Finding the right daytime home for your fur baby can be stressful. We Get it. You want to make sure your pup is well treated, gets along with other dogs, and can play throughout the day. But how do you make sure you are sending them to the right place?
Fortunately, we are here to help. There are five important factors you should consider to find the doggy daycare of your dreams.
1. Take a Tour.
Starting with the basics, you should stop in for a tour. That way you can survey the environment your four-legged friend will spend their day. Is it clean? Do the other dogs seem happy? Is it safe?
Pay particular attention to fences and kennels. Look for a facility that puts boards up along the chain-link fences or uses wooden fences. This will diminish the likelihood of dogs trying to fight with others through the fence.
2.Grouping or Separation Methods
Following the aggression problem, you will want to ask questions about how the dogs are grouped or separated. Even if your dog is the perfect pupper angel (and we’re sure they are), other dogs can be bullies. Before you decide on a doggy daycare, you will want to know how the caretakers will be setting up groups.
At a large facility, there are often multiple playrooms and the placement of your pup will depend on several factors. These factors can include size, temperament, and energy will be considered when placing dogs together.
3. Ask About Training Programs
Even if your dog is already trained, the occasional class will improve their behavior at home as well as keep them busy at daycare. Training classes ensure that your pup is getting some love and attention as well as reinforcing good behavior.
If you have a puppy, a trainer is a no-brainer. Training a puppy on your own can be stressful and inconsistent, but having a trainer will keep your little tail-wagger respectful.
4. Ask About Boarding
A daycare that can also cover your boarding needs is crucial. Apart from the obvious convenience for you, it helps diminish stress for your dog to be in a familiar setting while you're gone. Even if you don’t plan on traveling, it is a good backup plan for the curve balls life can throw at you. If you never use it that’s fine, but it’s a good idea to have a contingency plan.
5.Vaccination Requirements
Due to the close proximity of dogs in the daycare environment, illnesses can spread quickly if dogs aren’t vaccinated. If you are in favor of vaccinations, this is something you will want to check before making your decision. Ask is there is a vaccination requirement and what kind of proof is needed for rabies, DHPP, canine influenza, and kennel cough.
It is important to keep in mind that even with vaccinations, your dog can still catch an illness from other dogs. However, if your dog is already vaccinated the effects are significantly diminished. Talk to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Have you found doggy daycare success? Feel free to share your stories in the comments or share a link to any doggy parents.