Benefits of Doggy Daycare

Many dog parents, believe it or not, have lives in addition to caring for their forever friend. Jobs and responsibilities can get in the way of giving a pup their best life, and many doggy parents feel guilty or anxious about leaving their dogs at home all alone! But you don’t have to panic - there are many doggy daycares out there that will care for your doggo just like you would.

It’s important to balance the quality of care with the cost. You might not want to pay premium rates for a daycare facility that offers all of the luxury extras, but you do need a place that you can trust and that your dog likes. You won’t feel good if you have to drag your dog inside every morning and hear them barking as you leave. 

If you and your dog live the luxury lifestyle, many doggy daycares provide additional services like shampooing, nail clipping, etc. You pamper yourself, so why not pamper your doggo? Your doggo will love a doggy day spa!

Take your dog to the facility for a meet and greet with the staff. You will get a first-hand impression of how they treat the dogs and can determine if it is someplace that you can leave your four-legged friend without worrying about their comfort and care.

Benefits of Doggy Daycare

According to the American Kennel Club, these are some of the benefits of leaving your dog at a daycare facility:

• A chance to meet and play with other dogs
• Mental stimulation
• A routine that relieves separation anxiety and boredom
• Exercise — a tired-out pup will be relaxed by the time he comes home
• Lots of TLC
• Avoids the issue of having strangers in your home 

[1] How to Choose the Best Doggy Daycare: Questions to Ask

They Help with Separation Anxiety

Many dogs are not used to being left in strange places with new people, so they get nervous when they get separated from you. Leaving your doggo at a facility that they look forward to visiting will help alleviate separation anxiety. Leaving your dog at a facility where they feel comfortable will be good for both of you.

Increase the Amount That They Exercise

Tired dogs misbehave less than dogs with pent-up energy. Your chosen facility should provide plenty of physical exercise for your dog, which will mean that they will be calmer and happier when you pick them up. You can enjoy your time with them more because they won’t be quite as hyperactive.

Improve Socialization with Other Dogs and Humans

Too often, dogs are limited to just a few human and canine companions. Leaving your dog at doggy daycare will help them learn how to act around other people and other dogs. There might be a time in your life when you have to leave your dog due to work or family matters. It will be much easier for both of you if your dog is used to being with others, and it will be better for their caregivers as well.

Decreases Boredom

A bored dog is very often a naughty dog. If they burn plenty of energy while you are at work, they won’t be jumping up on you or dragging your shoes out of the bedroom. Plenty of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day, will improve the quality of the time you spend together after you finish working.

Which Dogs Do Best in Doggy Daycare?

Not every dog is a good candidate for doggy daycare. You need to ask yourself if your doggo is right for a daycare facility. For the best results, daycare is good for dogs that:

• Are energetic
• Enjoy the company of other dogs
• Get lonely at home
• Have trouble holding it until you return home
• Need help with socialization
• Need medical services during the day

Don’t forget that doggy daycare will provide your furry friend additional training, structure that some dogs crave and additional one-on-one attention.

What to Look For in a Doggy Daycare

Ask around to see what facilities others have used or are using and listen to their comments. Friends, family, veterinarians, and staff at pet stores might have some suggestions that you can check.

Before signing on the dotted line, the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC), suggests that you ask the following questions before you sign our doggo up for doggy daycare:

• Is it clean and organized?
• Does it have secure fencing?
• Is the area free of hazards, like electrical cords, wires or broken toys?
• Does it have minimal odors and a comfortable temperature?
• Is there enough for staff to ensure safety? 

[1] How to Choose the Best Doggy Daycare: Questions to Ask (akc.org)

You should always visit the facility. While there you can see if:

• It has a pleasant smell
• It is kept at a comfortable temperature
• Do the dogs go outside or are they inside all day?
• It is kept neat and clean
• The staff is friendly
• The facility bonded and insured
• Do they provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation

Watch what is going on during your visit. Pay close attention to the following:

• How does the staff correct the dogs when needed?
• Are the dogs in separate areas or are they allowed to interact?
• What sort of space does each dog have?
• What is the temperament of the other dogs?
• What activities are provided for your dog?

You should also ask the staff:

• What are the health requirements (vaccinations, etc.)?
• Are dogs regularly checked for fleas and ticks?
• Do the dogs have easy access to water?
• What emergency training does the staff have?

Knowing the answers to these questions will give you peace of mind each day when you drop your doggo off and head to work.

When You Pick Up Your Dog

Note how your dog is behaving. While they are going to be happy to see you, are they a bundle of energy? They should be tired, but you don’t want your dog to seem stressed. You will know, based on your dog’s behavior, if they had a good time or if you need to start shopping around for a new facility to care for your dog while you are away at work.

Your Peace of Mind

When you pull up to the facility, you will know that you made the right decision if it is easy for you to get your doggo out of the car and into the facility. If they are happy to see the staff, busy wagging their tails and greeting the workers, you know that your dog is being well cared for, and you can head to work knowing that your forever friend is being treated the right way!

[1] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/choosing-a-doggy-daycare/