Critical Steps to Choose the Best Doggy Daycare for Your Dog
Choosing the right daycare for your beloved canine is a crucial decision that can improve their well-being and social skills while giving you peace of mind. 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. Below we have some great tips on the necessary steps to consider when deciding on a doggy 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. Once you have a list of potential dog daycare facilities, it is time to scrutinize each one's website, policies, and standard operating procedures. Ensure that you read their rules regarding regulations, feeding guidelines, and other services they offer. Make sure that you are feeling comfortable and can agree with how the daycare is run. Additionally, check to see if the daycare facility is licensed, insured, and compliant with all local pet regulations. 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 languag 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.
After assessing all the critical steps and deciding on which dog daycare facilities provide the best services, verify their availability and cost. Review the daycare's policies, such as hours of operation, holidays, and weekend schedules, to ensure it aligns with your requirements. Additionally, check the cost of care, including the weekly rate, as well as any on-spot or post-care services they may offer. Take note of their billing policies, payment methods, and whether they offer discounts or packages for extended stays.
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. Ensure you conduct thorough research, tour the facility, evaluate staff qualifications, check disciplinary procedures, evaluate the exercise and socialization programs, and assess cost and availability before deciding on a facility. With proper research and careful evaluation, you can find the best doggy daycare for your beloved canine companion.