What to Do When Choosing a Dog Daycare Center

It has long been said that dogs are man's best friend. Whether you believe this or not, one fact is definitely true: your dog depends on you to care for him properly and ensure his safety. If you are away all day, enrolling your pet in "doggy day care" will give him a chance to play, socialize and exercise while keeping him from being bored alone at home. Fees and services will vary from center to center, and there are a few things you should consider carefully before entrusting your dog to another's care.

  1. Get Referrals

    • Get referrals from your veterinarian, friends with pets and even the local humane society. They can tell you which centers have a reputation for taking good care of pets, having the best facilities and activities and providing appropriate attention and interaction. Use this information to narrow down your choices, and then plan to contact each center individually.

    Ask Questions

    • Call each of the centers that you're considering and ask questions. Make sure that the dogs get supervised playtime each day as well as quiet time so your pet can relax. Ask what types of activities are available for the dogs as well as what types of services the center provides to owners. In many cases, there are professional trainers, groomers and veterinarians on site, so for an additional fee, you can do things like enroll your dog in an obedience course, make an appointment for him to get a bath and trim or get him a checkup and booster shots during his daily stay at the center. Many daycare centers also offer overnight kenneling services. Ask about daily fees plus extra fees for the additional services that the center offers. Inquire about drop-off and pick-up times as well as any fees associated with picking up your pet late. Use the information you get from your phone calls to further narrow down your list of potential choices.

      It's also important to note that dogs enrolled in daycare are carefully screened for health issues. Ask each center that you're investigating what type of vaccinations are required for your dog and how your dog's health will be looked after. Many centers will do physical checks of the dogs each day to guarantee their health and well-being.

    Make Visits

    • Before making your final decision on a dog daycare center, plan to visit each center that you're considering. Make appointments to meet with the staff and tour each facility. Check to make sure that the areas are clean and the animals look happy. Ask if you can bring your dog along with you, or if there is an assessment during which your dog is met by the staff and closely observed during her interactions with the other animals. This assessment not only provides security for you, knowing that your pet is safe and that the staff will handle your friend with care and consideration, but also assures the staff that your dog can behave properly around strangers and other dogs. Your pooch should be placed in a playgroup with other dogs where she will be comfortable and eager to participate.

      Carefully review any rules and regulations that the center may have and make sure that each of these are detailed in writing so you can be confident of the care your pet will receive.