It used to be that the dogs curled up in the corner on their bed or on the sofa when you went out the door to work. They lounged patiently (hopefully!) throughout the day, taking time to get a nice cool drink and enjoy a snack or two. Thoroughly rested, they were grateful to greet their family members as they returned home from their day at the office or at school. Rested and full of energy, a dog could certainly test a person who has had a bad day and wants nothing more than to relax in the comfort of their home.
As Bob Dylan once belted out in song, “The times, they are a changin’.” Today, there are many options available to pet owners who do not want to leave their furry charges home alone. One option that is becoming very popular is sending Fido off to a doggie day care center.
While dog day care centers may seem like an answer to all of your prayers, it is very important to realize that all pet centers are not created equal. It is your responsibility as the dog’s owner to shop around for the best day care center you can find. Here are a few helpful hints to help you choose one that is best for your canine friend.
If you have no idea about any of the dog day care centers in your area, you may want to start your search by talking to your pet’s veterinarian. The staff at the doctor’s office can make recommendations based on the experiences of many of their clients.
Another source of valuable information concerning dog day care centers is the owners of other dogs. Gather as much information from them as possible so you can narrow down your search of dog day care centers.
Those who work in doggie grooming businesses are also a good source of information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get other dog owner’s opinions.
Once you have narrowed down your search, it is time to tour the dog day care facility. You need to see what the facility has to offer. Are the kennels clean? Is there an exercise area? What are their hours? How large is the staff? How well do staff members interact with dogs?
If you really want to know the truth about a dog day care center, don’t announce your visit. Drop in without an appointment and see how willing the staff is to take you back “behind the scenes.”
Look to ensure that the facility is clean and well maintained. Observe the dogs that are there. Again, watch closely to see how the staff interacts with the dog clients. You want to choose a center that has adequate staff to deal with the canines in their charge.
There is no such thing as asking too many questions when it comes to choosing a place for your canine family member. Do not be afraid to ask about the ratio of staff to dogs. You need to know how the center’s staff screens dogs for aggressive tendencies. Find out how they handle dog fights if they occur. It is important to know how the dogs are supervised – especially when interacting with each other. The last thing you want is to pick Fido up only to find that he is coming home with battle scars.
Don’t be intimidated about asking to see staff credentials, kennel and play areas. Ask about the daily routine of a dog that comes to the day care center. Will your dog spend his or her day in a kennel or will there be play time? If so, how much time will your dog spend engaged in exercise and playful activities? A dog that is used to roaming the whole house is not going to be happy spending his or her day in a cage. You certainly don’t want to pay to stress your dog!
It is important to know the dog day care center’s hours. How many hours per day is the center staffed? What happens if you run late when picking up your dog?
Find out how the dogs are separated. Will Fido be playing with dogs his own size or will he be with dogs of all sizes? A tea cup poodle may find a St. Bernard to be a bit intimidating!
Learn about feeding times. Are they fed in a group or individually? Do you need to supply your own food dishes? Does the center prefer that you bring your own food?
Does the doggie day care center require proof of vaccinations? If they don’t, continue your search for another facility. It is important to know that the dogs your pet is exposed to are vaccinated.
Find out if your dog is allowed to take his or her own bed and toys to the day care center. A nervous dog can benefit from having his or her own things around them at a day care center.
Find out what emergency measures the pet center has in place. Do they have a staff veterinarian or do they prefer to use the dog’s personal vet?
Some dog day care centers have webcams that allow pet owners to check in on their dogs throughout the day to see how they are doing.
Once you’ve asked the gambit of questions, it is time to narrow the search. Choose the centers that you think best fulfill your dog’s needs. Now it is time to schedule a visit for your dog.
Reputable dog day care centers will want to screen your dog before taking him or her on as a client. If everyone is agreeable, schedule a trial run to see how Fido responds to the new surroundings. Watch closely when you return for the dog. Monitor his or her reactions. If you see any signs of stress, you may want to move on to try another facility. If your dog seems happy, you may have just found a win-win situation that will keep Fido happy while you can’t be by his side.
Related posts:
- Choosing a Reputable Dog Kennel
- Choosing a Puppy Name
- Choosing a Name for Your Puppy
- Choosing a Name for Your New Puppy
- Choosing Toys That Are Safe For Your Puppy
