Tucked away in the heart of Fishers, Paws & Play Dog Resort and Training Center is leading a revolution in pet care. Founded in 2007 as a modest training facility called K9 Camp, it has transformed into a 26,000-square-foot haven dedicated to enhancing dogs’ mental and physical well-being. Through years of observation, professional development and a deep understanding of canine behavior, Paws & Play reimagines what doggy daycare can and should be.
While many pet owners envision daycare as a place for dogs to burn off energy, the team at Paws & Play recognized that dogs require more than just physical activity. They need structure, stimulation and enrichment—especially in a post-pandemic world where many dogs have grown up in quieter, more isolated environments.
“COVID changed a lot of dogs,” says Taylor Campbell, training manager. “Many were born into homes with limited socialization, shaping an entirely different generation of dogs. Just running them ragged all day doesn’t always work anymore.”
Through ongoing education, including conferences like the Association for Professional Dog Trainers and resources from industry experts such as The Dog Gurus, the staff developed a philosophy that focuses on enrichment as a cornerstone of care. Instead of emphasizing exhaustion, they aim for fulfillment.
Paws & Play recognizes that no two dogs are alike in terms of what kinds of activities and how much activity they enjoy. Instead of trying to put each dog into a box, their philosophy accentuates embracing the individuality of dogs.
Not every dog is suited for group play or enjoys that kind of socialization; they may prefer spending time with a human friend instead. Some dogs require action-packed days, while others prefer more time to relax in their private rooms. “A dog’s day here isn’t just about play,” Campbell says. “It’s about matching them with activities and companions that help them thrive mentally and emotionally.”
This philosophy comes to life in their customizable daycare offerings. Every dog starts with a base day boarding fee of $18, but owners can add various activities to suit their dog’s needs. High-energy pups might benefit from multiple activities such as enrichment activities, group play, play sessions or leash walks, while more mellow or senior dogs might opt for quiet enrichment like puzzle toys or soothing music sessions.
Yes, Paws & Play offers music lessons for dogs. “We bring in different sounds and tones to stimulate their brains in new ways,” Campbell says. “It might sound silly, but dogs respond incredibly well to auditory enrichment.”
Daily enrichment activities include canvas paintings, nose work, agility, seasonal events like a tiki bar-themed retreat and even one-on-one training brush-ups. Paws & Play releases a monthly enrichment activity calendar so pet parents can choose the right one for their dogs.
“We often start a new dog with a calmer day just to get a feel for their personality and so they can adjust to the new environment,” Sydney Green, reservation specialist manager, says. “Then we can talk with the owner and adjust from there. If a dog doesn’t enjoy group play, we won’t force it. Our goal is never to do something they don’t want to do.”
That owner-first mindset is essential to Paws & Play’s philosophy. Whether you’re a seasoned doggy daycare veteran or a nervous first timer, you’ll find the same level of transparency, customization and compassion.
The facility itself supports their flexible approach. With 10,000 square feet of dedicated play space, the facility features five separate outdoor yards, all turfed for cleanliness, plus multiple indoor play zones tailored for both small and large groups. For dogs needing more individual attention, dedicated one-on-one enrichment rooms are stocked with toys and tools to keep curious minds busy.
On the lodging side, the resort offers more than 100 rooms, ranging from cozy 3-by-4-foot bungalows for pups under 30 pounds to spacious 10-by-6-foot cabanas and beach-house suites. Each room features solid walls for privacy, Kuranda beds for comfort and adheres to daily cleaning protocols. Whether a dog is there for daycare or a more extended stay, every detail reflects a commitment to care.
One of the training center’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to work with dogs across the behavioral spectrum, including those with anxiety or reactivity issues. Dog training is at the core of everything Paws & Play does. Every other facet of the facility, including the daycare program, has been built on the principles of training. With four experienced dog trainers, they are equipped to help keep dogs successful both inside and outside of the facility.
Their Stay & Train packages immerse dogs in a focused learning environment, featuring daily obedience work that includes sit, down, recall, loose-leash walking and stay—progressing over one to four weeks toward off-leash reliability and real-world skills.
They also offer Play & Train, which combines structured group daycare with training sessions to reinforce commands such as “heel,” “place” and “leave it” in social settings. For dogs who may not thrive in a group setting, they get one-on-one play sessions with a staff member instead.
For owners, private lessons—on-site, in-home or virtual—provide customized behavior plans.
Paws & Play also offers spa services, such as full grooming, baths, nail trims and more. Just like the rest of the facility, the groomers work from fear-free values, meaning they do things at each dog’s pace to ensure a positive experience with grooming, with the intent of building trust and relationships.
Ultimately, what sets Paws & Play apart is the breadth of services they offer and how intentionally those services are delivered. It’s a daycare experience rooted in science, refined through experience and guided by the belief that every dog is an individual.
As more pet parents seek thoughtful, personalized care for their furry family members, Paws & Play stands out as a leader in Fishers and the broader world of dog care. Because at Paws & Play, daycare isn’t just about wearing your dog out—it’s about lifting them up.
For more information, visit pawsandplaydogresort.com.
