Finding a good local doggy daycare facility can be difficult. There are many factors to consider when deciding where your pup will be spending his days while you are at work. Since there are so many options, the process of finding the perfect one for your needs may seem daunting – but do not worry! This blog post has all the information you need to find a reputable dog daycare in your neighborhood that’s just right for you and your four-legged friend.
What is Doggie Daycare and Why Should You Consider It?
Doggie daycare is a place where your dog can stay during the day while you are at work. The staff provides care for dogs that live in the area and does not have someone who stays home with them.
Dog daycares should provide a safe, clean environment free of fleas and ticks and diseases that could make your dog ill.
You might be interested in a doggie daycare if you work long hours or have an unpredictable schedule. Doggie daycare can be a great way to socialize your pup with other dogs and people, so they are not stuck at home all day alone.
Why Might You Need to Find a New Doggie Daycare?
You may be thinking of finding a new dog daycare if the rates have gone up, if you are unhappy with your current provider’s overall service or if there is a change in location.
If you can’t find anything nearby that seems to fit what you’re looking for, it may be time to try and locate one outside of your area, so they don’t charge as much. Of course, sometimes it is better to pay more knowing your dog is close to home. Convenience can be expensive.
How Can I Find a Doggie Daycare in My Neighborhood?
Here are some easy ways to locate a doggie daycare in your neighborhood:
- Check local advertisements and flyers for dog daycare facilities in your area.
- Ask friends, family members or neighbors if they know of any places that offer doggie daycare services.
- Search online with a search engine like Google to find reviews on different types of dog daycares near you.
Dog daycares are far more common now than they were years ago, so as a dog owner, you should have an easy time finding one in your area.
Questions to Ask Before Signing up for a New Dog Daycare
Before signing up for a new dog daycare, you want to ensure the safety of your dog. So, there are some questions you will want to ask any facility you’re thinking of sending your pet to.
- What are the hours of operation for your facility? For a daycare that is not 24/hours, you may want to make sure they are open when you need them.
- How often do the dogs play and how are the playgroups organized? You want to ensure that there is enough time for play and that dogs are not vying against each other. The more organized the playgroups are, the better off your pet will be in terms of their safety.
- How do you control diseases? This should include both a plan for preventing disease (vaccinations) as well as a protocol for dealing with outbreaks.
- How many people work at your facility? We recommend at least one staff member for every ten dogs.
- What is the ratio of dog to human contact time? A good rule of thumb is that there should be no more than two humans interacting with each canine, though it’s better if this number is even less. Do you have a veterinarian on staff, or do you use a local office?
If your dog has special medical needs, be sure to ask about accommodations.
Tips on How to Make Your Current Dog Daycare Experience Better
Once you have found a dog daycare you and your pet like, there are ways to improve your experience overall.
First, we suggest feeding your dog before daycare. Then, be sure to give them a snack or meal and water when they get home. They are likely hungry and thirsty from all their playtime.
Second, ask your facility about off-leash time or walks in the neighborhood. Extra activities can go a long way in giving your dog much-needed socialization.
Lastly, if allowed, bring along toys and food for playtime at daycare. Your pup will enjoy having their own “toys” in addition to all the new friends they will make!