Finding a reputable and trustworthy dog daycare center is not always easy. A recent survey shows that more than 80% of those returning to the office are strongly considering these facilities for their favorite pet.
There are many factors that you need to consider when looking for a nice place for your dog, including the area of the facility, price range, staff knowledge and experience, and accessibility to amenities like parks and restaurants.
In this article, we cover some of these important considerations that will help you find your perfect spot for your furry friends.
It’s important to first decide what type of care you need your pet to receive before finding the appropriate daycare center. Some owners choose a home-based daycare where they can watch their pet while they’re at work or school, while others would prefer a boarding service that will take care of their pet when they’re out of town.
There are also pet-friendly hotels that offer daycare services for dogs and you can also choose an in-home service that provides 24/7 emergency support and advice
Because it’s one of the most popular choices, let’s look at the daycare center option in more detail.
To find the perfect dog daycare center, you should consider the following factors:
– Cost of care
– Location
– Services provided
– Staff experience and training
Cost of care
Rates will vary a lot throughout America, but the average cost to board a dog for a full day is about $25 to $50 per day, per dog. For a half-day, it’s about $15-$30 per day.
How do I find a dog daycare location?
1 – For those of you who want to find a dog daycare location that is close to the home, you can start by asking other dog-loving neighbors for recommendations.
2 – You can search “dog daycare near me” on Google and dive deep into the reviews. Look for 4 stars minimum with as many positive appraisals as possible.
3 – If you know what kind of style you are looking for, there are also companies like DogVacay which allow people to connect with other pet owners or dog sitters near them who offer boarding for pets within their company.
4 – Local Facebook groups for pet-loving communities can be a great source of recommendations too.
What services are provided in a dog daycare?
Dog daycare services include:
- Socialization
- Exercise
- Training
- Playing games
- Giving enrichment to stimulate the animal’s mind.
Highly reputable companies like Puparazzila.com will offer your dogs a private suite with their own private bed. Other services from them include photo updates throughout the day and the ability to see your dog virtually on their Puppy Peek Cams.
Dog daycare services offer a range of facilities that serve different needs and requirements of dogs and owners alike. In a good dog daycare center, there is always someone there to make sure that your dog is getting the care that they need. This gives you added security knowing your dog is in good hands while you travel or work.
Staff experience and training
The care must be at the highest standard to ensure the health of the dogs and to make it a great experience for them and peace of mind for you.
When checking staff’s experience and training in dog daycares, it’s important to:
- Take a tour of the facility, either virtually online through their webcam or in person. This will give you a better feel for the facilities.
- Ask them about their ratio of staff to dogs. There should be a minimum of one staff to every 15 dogs, but ideally, you’d like to see a ratio of one staff member for every 10 dogs.
- Ask them how many dogs are in each group.
- Ask them if dogs are separated by size.
- Does the dog daycare center have certification? Not all will, but ask them if they are certified with the Professional Animal Care Certification Council
Other important questions to ask your dog daycare center
Vaccination requirements for dogs that attend
One of the first things the staff should ask you about is the list of vaccinations your dog has. Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus), and Bordetella are the major ones a responsible daycare center should be looking for.
Spay and neuter requirements
Some doggy daycare centers have a requirement of 6 months to 1 year for spaying or neutering dogs that attend their playgroups.
Pet owners who want to make sure that their dogs are being taken care of might look into having them spayed or neutered before they bring them to a daycare. The spay and neuter requirements for pets vary depending on the size, age, and breed of the dog. Before you bring your pet to a daycare, you should ask the center if it has spay and neuter rules.
Fencing and double doors
A good, reputable daycare center will have fencing and double doors to prevent your dog from wandering off.
The fences should ideally be at least 6 feet tall and the double doors will prevent any “door dashing” outdoors by your dog.
Conclusion
For those owners who cannot afford an expensive boarding service or cannot take their pets with them on vacation or to work, a daycare can provide an excellent option. Dog daycare is an increasingly popular service that many people choose for their pets. There are different kinds of dog daycares, with each one offering something different.
Some focus on socialization, others on exercise and training, and others on playing and care.
The tips above will help you choose a great one for your dog, so while you travel and work you’ll know they’re in safe hands
