending summers volunteering at the Ames Animal Shelter as a young girl. Every opportunity to pet sit for family and friends had me thrilled to spend time with animals. I bring 4 years of professional grooming experience, beginning as a dog bather and later graduating from grooming school. I’ve also worked 1.5 years in veterinary medicine at a vet hospital, gaining hands-on experience in animal health and care. 🐶 Services I Offer: • Dog Walking • Doggy Daycare • Boarding • Pet Transportation ✓ Extended stays and special requests welcome ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly 🌈 With over 15 years of dog care experience, I’m confident and comfortable with pups of all sizes and temperaments. I’m experienced in administering oral medication and have cared for diabetic pets as well. In addition to dogs, I also care for cats, reptiles, fish, small animals, and exotics. I worked at a pet store for a year, caring for everything from ferrets and snakes to hamsters, chinchillas, bearded dragons, and tropical fish. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! I look forward to connecting—and giving your pets my very best. 🫶 I provide pet care full-time, so your pet gets all of my love, attention, and care—day and night. I know how hard it can be to leave your furry family, which is why I go out of my way to make them feel safe, relaxed, and loved while you’re away. I’m available 24/7, and I send regular updates and photos so you can feel at ease knowing they’re in kind, capable hands. I like to do a meet and greet before we book anything. It’s a great chance for your pets to get to know me, for us to go over how a typical day looks at your place, and to talk through anything I should be ready for—so I can make sure your pets get the best care possible. I’ll keep you updated with plenty of pictures and videos—and we can even FaceTime if you’d like! If there’s anything else I can do to make your time away from your pets easier, just let me know.
“Kelley did a wonderful job taking care of our 15 year old dog, including mealtime and medicine. Kelly is kind and responsible and we could tell that Adi felt comfortable in her home. 5 out of 5 stars. We highly recommend.”
About: Hi! My name is Roxy, and I’m a dependable, compassionate pet sitter who loves caring for animals of all kinds. Whether you’re away for a weekend or an extended trip, I provide loving care to help your pets feel safe, comfortable, and happy in their own environment. I have experience caring for dogs, cats, and other small pets, including feeding, walking, playtime, administering basic medications, and giving plenty of attention and affection. I understand that every pet has their own personality and routine, and I make it a priority to follow your instructions carefully. My services include: • Dog walking and exercise • Feeding and fresh water • Playtime and companionship • Overnight or drop-in visits • Litter box and waste cleanup • Photo and text updates while you’re away I’m trustworthy, patient, and committed to treating your pets like family. Your pet’s safety, comfort, and happiness are always my top priorities. I have used trusted care for my pets and understand how important it is to have someone to help when needed. I have two friendly Australian shepherds and experience with many breeds, sizes and ages. I have grown up with pets my entire life and owned multiple dogs for 20 years. I’d love the opportunity to meet you and your furry family members! I’m currently working a hybrid schedule and am home 2-3 days during the week. I have availability for in home and drop in visits or walks during the weekend as well. I have a fenced in yard with two friendly and fixed dogs to give yours company while away. Open to in home or drop in visits as needed along with walks and needed exercise. I have two children that have been raised around pets that respect them and enjoy playing with them. If your dog prefers a crate we are a crate trained home.
“We were so lucky to find Beth! With just a few days notice, Beth was available to watch our senior pup while we toured Iowa State with my son. It was so nice to bring our dog along and also not worry about him while we took our tour. Cody was treated to two long walks and is sleeping soundly on our trip back home. Thank you so much, Beth!”
“Cynthia took great care of our dog, Maizy! She went above and beyond to make sure was Maizy was comfortable and engaged. Maizy can be a picky eater and Cynthia even got her to eat a full meal. She was lovey to communicate with, was very responsive, and sent lots of pictures. We will definitely be dropping our pup off with her again!”
“This was an amazing experience! I needed to make a trip to Ankeny and couldn’t leave my dog home for that long of a time so I hopped on this app and found her, so glad I did! He was a little scared at first but shortly made himself at home. Good communication and she sent photos! Made me feel good 💕I will be contacting Meagan again!”
