Choosing a daycare for your dog is a big decision. You want to make sure your furry friend is in good hands, getting the attention and care they deserve while you’re away. Whether you’re traveling, working long hours, or just need a break, a quality dog daycare can offer your dog the exercise, fun, and social time they need.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you should consider when picking the right daycare for your pup. From important factors to look out for to tips on making the best choice, this guide will help you feel confident in your decision.
Why Should You Choose Dog Daycare?
Before we dive into how to choose the right daycare, let’s talk about why dog daycare is a great option for both you and your dog. It can offer benefits that go beyond just a place to leave your dog for the day. Here’s why dog daycare can be a game changer for you and your furry friend:
- Socialization: If your dog spends a lot of time alone, daycare is a great chance for them to meet and play with other dogs. This helps them be more relaxed and less anxious around new friends. Plus, socializing helps them learn better behavior around other animals.
- Mental and Physical Stimulation: A good daycare doesn’t just give your dog a place to stay—they get to play, exercise, and enjoy activities that keep their minds active. This helps prevent them from getting bored and acting out when left alone at home.
- Safety and Supervision: When you’re not home, daycare keeps your dog safe. The staff makes sure everyone behaves and that your dog is looked after properly. You won’t have to worry about accidents, especially if your dog has specific behavioral needs.
- Convenience: If you’re always busy, daycare offers peace of mind. Some places even offer overnight stays, so you don’t have to worry if you’re running late or need to travel for a few days.
- Specialized Care: Some daycare centers offer services for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with medical needs, making sure your pet’s unique situation is handled with care. If your dog has any special needs or needs extra attention, this can be an important feature to look for.
Now that we know why dog daycare is a good option, let’s look at the key things to think about when choosing one.
Things to Look for When Choosing a Dog Daycare
1. Location and Convenience
First things first—how close is the daycare? Ideally, you want one near your home or workplace. This makes pick-up and drop-off easier, and your dog won’t get stressed from a long car ride.
If you’re planning to use daycare regularly, think about the hours too. Some places stay open late or even offer overnight stays, which can be helpful if your schedule is unpredictable. It’s important to pick a place that works with your lifestyle, especially if you have a busy day-to-day routine.
Also, ask about the facility’s emergency pickup options. What happens if you’re running late or stuck in traffic? Some daycares are flexible about late pickups or offer emergency services in case you need them. It’s a good idea to ask about this when you’re considering a daycare.
2. Reputation and Reviews
The best way to figure out if a daycare is good is to check out what other people say. Look for reviews on Google, Yelp, or the daycare’s social media. Reading about other pet parents’ experiences can tell you a lot about what to expect.
Look for reviews that mention the staff, cleanliness, and activities offered. See what other dog owners are saying about the daycare’s overall atmosphere. But don’t just go by online reviews—make sure to ask friends, family, or even your vet for recommendations. Personal feedback can be really helpful!
If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to visit the daycare before signing up. You can often get a good feel for the place just by seeing it in person. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to keep looking.
3. Staff Training and Certification
You want to make sure the staff at the daycare knows what they’re doing. Look for daycare centers where staff members are trained in dog behavior and handling. Certifications from groups like the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) or the American Kennel Club (AKC) are a good sign.
A well-trained staff ensures that your dog gets the best care possible. They will know how to handle different personalities, calm a nervous dog, and even deal with emergencies if needed. You don’t want to leave your dog with people who don’t understand dog behavior or how to handle problems.
It’s also important to check if the staff knows pet first aid and CPR—just in case of emergencies. Accidents can happen, and it’s important that staff members are prepared to act fast if something goes wrong. A smaller staff-to-dog ratio is best, so your dog gets the attention they deserve. Some daycares even offer one-on-one playtime, which can be great for dogs that need special care.
4. Facilities and Environment
The place where your dog stays matters a lot. A good daycare should have clean, safe, and spacious areas for dogs to play and relax.
