Dog Escape is a casual pet rescue game similar to the popular Cat Escape game. It features play elements from hide-and-seek and maze games. The player directs a dog through rooms in a building in as many sneaky and stealthy ways as possible.
On each level, the game displays an angled, top-down view of a building, such as an apartment complex, an office or a museum. The player must direct the dog through wooden doors and rooms past guards holding nets and flashlights to reach green exit doors. If the dog touches any part of the guard's body, net or light, the player must replay the level.
The guards move at different speeds. That said, they often fall asleep or turn their backs. Other obstacles include multiple guards moving at different speeds, energy and rope barriers, and solid walls. The player directs the dog to use nearby tools to complete a run, such as electrical buttons, floating superfood and open wardrobes.
Dog Escape has several side games. The player can collect floating stars. They can also rescue puppies. They then regularly clean, feed and pet rescued animals. They collect pet food in some rooms or buy it with gold coins they earn at the end of each level. They can double their coins by watching advertisements.
The player can upgrade the dog's looks and running trails with coins as well via mystery items in the shop. The game also allows them to randomly try out upgrades after some levels.