Inside VIPaws Vegas: The Outdoor Daycare That’s Built for the Dogs Who Need More

Las Vegas is a city of bold ideas. But even in a place built on reinvention, it’s rare to come across a business that flips the script as completely as VIPaws Vegas. While most doggy daycares rely on the same warehouse-style setup — four walls, concrete floors, and a rotating staff — VIPaws Vegas takes a radically different approach. Think pack walks under the desert sun, brain games in shaded parks, and structured outdoor adventures designed to challenge and fulfill dogs on every level.

It’s dog daycare, reimagined. And in a city that isn’t always known for its green space or pet-friendly culture, VIPaws Vegas is quietly transforming what modern dog care looks like — one tail-wagging trek at a time.

Built for the Dogs Who Need More Than Four Walls

The idea behind VIPaws Vegas started with a simple observation: most dogs aren’t getting what they need from traditional daycare. Long hours inside, minimal stimulation, and chaotic group dynamics can leave dogs either overstimulated or bored out of their minds. For VIPaws founder Justin Gastwirth, that realization came at the end of long days in a demanding sales job — when he would come home to his own dogs pacing, restless, and still bursting with energy.

“I’ve always believed dogs deserve more than being cooped up all day while their owners work,” he says. “Las Vegas had daycares, but none that provided structured outdoor experiences. I wanted to create something that gave dogs freedom, stimulation, and a routine that supports both physical and emotional well-being.”

That goal — freedom with structure, activity with intention — is at the heart of everything VIPaws does. And it’s what sets them apart not only from other local providers, but from most dog daycares across the country.

“VIPaws was built for the dogs who crave freedom, fun, and fresh air. Not four walls and a concrete floor.”

What Makes VIPaws Vegas Different

VIPaws Vegas is fully mobile, meaning they come to you. Dogs are picked up early in the day in clean, climate-controlled vans designed for comfort and safety. But the real difference begins once they arrive at the day’s destination — whether that’s a shaded park, a nature trail, or a safe open space for structured play. Groups are intentionally small — typically just six or seven dogs per outing — which allows for close supervision, meaningful interaction, and plenty of individual attention.

The dogs don’t just run around aimlessly. Every outing includes enrichment activities like scent games, trail walks, obstacle challenges, and guided socialization that encourages calm, confident behavior. Handlers build real relationships with each dog in their care, learning personalities, sensitivities, and what kind of play style works best.

“We’re not a warehouse. We’re your dog’s favorite part of the week.”

And that’s not just a slogan — it’s a promise that plays out every time a dog hops into the van, tail thumping in anticipation of the day ahead.

A Mission Rooted in Joy, Structure, and Community

VIPaws isn’t just about better daycare. It’s about redefining what enrichment means in the modern pet world. The team believes that tired doesn’t equal fulfilled — and that every dog, no matter their age or background, deserves a routine that nurtures both their body and their spirit.

“Our dogs go home tired, fulfilled, and more balanced than ever. That’s the VIPack difference.”

That sense of balance extends to how the business sees its role in the larger Las Vegas pet community. VIPaws is creating new jobs for experienced handlers who are passionate about outdoor care and canine safety. Through social media and in-person interactions, they also help educate pet parents on everything from pack structure and behavior to weather safety during the city’s scorching summers.

And their presence in public spaces is having ripple effects — when Las Vegas locals see calm, confident dogs out in organized pack settings, it sparks curiosity. It opens up conversations. It raises the bar for what dog care can be.

“Every day is an adventure. We’re not just exercising dogs. We’re enriching lives, one tail wag at a time.”

Looking Ahead

The long-term vision for VIPaws goes well beyond just daily adventures. Plans are already in place for a VIPaws Therapy Days program, which will bring well-socialized dogs to senior centers and schools for visits, free of charge. The team also hopes to offer structured volunteer opportunities, especially for under-socialized or reactive dogs who need a safe entry point into group play.

They’ve even started fielding interest from out-of-towners — part-time residents and travelers who want short-term pack care while staying in Vegas. Flexible visitor packages may be coming soon, adding a tourism component to a service that’s already deeply rooted in the local community.

In the meantime, the focus remains clear: small groups, structured care, and a joyful experience that puts the dog first.