Dog boarding is a facility where they care for your dog for a few hours or a day (called daycare) or for a longer period of time, such as when you’re on vacation. Petting has been around for years, but daycare has thrived on the rise of dog ownership in working families. Daytime dog care can be fun, even more enriching – for both you and your puppy. Keeping upbeat is important, because your dog can sense any anxiety you’re feeling. How will you know if your dog likes daycare? As one of our experts said, you’ll know – because your dog will never lie to you! Here’s how to find a dog daycare that’s sure to be successful when it comes to howling.
First things first: Does my dog need daycare?
The best way to find out is to ask if you have time, every two hours, to give your dog some attention. Here’s why: If you’re one of the millions of Americans Adopt a dog during the pandemicbetween work from home (#WFH) lifestyle, your dog is probably used to a lot of quality time with his people. If you’re still working from home, do you interact with your pet every two hours by going for a short walk together, a belly rub, or a walk in the yard?
If you really can’t spend those quality time with your dog (and no judgment if you can’t – work still happens!) Or if you’re going back to an office job – then doggie daycare is a great solution. That’s according to Carmen Rustenbeck, CEO and founder of International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA). Carmen advises pet owners not to feel guilty because there are plenty of silver linings for both you and your dog.
How to find a daycare for dogs?
“Community sourcing is your first step,” says Carmen. Simply ask your friends and family for their best recommendations. Next, drive past each nursery to assess the curb appeal. Approach this like a real estate search, says Carmen. Are the facilities clean and well maintained? If the answer is yes, then call to schedule an appointment.
Questions to ask before registering for doggie daycare
Here are some questions you need to ask before bringing your dog into daycare or leaving your dog at home for a period longer than just a day. There are many questions about dog boarding / dog daycare at IBPSA website here.
- When you walk through the front door, is the facility clean and inviting?
- Are caregivers welcoming and welcoming?
- Can you imagine trusting them to take care of your dog?
- What cleaning procedures are there?
- Are daycare providers trained in CPR and first aid for dogs?
- What if your dog is injured or sick while there? Carmen says daycares should have procedures in place to handle emergencies.
Ask the breeder to request proof of your pet’s vaccinations and your veterinarian’s contact information. But Carmen reminds dog owners that Bordetella (kennel cough) change, like human influenza strains. Therefore, the Bordetella vaccine cannot guarantee your dog’s complete protection – but the chances of them getting sick are reduced.
- If you live in an area prone to extreme weather events such as tornadoes or wildfires, ask if the facility is emergency plan.
- If you have more than one dog, does the facility provide daycare so your children can stay together?
- If your dog has special needs, can the facility accommodate them?
- Talk about your scheduling needs on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, and think long-term: Does the facility offer overnight boarding for your upcoming vacations? Once your dog is comfortable with daycare, the transition to overnight boarding can be seamless.
If you are satisfied and satisfied with all the answers you receive, ask to schedule a doggy inpatient screening visit with your dog. A checkup visit may last only a few hours or an overnight stay, but it’s important to keep it short to assess both your dog’s performance and your satisfaction with the service. service.
Get your dog ready for daycare
Most dog facilities require temperament test, Carmen said. Basically, this gauges how tolerant and sociable your dog is with other dogs. This is especially important during group activities, socialization, and playtime for preschool dogs.
But Carmen advises dog owners to think about their own mindset, too. To set the tone, keep a positive, happy outlook while preparing your child, drive, and arrive. This can go a long way in laying the foundation for a great experience.
Words of wisdom from a dog day care expert
Rescue dog Gigi goes to daycare twice a week – but her human Lynn Anamasi has to live in two different dog facilities in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. That’s because each facility has a slightly different strength. She likes a nursery when thunderstorms are forecast because it’s soundproof and even offers an app-based camera that allows Lynn to keep an eye on Gigi. The second facility is smaller with a more personal style.
Gigi plays with other dogs at Bow Wow Camp in Charlotte, North Carolina
Image source: Camp Bow Wow
Gigi is loved at the dog shelter where she is bathed and trained. Finally, Lynn says she values daycare because it gives her a quiet #WFH atmosphere, as well as socialization for Gigi. An extra perk? Lynn loves getting Gigi’s cute playtime photos.
Dog daycare add-on
The list of services offered by daycare facilities for dogs is growing. Here are some options you might want to look for:
- Go for a walk and exercise, alone or with other dogs.
- Grooming, including bathing, trimming and massaging the dog.
- Fun, games and socialization.
- Enrichment as training, or even behavior modification. Ask if the instructors are certified.
Red flags for dog facilities
Overall, does the establishment feel safe and secure? A top question for geriatric dogs: Is the floor slippery? Are there places where you can imagine your dog poking his nose in – and do they look safe? If you’re uncomfortable with any of the answers to these questions, this could be a sign.
Speaking of noses, make sure to use your nose. Carmen says there shouldn’t be any unpleasant odors.
Dogs that seem overscheduled? Nap time is very important. Carmen said her dog sitter turns off the lights and plays classical music from midday to 3pm. During that time, no dogs are allowed, this allows all sleeping dogs to lie down.
Research on dog boarding and daycare is important
Dog daycare and boarding, as an industry, has grown exponentially in recent years. But in many countries, including the United States and Canada, boarding and daycare are not regulated. Carmen advises pet owners to research whether local, city, or state regulations apply. Facilities belong to IBPSA agree to adhere to industry best practices as their member.
Kindergarten and boarding rewards for dogs
On a typical day, Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center welcomes about 85 dogs. Located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Holiday House is owned by a veterinarian. This difference sets them apart and gives many dog owners peace of mind, says Cheryl Lindley, Holiday House daycare and training program manager. She’s noticed an increase in nursery demand since the pandemic hit, mainly because dog owners recognize their pet’s need to socialize during or after a shutdown.
Daycare options at Holiday House include group play in three categories called Adventurers, Adventurers, and Trailers. Activities include swimming pools, mind games, nature hikes, and agility skills. VIP daycare is available for dogs who are not quite ready for a large group experience or who have not been groomed or loyal.
Cheryl says that the most rewarding part of providing daycare is building a relationship with every dog. Even though she only has one dog at home, she considers herself lucky to have hundreds of dogs working with her. She especially enjoys winning the trust of nervous puppies when they first come into the house. Even adult dogs that are friendly and playful at home can take a while to come out of their pods at daycare. Cheryl said each dog needs time to get used to the nursery.
Finally, how do you know if your dog likes daycare?
Trust your instincts – as well as your dog’s. Your dog won’t lie to you! The experience shouldn’t exhaust your dog. You can tell if your dog is happy by its behavior and mood, says Carmen. At best, daycare should be a healthy holiday that refreshes you and your faithful companion. As the saying goes… reunion and feeling great.
