What makes a good doggie daycare?

Doggie Day Care can be a lifesaver for pet owners who work all day or just can't keep up with their dog's endless energy levels. It is also a social club for pooches. If you are thinking about sending your dog to daycare here are some things to consider:

Your Dog's Health Should Be A Top Priority.

Any good daycare will have protocols in place to help keep your pet from contracting diseases. In addition to the basic vaccinations, what protocols does the facility have for contagious diseases like kennel cough, influenza, and giardia? After 20 years of running a boarding and daycare facility, Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital knows first hand the importance of PREVENTING outbreaks. But pet owners need to understand, even with the most strict health protocols in place, your pet may still end up with the sniffles or a stomach bug. Doggie Daycare is just like child daycare, not every bacteria or virus can be eradicated.

Proper Supervision

When multiple dogs play together, they need to be properly supervised. A good doggy daycare should always have at least one or two staff members on duty in each play area to intervene if necessary. Even well-socialized dogs will disagree with each other, and trained staff should be on duty to break up disputes. Having a veterinarian steps away is extremely reassuring in these cases.

Dog Screening Process

Dogs playing together should get along. Make sure the daycare you are looking at has a proper "screening" process in place. Find out what they do to initiate a dog into a group. Most reputable programs will have a method in place to interview your dog before he/she is placed with a group of dogs that have never socialized together. These evaluations are designed to keep everyone safe from potentially aggressive encounters.

Safety Provisions

Any daycare you choose for your dog should be safe, secure, and comfortable. Fences must be tall enough that even the most determined dog cannot climb or jump over. Small and large dogs should have separate play areas and should not be kept together.

Indoor facilities should provide outdoor opportunities for pets to relieve themselves. Water in clean bowls should be available at all times. Outside spaces need covered areas with shade to keep dogs cool on hot days, while indoor spaces should have fans or air conditioning running during warm weather and should be adequately heated in cold weather.

Cleanliness

The facility should be clean and have minimal odor. Although hair and slobber are excusable in any place with frequent four-legged visitors, pet accidents should promptly be taken care of and there should be a general "cleanliness" in the facility.

Available Activities

A good pet daycare will offer enrichment programs that vary weekly or monthly. This will ensure your dog doesn't get bored. Look for playground equipment, pools, balls, and other safe toys that will keep your pet active during his/her stay.