atFrits · Cape Town City Centre
Puppy Daycare & Socialisation in Cape Town
Puppy season is here, and with it comes the big question for new owners: how do I raise a confident, friendly, well-adjusted dog while still getting on with work? At atFrits, the first dog hotel in South Africa (since 2015), our puppy daycare gives young dogs safe, supervised play and gentle exposure to new people, sounds and other dogs in the heart of Cape Town City Centre. Daycare runs from 6am to 7pm, so drop-off fits around your workday.
Why early socialisation matters
The first months of a puppy's life shape how they respond to the world as adults. Puppies who meet calm adult dogs, other puppies, different people and everyday city sounds in a positive, controlled way tend to grow into more relaxed companions. A structured daycare day gives your puppy those experiences in small, manageable doses, with rest built in.
Who can join: vaccination rules
For the health of every dog in our care, we need proof of up-to-date vaccinations: rabies (every 3 years), DHLPP – distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvovirus (annually), and Bordetella/kennel cough (annually; not all vets include it in standard vaccinations, so check). Dogs and puppies without up-to-date vaccinations can't be admitted, with no exceptions for age (this is atFrits policy; rabies vaccination is also a legal requirement in South Africa under the Animal Diseases Act). We'll be ready to welcome your puppy as soon as their vaccinations are complete. Please also keep flea, tick and deworming treatment up to date, and bring your puppy with a collar and name tag. Under section 3 of the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-law, 2021, all dogs over six months must be sterilised (unless the owner holds a City permit to keep the dog unsterilised), so please plan your puppy's sterilisation by 6 months. Full details: our dog policy Read our full dog policy. Bring your puppy's vaccination card to the first visit and our team will check everything is in order.
The first day: assessment day
Your puppy's first day of daycare is an assessment day. Like a child's first day at school, our staff watch how your puppy behaves and plays, then decide which class or pack suits them best. On the assessment day, please drop off at 08:00; collection is from 15:00 (not earlier).
Daycare first, sleepovers later
We don't recommend a sleepover on your puppy's first visit. You'd never have a child sleep over on their first day of school, and the same goes for puppies. Starting with daycare lets our team get to know your puppy and helps your puppy feel safe with us, so a future overnight stay feels familiar. Planning a holiday? Read about December holiday dog boarding.
A puppy-sized day
Puppies need more sleep than adult dogs, and an over-tired puppy learns the wrong lessons. Our team balances play with quiet nap time, matches puppies with suitable playmates by size and temperament, and steps in early to guide play when it gets too rough. Play happens in our 750 m² dog park, giving puppies room to run, explore and burn off energy safely.
Watch your puppy live on camera
Leaving a new puppy for the first time is hard. At atFrits you can watch your puppy on our 24/7 live cameras from your phone or computer. We are the only dog hotel and daycare in Cape Town with 24/7 live camera access, so you can see exactly how your puppy is getting on.
Training support
Daycare pairs well with training. Ask our team about dog training at atFrits to build good habits such as recall, loose-lead walking and calm greetings while your puppy is young. Dog training at atFrits
Your puppy's first groom (once they've settled in)
Introducing grooming early makes a big difference later, but never on your puppy's first day. Like a child's first day at school, that day is about making friends and feeling safe, and some puppies find grooming a lot to take in. We don't want a bath or a brush to make your puppy anxious about coming back, so we only groom daycare puppies once they've settled in with us. When your puppy is ready, a short, positive first visit to our grooming parlour (open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 08:00–16:30) helps them get used to being bathed, brushed and handled. Grooming parlour
Pricing and subscriptions
Daycare can be booked by the day, and regular attendees can save with a subscription. Full prices are on our rates page. View our rates
Why Cape Town owners trust atFrits
We have been caring for dogs since 2015 and have welcomed more than 287,000 stays. Our team handles puppies every day and knows how to make the first visits calm and positive. You'll find us at 117 Castle St, Cape Town City Centre, convenient for owners living or working in the CBD, City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard.
Puppy daycare FAQ
Can my puppy come before all vaccinations are done?
No. Every dog and puppy must be fully up to date with rabies, DHLPP and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations before their first day, with no exceptions for age. This is atFrits policy, and rabies vaccination is also required by law in South Africa under the Animal Diseases Act. We'll be ready to welcome your puppy as soon as their vaccinations are complete.
Does my puppy need to be sterilised?
Yes, once they are over 6 months old. Under section 3 of the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-law, 2021, all dogs over six months must be sterilised unless the owner has a City permit to keep the dog unsterilised. So we can't care for unsterilised dogs over 6 months without that permit.
What are your daycare hours?
Daycare runs from 6am to 7pm.
Will my puppy play with big dogs?
Puppies are grouped by size and temperament, and play is supervised throughout.
Do puppies get nap time?
Yes. Rest is built into the day so puppies don't become over-tired.
Can I watch my puppy during the day?
Yes. You can watch on our 24/7 live cameras from your phone.
What happens on my puppy's first day?
The first day of daycare is an assessment day. Staff watch your puppy's behaviour and match them to the right class or pack. Drop-off is at 08:00 and collection is from 15:00.
