How to Choose a Dog Daycare Center
Choosing a Dog Daycare
It’s a fact of life: dog parents have to work, and this means that sometimes they won’t be home with their dogs. If you don’t feel good about leaving your furry friend at home alone, a doggy daycare is a good option for making sure your dog has company, exercise, and care. It is important, though, to choose the right daycare center, to make sure your dog is given the proper attention and care. How can you make sure that the daycare you choose is the best one for your dog?
Set Up a Tour
The facilities might look good online, but there’s no substitute for seeing them in person. Tour the center to get an idea of how your dog’s day would be spent there, and ask plenty of questions along the way. Pay attention, noticing whether the center has good ventilation, solid fencing, an appropriate staging area with gating to control entry to the play area, and safe floor surfaces.
Ask About Requirements
Does the center require vaccinations? What about flea protection? Is there a temperament trial before dogs are allowed to participate? The more they require of your dog, the more the center will require of other dogs, and that keeps all the dogs safe.
Learn About Grouping
How are the dogs separated? Is it by size or by age? Are they separated by temperament and play style? Is it a combination of factors? If they are not separated by any of these, it may not be a safe place for your dog, and you should continue to shop for a daycare center.
Know the Ratio
The ratio recommended by the International Boarding and Pet Care Services Association is 15 dogs to one human, with allowances made for the activity level of the dogs. Less active dogs require fewer staff members than very active dogs. If a center has too few staff members, keep looking.
Ask About the Policies
Do they follow a schedule? Is the playtime structured? How much time do the dogs spend in kennels or cages? Are there supervised periods of rest between playtimes? What is the policy on toys? If your dog is prone to resource guarding, make sure the staff knows. How much training is required of the staff? Make sure the policies and procedures are designed to create a safe and secure environment.
Find Out About Emergency Protocols
In addition to being trained to work with dogs, the staff needs to know how to safely and effectively administer first aid, and there should be a plan in place in case a dog at the daycare requires veterinary care. Having a plan in place doesn’t mean that the center expects an emergency. It just means that they are prepared in the event that something unfortunate happens.
Trust Dr. Dave’s with Your Dog
When you need daycare that’s safe and fun, Dr. Dave’s Doggy Daycare, Boarding, and Grooming is the perfect place to bring your dog. Our daycare provides socialization for your dog, and our staff full of pet lovers with extensive experience in the pet care industry will pay special attention to your dog’s needs. Not only that, but we have a certified veterinarian available 24/7 in case of health care issues. That also makes Dr. Dave’s the best place to board your dog, because we will keep your dog safe and happy. Does your dog need grooming? We’ll provide your pet with a spa day worthy of royalty, because we are your one stop shop for all your dog’s needs! For more information about all the services we offer to dog lovers and their dogs, call 408-647-2774 in Saratoga, 408-520-4902 in Campbell, or contact us through our website.