About: I will care for your pet by meeting their physical and emotional needs. We will play, exercise, relax and have an all around great time. I will follow all of your directions as well as send pictures and videos. I will always be available by text. I have a flexible schedule that allows me to spend time having fun with other's pet(s). I can tend to pets any time of the day. Safety is my number one priority. I respect moms/dads needs and wants for their pet(s). I love to play and have fun. I will send pictures and videos. I will always be available for calls.
“Angie was so great with our guy! She’s extremely accommodating to schedule changes and was exactly what we needed while back visiting family. If we come back this fall she will be the first one we check for availability!”
“We couldn’t be happier with Colleen! She’s kind, dependable, and our dog absolutely loves her visits. It’s such a relief knowing Precious is in caring and trustworthy hands. We highly recommend Colleen to anyone looking for a sitter.”
“Reese had such a great experience with her. I could tell right away how much Reese liked her because she was excited to see her each morning and went straight in for love and affection. She took great care of Reese, kept me updated with photos, and even did a little training with her during the day. It gave me so much peace of mind knowing Reese was happy, safe, and well cared for. I would absolutely book with her again.”
About: I have personally had a pet or 3 since I was 13 years old. I begged for a cat for years and once I got one, I never have been without at least one pet. I have been volunteering with the ARL since 2005. I have had 30+ foster dogs through them as well. I just love animals. I do have weekends blocked but just ask about availability! I am retired. I enjoy going for walks with dogs and depending on the dog spending time outside in my fenced in backyard. I have a 6 foot fence. Your dog will have the ability to be part of our family and our family pets are on our furniture. We do separate our home animals, fosters and house guests at night. The "regulars" get to sleep in our beds while our guests get other accommodations. It makes for better harmony for us. Because we foster on a regular basis our animals are very used to different dogs coming into our home. Our home is pretty quiet and relaxing.
“Kimberlee is AWESOME!! Her and her son gave my pup all the lovins all day and she gave me updates throughout the day! She is very attentive and has a huge passion/love for dogs. I highly recommend her!!!”
The median cost per day for doggy day care in Ames is $30
Dog parents share their Rover experiences - Ames
She was amazing!!! Got me in with a last minute booking so I could have a couple hours to go get some much needed errands done, as I have a very anxiety ridden fur baby who CANNOT be alone or else she howls so loudly it can be heard from blocks away… (severe trauma from her past before I adopted her) Thanks again for getting me so quickly very much appreciated!! I will definitely be booking again in the future as long as little Sophie didn’t drive you crazy!! Haha thanks again!
I left my two dogs with Katrina for an entire day while I had a work commitment. She was very pleasant, professional, and thorough in making sure I felt comfortable leaving them with her for the first time. She communicated throughout the day and was flexible when I had to pick them up later than planned. Working with her was a wonderful experience for me and my boys.
Book with peace of mind
- Screened pet sitters have passed a third-party background check and show verified reviews from other pet parents, like you.
- Every booking is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $25,000 reimbursement for eligible vet care. Learn more
- 24/7 support from the Rover team–here to help if you ever need someone to talk to.
Why Choose Rover?
Cashless payments
Book and pay through Rover’s secured platform—no cash or checks required.
Reservation protection
It doesn’t happen often, but if your sitter has to cancel, we’ll work with you to find a new sitter.
World-class support
We’re friendly, knowledgable, and total pet fanatics. You can get in touch with us anytime.
How Rover works
1. Search
Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer doggy day care
2. Meet & Greet
Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit
3. Book & Pay
It's that easy! All payments are processed through Rover's secured platform
Popular requests near you
Select a filter and find qualifying Ames sitters!Sitters in Ames average 4 repeat doggy day care clients
FAQs for Doggy Day Care - Ames
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for Doggy Day Care in Ames on Rover is $29.97 per day (as of June 2026). However, all sitters set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
Rover makes budgeting the cost of Doggy Day Care easy. As long as your dates and pet profiles are correct, the price you see before you book is the same price you pay for Doggy Day Care. For more information on service fees, click here .
As of June 2026, there are 251 sitters on Rover offering Doggy Day Care across Ames. Enter your ZIP code to see which available sitters are closest to your home.
