Choosing Doggie Daycare


We love the idea of daycare facilities for our dog pals -- romping and playing with other dogs instead of pining at home for a hard-working owner to return.

In fact, we often recommend that dog guardians use daycare.  However, one must use common sense and caution when leaving your pooch in someone else’s hands.

Here are a few tips when vetting your daycare facility:

  • Is it clean?  There should be little odor of waste.  Because parasites and such can be passed through feces and urine, clean-up and disinfection should be a priority.

  • Is the reception desk staff organized and friendly?  Since these employees usually schedule everything, they must have their act together.

  • Ratio of employees to number of dogs should be about 1 employee per 5 -7 dogs.  One employee monitoring 10 or more dogs can be a recipe for disaster.

  • Do they schedule intermittent “down time”?  All play and no rest makes for a dog who doesn’t know how to turn “off”.

  • Are the crates or dog runs in good and safe working condition?  No broken or rusted wires?  Slip-proof flooring?

  • Is there a plan for veterinary or emergency care?  Accidents happen and must be planned for.

  • Are female dogs not allowed to attend during estrus?  This is a good thing.

  • Is each dog “interviewed” for good behavior towards other dogs and people?

  • Are dogs who fight/injure other dogs or people excused and not allowed to return?

  • If the center offers a pick up service, how are the dogs confined?  Are the dogs loose in a van or safely enclosed in secured crates?

  • Is the center properly insured and bonded?  Does it have the required business license?

  • Is there an age limit?  Dog daycares are not appropriate for most pups under 6 months old.

  • Does the center appropriately match playgroups?  Smaller and shy dogs in a group separate from bigger or more rowdy dogs.
  • Does the center require proof of proper inoculations or titers?

 
These are a just a few basic but important considerations before you hand your leash to a daycare employee.

For more Pet Tips click here.