I’m Ryan, a seasoned certified dog trainer with many years of experience. In this post, I will walk you through what to look for from Safety to how they are run and set up and how it is needed and so important to have daycare. Ensuring your dog enjoys every minute while you’re away.
Why Dog Daycare Matters
- A dog just needs to be a dog: Just like kids need school and sports, hobbies etc. So do dogs. They need a place to jump, run, bite. But in a proper way and with other dogs that behave and like the same behaviour, otherwise they will behave that way with us. And humans don’t like jumping and biting. That’s how dogs play and young dogs just want to play all the time. And maybe your older dog as well, I have lots of clients that take their senior dog to daycare once in a while.
- Socialization: Dogs need to meet and play with new strange humans and dogs. Having 5 friends with dogs and playing with them is not socialization, those are just relationships. With daycare they are always meeting new humans and dogs. This helps with fear issues like aggression.
Key Factors to Consider
A properly run daycare will have different groups to put dogs into when looking after them. Puppies 12 months and under need to be in a different group and a smaller group as well because it is harder for staff to watch them. Puppies do different play styles and it these play styles are bad manners to dogs that are over 12 months of age. You also have high energy dogs and old soul low energy dogs and should be in their own group. Same goes for small dogs and large breed dogs, we don’t want dogs getting hurt just because of the size difference. We also have to account for personality and temperament too, we always want dogs to succeed and thrive and just have a good happy day.
Safety and Cleanliness
safety is paramount. When visiting a daycare, check that:
- Hygiene is a Priority: The play areas, kennels, and common spaces should be regularly cleaned and well-maintained. Dogs have a incredible sense of smell and also hearing. If the smell and noise bothers you, you bet it hurts your dog more.
- Safety Protocols Are Clear: Look for secure fencing, controlled entry points, and clear emergency procedures. This is often overlooked by illegal daycares or poorly run business. Sometimes the daycare won’t let you in to see the environment, if they won’t let you check out the area off hours this maybe a red flag.
The people taking care of your dog at the daycare make all the difference:
- Credentials and Experience: Ask about staff training, certifications, and their background in dog care. Dog body language and how to stop fights and attacks. How do they correct bad behaviour and other training like Dog first aid and dog first aid kits.
Facility and Environment and Outside Environment
The physical space is just as important as the people:
- Well-Designed Areas: Look for a balance between indoor and outdoor spaces dog need both. This allows dogs to have structured play and safe rest zones. They also need spaces for timeouts and to escape cold, heat or rain. Some urban dog daycares, especially in big cities don’t have the option for outside areas. Higher rent usually means smaller space and more cement areas rather than grass. If you have to drive a bit further or maybe make a change from dog daycare near your work to your home or vice versa would help. The more cement areas, the more your dog is fatigued from running on cement to problems with muscles ands joints to more spangs and broken bones. Grass and dirt is the best for dogs, it reduces smell and noise too.
Programs and Activities
Some dog daycares offer dog training, grooming, agility and dog outdoor adventures to the beach mountains etc. Check these out, the more your dog gets the more enriched their life and behaviour is.
Location and Convenience
Practicality matters:
- Ease of Access: A daycare close to your home or workplace simplifies your routine, making it easier to manage drop-offs and pick-ups. Also keep in mid that if you find one with Boarding it’s a bonus. Sooner or later, you will have to go away and not be able to take your dog. This way you dog knows the location, staff and dogs, and is not stressed.
- Local Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for local recommendations. The term “dog daycare near me” often returns options that are well-known in your community. Dig deep online and check things out, keep in mind that the dog daycare has changed owners and may still have the same name and reviews.
Pricing and Flexibility
Finally, consider the cost and available options:
- Transparent Pricing: Ensure you understand the fee structure and what services are included. There should be no hidden costs.
- Flexible Options: Many daycares offer full-day, half-day, or even drop-in services. Choose a plan that aligns with your schedule and your dog’s needs. Keep in mind the more days the dog is there, the better it will be able to behave.
Personal Insights from My Experience
Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how the right dog day can reduce problems in a major way. The same goes for a bad daycare. A bad daycare can cause the dog major set backs and may cost money to now fix a problem they created. I have seen abusive daycares and daycares that just lock up your dog and charge you money. You don’t know because you are not allowed to just drop in or allowed in the area, they bring the dog to you.
How to Evaluate a Daycare During a Visit
Before making a decision, plan a visit the daycare in action:
- Attend a Tour: Schedule a visit during active hours. Watch how the staff interacts with the dogs and note the overall atmosphere.
- Ask Detailed Questions: Inquire about daily routines, emergency protocols, and how they handle conflicts among dogs.
- Check for Certifications: Look for industry certifications or memberships in pet care organizations, as these often reflect a commitment to quality.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the right dog daycare is a decision that can have a lasting impact on your pet’s quality of life. By focusing on safety, quality of staff, facility conditions, program variety, convenience, and pricing, you can make an informed choice that benefits both you and your dog. When searching for “dog daycare near me” or “doggy daycare near me,” remember to use local reviews and personal visits as part of your decision-making process. Check out the BBB for past claims and reports about this business.
I hope this guide gives you a clear roadmap to finding a daycare that feels right for your pet. If you have any questions or need more personalized advice, feel free to reach out. And if you’re interested in other aspects dog training click here, or check out related posts.
