Are you working full time and have to leave your dog home in a crate on their own? If it happens every day, you may feel bad about leaving them alone. A helpful and rewarding solution is to drop your dog off at a dog daycare where they are supervised and can have a routine full of activities and interactions.
The article provides all the relevant information you may need if you are thinking about sending your beloved pet to dog daycare. From various types and benefits of dog daycare to what to look for when choosing a perfect place for your friend.
What Is Dog Daycare?
Dog daycare is a service offered to dog parents to drop off their dogs when they cannot look after them. It usually helps pet parents with a full-time job who do not want to leave their pup unsupervised in a crate. So, instead of leaving the dog in a crate, you can drop them off at a dog daycare where they can play freely and socialize with other animals. Some daycares may also provide kennel and overnight boarding.
Benefits of Dog Daycare
While leaving your pup at a doggy daycare place may seem a daunting decision, this can help your dog in many ways. Some of the benefits include:
Socialization
A huge benefit of dog daycare is that your dog can socialize with other dogs, which helps them learn canine communication skills. It can also help them interact with people your dog does not recognize. Although socialization is crucial for puppies, dogs of any age may benefit from playing with other dogs.
Physical Exercise
Dog daycares allow dogs to run and play as much as they like. If you work long hours and don’t get time to walk your pet, dog daycare provides sufficient exercise and about one walk. It helps immensely in physical exercise.
Mental Stimulation
Doggy daycare keeps dogs busy with engaging activities, such as agility courses, puzzle toys, and interactive play, which helps with dogs' mental stimulation. It also prevents unwanted behaviors that staying in isolation for an extensive period can cause.
Reduced Anxiety and Boredom
Imagine leaving your dog at home for a prolonged period and coming to disaster that awaits you. Boredom and separation anxiety can often do that to your canine friend. But a dog daycare may help you and provide your dog with a fun-filled daytime routine, including various engaging activities, which reduces anxiety and boredom.
Professional Care
One of the essential benefits of dog daycare facilities is that they offer professional care and supervision. The employees at a pet daycare are typically trained to properly look after the dogs and provide immediate care if they observe an injury or illness.
Types of Dog Daycare Facilities
There are different types of dog daycare facilities, so you can decide which will suit your dog's temperament and nature.
Commercial Dog Daycare Centers
Commercial dog daycare centers typically provide a larger area with a huge team of professional caretakers supervising playtime. You will also find a vast range of facilities, including agility courses and a pool, which helps your dog get physical exercise.
In-Home Dog Daycare
In-home puppy daycare services offer personalized care to dogs as individuals run these dog daycare at home, so they take a few dogs to look after. What’s great about in-home daycare services is that they usually feel like home and provide comfort. This type of dog daycare facility is helpful for dogs with anxiety.
Doggy Daycare Franchises
Doggy day care franchises are typically pet daycare facilities with multiple trained staff members and various amenities. These franchises usually have multiple branches expanded in different locations. They may offer other services, such as dog boarding and training.
How to Choose a Dog Daycare
Whenever selecting a dog daycare, there are some things you need to keep in mind and check thoroughly to ensure your dog is in safe hands with proper facilities.
Assessing Facilities
Before choosing a dog daycare for your canine companion, properly assess all the facilities you are considering. According to the , you must look for a facility that:
is clean and organized,
has fewer odors and a comfortable temperature,
has secure fencing,
the area should be free of hazards and wires.
Staff Qualifications
You are typically looking for a staff trained in animal behavior who can recognize and handle canine body language and illness or stress. However, ensure the staff is at least well-trained in fundamental care and security methods.
Dog-to-Staff Ratio
Additionally, ensure that there is always one staff member for 10-15 dogs. According to the , a ratio of 15 dogs per 1 staff member is a safe standard.
Available Services
When choosing a daycare for your dog, ask about the services they provide because some doggy daycares also offer grooming and boarding services and act as a hotel for dogs. Also, learn more about the activities they do with dogs.
Conclusion
While deciding on the best dog daycare for your pup, understanding your dog’s temperament and identifying any underlying behavioral issues is also essential. However, professional supervision is better than leaving your dog alone because it can cause problems, such as separation anxiety or boredom. So, let your dog have a fun-filled and enriched routine in daycare while you get your work done.
