FAQ
about choosing a dog daycare
The
Dog Daycare
Q.
What exactly is dog day care?
Dog daycare works much like a daycare center for children. In
the morning, you drop your barking buddy off at the daycare center
and then pick him or her up later in the day. During your dog's
stay at daycare, he or she will be able to socialize with people
and other dogs. Many dog daycares also offer other services such
as taxi services, pet sitting, grooming, etc.
Q.
What are the benefits of taking my dog to dog daycare?
There are many! Dogs are social animals and benefit from being
able to interact other dogs. They'll learn to get along with others,
get some great exercise, and just have some good old fashioned
fun! It also eases your mind knowing your dog is being entertained
in a healthy way while you're gone rather than redecorating your
living room!
Q.
Are the dogs indoors or out most of the time?
Many dog daycares are primarily indoors; many have play areas
outside as well. If the dogs are outside most of the time, ask
if there is adequate shelter in case of bad weather.
Q.
How secure are the play areas?
If they are fenced, the fencing should be high enough to prevent
jumping and low enough to the ground to deter diggers.
Q.
Is there a double gate for entering the play area?
This ensures that little Houdini, the escape artist can be caught
should he slip through the gate as someone is entering or leaving
the play area.
Q.
Do they have separate areas for different sized dogs?
Although your
little maltese and great dane may be best buddies at home, you
certainly wouldn't want your little guy to be in a play area full
of 80 pound dogs! The same goes for older dogs. Dogs do best when
they are around other dogs similar in size and energy level.
Q.
Do they have toys for them to play with?
Many daycares will have tug toys, balls, and toys they can climb
in and on. The idea is to keep Sugar occupied while she's there
and although she'll have other dogs to play with, toys and activities
are important as well.
Q.
Is the facility clean?
Ask how often and how thoroughly their daycare is cleaned and
whether there is an area specifically for the dogs to potty. Do
a sniff test and ask yourself if it smells clean enough for Spike
to spend the whole day there.
Q.
What is the dog per person ratio?
You want to be sure that there are enough people to adequately
supervise the dogs.
Q.
What type of experience to the employees have?
Ask if staff members undergo any training, and if so, what
it entails. Many daycare owners and employees are trained in dog
behavior, first aid, obedience training, agility, etc.
Q.
Do they have a time out area?
At times a dog may need to be separated from the others if the
play gets a bit too rough. Many daycares will also have scheduled
time out periods for everybody.
Q.
Do they have a veterinarian on call?
Hopefully they won't need to call on a vet very often, but
find out whether or not they have a one on call and what their
emergency procedure is.
Q.
How much does it cost?
Rates will vary throughout the country. Ask each daycare that
you talk with what their rates are and what their payment procedures
are.
About Your Dog
Q.
Will my dog need to be vaccinated?
Your dog must current on vaccinations such as rabies, DHLPP, Bordatella
(kennel cough). Most daycares will also require your dog to be
on some sort of flea control.
Q.
Must my dog be spayed or neutered?
For many valid reasons, many dog daycares will only allow dogs
that have been spayed or neutered. Non-altered dogs are generally
more aggressive and females in heat can cause tension and fights
between male dogs.
Q.
What sort of temperament will they look for in my dog?
Your dog must get along well with other dogs. Aggressive dogs
will generally not be accepted at dog daycare.
Q.
Will my dog go through any screening before being allowed
to attend dog daycare?
Your daycare should assess all dogs for temperament before they
join the other dogs. They will look for things such as aggressiveness,
shyness, etc. Dogs must be able to play nicely. They'll also want
to be sure your dog is in good health.
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