A video showing a cockapoo’s first day at doggy day care has gone viral on TikTok—and this time it isn’t for the usual chaos of excitable pups. Instead, it captures the opposite: a dog looking bewildered as his new furry friends refuse to play.
While seven dogs can be seen sprawled across the floor and sofa, sound asleep, owner Erika Reiley’s cockapoo sits upright, watching in confusion.
The clip, posted to Reiley’s TikTok account @ericka_reilly on October 2, quickly gained traction online, racking up 144,500 view, at the time of writing.
The on-screen text reads: “[I] don’t think he understands nap time yet,” earning over 10,000 likes.
Users were quick to chime in with their own relatable experiences.
One joked: “Me at a sleepover in 1990 at 2 a.m.”
Another added: “My dog gets put into isolation because he will not switch off.”
When Can Puppies Start Day Care?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), puppies can begin attending doggy day care once they’ve had their basic vaccines, usually between 12 and 16 weeks of age.
Dog day care provides a safe environment that helps establish a consistent routine. Puppies, in particular, thrive on structure, as it helps them feel secure and supported. In day care, dogs are introduced to a range of new experiences while also learning positive behaviors such as sitting calmly for a nail trim, greeting other dogs politely, or coming when called.
Day care offers puppies three essential elements of care: socialization, exercise, and training. Early exposure to different situations helps prevent fearful behaviors and contributes to the development of confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.
The Cost of Care
While the benefits are clear, day care is another financial consideration for owners. On average, a full day costs about $40, according to pet company Hepper.
These costs add to the rising price of pet ownership overall. A recent report conducted by online marketplace Rover estimates that the lifetime cost of care is about $34,550 for a dog and $32,170 for a cat, though expenses can vary depending on breed, size, health, and lifespan.
Inflation and new tariffs are pushing prices up further in 2025, with veterinary fees increasing by 11 percent, pet cleaning supplies by 183 percent, grooming supplies by 20 percent, and treats and chews by 85 percent.
Nearly one-third of pet parents admit they worry about affording essentials, and more than half are concerned that tariffs will raise costs even higher.
Despite higher long-term costs, the upfront expense of adopting a pet has actually decreased since 2024. In 2025, the cost of welcoming a new dog ranges from $1,150 to $4,420, while cats range from $750 to $2,715.
Adoption remains the most budget-friendly way to add a furry friend to the family, with initial vaccines and spay/neuter typically included. This year, adoption fees have dropped by 19 percent for dogs and 16 percent for cats.
Newsweek reached out to @ericka_reilly for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
