Critical Steps to Choose the Best Doggy Daycare for Your Dog
Written by Annika McDade
Choosing the right daycare for your pup is a crucial decision that can improve their well-being and social skills while giving you peace of mind. Enrolling your dog in a negligent daycare can be life-threatening and seriously impact your dog’s social skills - it is important to note that all daycares are not made equal!
While some people may think that all daycare facilities are equal, there are significant differences in the services offered, the facility structure, and the staff's qualifications. Your dog’s safety matters most, so doing your due diligence is recommended! Below we have some helpful tips on the necessary steps to consider when deciding on a dog daycare facility.
The first step in choosing the best daycare for your dog is to conduct thorough research. Ask for recommendations from your friends, family, and veterinarian. Look online, read reviews, and overall reputation sites for dog daycare facilities in your community. GOOGLE THEM!
Once you have a list of potential dog daycare facilities with good reviews and some referrals from people you trust - including professionals in the industry (hi… that’s me!), it is time to explore each one's website, policies, and standard operating procedures.
Ensure that you read their rules regarding whether dogs need to be spayed and neutered by a certain time, ages accepted, and veterinary requirements for enrolement.
RED FLAGS:
more than 6-8 dogs per person working
no conflict resolution procedure in case of dog fight
no qualifications or certificates regarding dog training, body language or pet first aid
no insurance
no scheduled rest or nap times
not 100% supervised
unlimited dogs
no double gates exit points to prevent stray dogs
no harnesses or safety equipment when dogs are walked
larger “pack walks” more than 6 dogs
large and small dogs in big groups mixed
no temperament testing
no “trail” days
no regulations regarding flea and tick treatment
no application form or documentation
no vet contact requested
no reports on how your dog did (they cannot give you details)
no cameras
a lot of shared toys in play spaces
no chance to use toilets outside
food on ground in pens
very very smelly
lack of dog management - only prioritizing “FUN” without managing over bearing dogs
excessive turn over and complete strangers taking your dog from you
Look for certifications and industry affiliations that show the daycare centre is monitored and held accountable for the care of the animals entrusted in their care.
Before enrolling your dog in a daycare facility, visit each one on your list for a tour. This is a vital step in evaluating the facility's cleanliness, safety protocols, and staffing. Ask to see the play areas, sleeping areas, and any outdoor or indoor spaces available. Be observant of the facilities, as it can give you an idea of how management puts a premium on a clean and sanitized environment. Ensure that the daycare facility provides adequate ventilation in their play area, as proper airflow is vital to your pet's health and comfort.
Check if they have play toys and equipment available, but also check whether they are safe, in good condition, and size-appropriate for your dog. As mentioned above, not all daycares are the same and you may find out that some are best suited for your dog than others.
The staff in a dog daycare facility, like trainers, should be certified and trained to handle dogs correctly and professionally. Ask about the staff's qualifications and training levels to ensure that your pet's well-being and safety are assured. Staff should be certified to provide emergency care procedures like pet first aid should there ever be an incident. It is also a good sign if the staff is trained in dog behavior and body language to ensure they can handle a diverse range of dog temperaments/personalities.
Dogs, like humans, have different personalities and often engage in various social behaviours. Before enrolling your dog in a daycare facility, inquire about the daycare's disciplinary procedures should your dog require it. A reputable daycare facility should have a set of disciplinary measures in place to address unacceptable behaviour in a humane and constructive manner. Inquire about how they handle minor behavioural issues like resource guarding. They should be transparent about how they handle incidents and provide updates as well as feedback to ensure you stay informed of any disciplinary measures taken.
Physical exercises and social activities are essential aspects of a doggy daycare that enable the dogs to remain mentally and physically stimulated. Daycare facilities differ in their routines, so it is crucial to verify the amount of exercise and social time offered during playtime. Ask about the schedule and duration of playtime, if they have separate playrooms for small and large dogs, and how they group their animals based on size, temperament, and play style. Ensure the staff's ratios are sufficient, so the dogs are under proper supervision, in a relaxed and engaging environment. A daycare facility that provides additional activities, such as agility courses, scent-training activities, or interactive puzzle toys, during playtime or downtime is also something to look into. These activities can help your pup relax, feel engaged and improve their cognitive development skills.
Remember, you get what you pay for.
Choosing the best dog daycare facility is a significant decision that can improve your dog’s well-being, provide much-needed socialization, and give you peace of mind when away from home.
Not all dogs are “daycare dogs”. It can be a very fun place, but it can also be a very overwhelming place for many, many dogs. If your dog comes home tired and happy, this is good information. If they come home exausted and unable to engage, they might be overwhelemd by the environment. Short durations of daycare might work best for your dog. A few hours here or there is better than daily for 8 hours. This is HIGHLY over stimulating for most dogs - remember to schedule in a rest day every other day if your dog attends often!
