Dog owners who don't want to leave their pets at home or in the car during work, hair appointments or trips to the gym might want to consider a new option: Coastal Canine Daycare.

The business opened on Monday and is offering dog daycare services. The owners are Karen Welch and her daughter Melissa Jones, who have been working to open Coastal Canine Daycare for the past year. Starting a dog daycare has been a long-time dream for Welch.

"I've always wanted to do it," Welch said. "My husband said, 'You need to either do it or you need to stop talking about it.'"

The daycare is taking dogs from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with no reservations needed. The first half day is free so the dog can get to know the facility and see if it's the right fit for them, and the building can accommodate 30 pups.

The daycare won't be open for overnights, weekends or holidays, as it's more for pet care during shopping trips or work during the day.

"It's safer for the dog and for your stuff" than leaving them at home or in the car, Welch said, since dogs can get injured, eat something they shouldn't or cause damage when left alone.

The dogs will be supervised at all times, Jones said. There will be one staff member per 10 dogs. Jones and Welch are both dog CPR and first aid certified.

"Safety is the most important thing," Jones said. "Someone will always be playing with the dogs."

The dogs will be kept busy with toys, beds, a fenced-in yard, beds and blankets. They'll be separated into one of three large rooms in the daycare building based on size and temperament. Welch said her goal is to send dogs home at the end of the day tired from playing all day.

Welch said she hopes to expand in the future with dog walking, dog trainers and immunization clinics, but on opening day she was excited to see her dream become a reality.

"It's really exciting to do something that you really love and makes you excited to wake up in the morning," Welch said.

Coastal Canine Daycare is located at 2667A Cranberry Highway. For more information, email coastalcaninewareham@gmail.com or find the daycare on Facebook.