Sitters on Rover can offer flexible scheduling, so you can coordinate times that work best for you and your pet—whether that’s early drop-off or later pick-up to match your Ames commute.
If your schedule changes, it’s best to let your sitter know through the app as early as possible. Many sitters can adjust pick-up and drop-off times when needed.
Think of doggy day care as your dog’s fun, supervised play date that happens to fit into your workday. Day care through Rover takes place in a real home. This offers a calmer and more personalized environment for your pup.
A typical day can include companionship, one-on-one attention, and same day pick-up and drop-off. Many sitters can also offer structured routines and exercise throughout the day. For recurring, weekly day care, sitters will include photo updates so you can see your dog in their element.
Here are tips for finding the ideal day care fit for your dog:
- For some small dogs: In-home day care can be the perfect fit. Look for sitters whose "can host" section only lists dogs weighing 0–7 kilograms and/or 7–18 kilograms. During your Meet & Greet, ask about play areas based on dog size and energy level.
- For high-energy dogs: The ideal doggy day care can offer scheduled breaks and outdoor spaces or activities. You can also find sitters who host multiple dogs to satisfy your pup’s socializing needs.
- For dogs who prefer human-only companionship: Use the filters "Doesn't own a dog" and "Only accepts one pet at a time" to find the right care.
Play groups can be an option when you book with a day care sitter through Rover. Many sitters do host a small number of dogs at the same time. Smaller dog packs are generally safer, more fun, and ideal for dogs who enjoy playtime but also want to relax throughout the day. When looking for your dog’s pack, check the sitter’s profile to see if they "Accept multiple clients" or have their own dogs. Then during the Meet & Greet, you can see whether your dog is a good fit for their social circle!
While each sitter sets their own vaccine requirements, staying up-to-date on your dog’s vaccines is the best way to be "boarding ready". Vaccinations help create a safe environment for all pets under a sitter’s care.
Many sitters in IA ask that dogs be up to date on core vaccines like the Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus, Bordetella, and Rabies.
By discussing your pet's health history early, you’re adding a layer of confidence for you and your sitter before the booking begins.
Every sitter on Rover is required to pass a background check before listing their services. This process confirms their identity and indicates they are not on the Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website or have any disqualifying offenses.
Beyond ID checks, you can review each sitter's star rating, read verified reviews from other pet parents, and see how many repeat clients they have. Every booking is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $25,000 in eligible veterinary care. For more details, visit Rover's Trust & Safety page .
The Rover Guarantee is Rover’s commitment to your peace of mind every time you book. It includes 24/7 customer support, sitter access to advice from qualified veterinary professionals for diagnostic issues, and a reimbursement program for eligible veterinary care in the rare event something goes wrong.
All bookings are backed by the Rover Guarantee , which provides up to $25,000 in eligible veterinary care reimbursement.
A Meet & Greet is a short introductory meeting between you, your dog, and a sitter. It can take place in person or virtually, although we recommend in-person so that your pet can get to know your sitter or the new environment. During the Meet & Greet, you will have a chance to walk through your pet's routine, medical needs, and unique quirks. Take the time to ask your sitter questions about their skills and expertise, and make sure the fit feels right for everyone. Most pet parents and sitters on Rover welcome Meet & Greets because the process can give confidence and peace of mind for service experiences, especially for longer stays or first-time bookings.
Yes, Rover is well-suited for finding sitters who can care for your pet within 24 hours. With 251 sitters in Ames, 87% respond to messages in under an hour.
You can message multiple sitters simultaneously to find the fastest available match. If you need care today or tomorrow, you can look for sitters with a "calendar last updated" notice on their profiles.
Sitters on Rover set their own cancellation policy, which you can find on their profile under their calendar availability.
Cancelling before a booking begins and before the sitter's cutoff time qualifies you for a full refund. Same-day cancellations for walks, day care, and drop-ins follow the full refund policy. Otherwise, for dog boarding and house sitting, you will receive a 50% refund for the first seven days of the booking and a 100% refund for the remaining days when you cancel the same day a booking should begin.
If your sitter needs to cancel within seven days of the booking's start date, then our reservation protection will kick in. This means our support team works with you to find a replacement sitter.
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