- Indoor Play Areas: These should be well-ventilated and safe, with non-slip floors that are easy to clean. Cleanliness is key to preventing the spread of germs or parasites, so make sure they maintain a sanitary environment.
- Outdoor Play Areas: If your dog enjoys being outside, look for a daycare with a secure, fenced yard. Your dog should have enough space to run and play. Check for tall fences that are secure and high enough to prevent escape.
- Dog Separation by Size and Temperament: Many daycare centers separate dogs by size or temperament. This helps keep everyone safe and happy, especially if your dog is smaller or more laid back. It also ensures that energetic dogs don’t overwhelm the more timid ones.
- Safety Features: Make sure there are secure fences, locked gates, and surveillance cameras. It’s also a good idea to ask about their emergency plan. A good daycare should have procedures in place for any situation, including medical emergencies.
5. Playtime and Activities
Daycare shouldn’t just be about giving your dog a place to stay—it should also offer fun activities to keep them entertained. Ask about the kinds of activities they provide. Some daycares have agility courses, tug-of-war games, or playgroups. Others may offer obedience training or enrichment activities to keep dogs mentally engaged.
Some daycare centers even provide additional services like dog yoga or massage therapy to promote relaxation and well-being. If your dog has special needs, ask if they can provide tailored activities. For example, if your dog is older or less active, the daycare might offer calm indoor play or quiet time.
Having a variety of activities can help prevent your dog from getting bored or acting out. Ask if the daycare allows dogs to roam freely, or if they have scheduled playtimes and rest periods throughout the day.
6. Health and Safety Protocols
Health and safety are non-negotiable when it comes to daycare. Ensure that the daycare has strict vaccination requirements for all dogs. This should include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella (kennel cough). It’s important that all dogs are protected from contagious diseases, especially since daycare can expose them to a variety of other pets.
Ask about their flea and tick prevention protocols and how they handle illness or injuries. Does the daycare have a vet on call in case something happens? If a dog gets sick or injured, what are their next steps?
It’s also a good idea to check how the daycare disinfects the facility. Regular cleaning and sanitizing can help prevent the spread of germs and parasites.
7. Cost and Value
The price of daycare can vary, so make sure you understand what you’re getting for the cost. It’s tempting to pick the cheapest option, but quality matters too. Ask about pricing details—some daycares offer packages or discounts for multiple visits, while others charge per day. Some may even have loyalty programs or discounts for longer stays.
While it’s important to keep your budget in mind, don’t sacrifice quality for cost. Cheaper daycares might cut corners when it comes to staff training, cleanliness, or activities. You want to ensure that you’re getting good value for your money, so take time to compare different daycares.
8. Trial Period
Before signing up for long-term daycare, ask if you can do a trial period. Many daycares offer a day or week to see how your dog adjusts to the place. This gives you a chance to watch how they behave, how the staff handles them, and if they’re comfortable there.
During the trial, notice how your dog reacts. Are they excited to go, or do they seem anxious? Do they play well with other dogs? Does the staff seem caring and attentive? This is your chance to see if the daycare meets your expectations.
9. Pet Insurance and Liability Coverage
While it’s rare, accidents can happen. That’s why it’s important to ask if the daycare has liability insurance and pet insurance. This ensures that any medical expenses from accidents or illnesses are covered.
Even the best daycares take precautions, but it’s always good to know they’re prepared for emergencies. It’s a good idea to ask for proof of insurance and confirm the details, so you’re not left with unexpected costs.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right daycare for your dog takes time and research, but it’s worth it. By thinking about things like location, reputation, staff qualifications, facilities, and activities, you can find a daycare that works for both you and your dog.
So whether you’re a first-time dog owner or you’ve had pets for years, use this guide as a checklist to help you choose the perfect daycare for your dog’s needs. Taking the time to find the right place ensures your dog is in good hands—and that you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re well taken care of
