Choosing a doggy daycare

Whether you work long hours or you just want to provide your pup with a little extra socialization, you may consider enrolling your dog in a daycare program. Designed very much like human childcare centers, doggy daycares offer canine pets an excellent opportunity to spend time with other dogs and people, play organized games, and get exercise at times when these pets would normally be left at home alone. In more practical terms, daycare programs can help owners avoid a full range of behavior problems that often arise from boredom – such as inappropriate chewing and excessive barking or howling. With so many doggy daycares popping up nearly everywhere, though, how does an owner choose one from all the rest?

Safety first

An owner's first consideration should always be safety. Ask for a tour of the facility and ask as many questions as possible during this time. For example:

• What is the ratio of staff members to dogs? The higher the number of people the better, but a minimum of 1 person for every 7 to 10 dogs is desirable.
• What are the daycare's criteria for admission into a program? In addition to a list of necessary vaccinations (rabies and parvo ranking among the top of these), there should also be some means of evaluating temperament.
• Are larger dogs allowed to interact with smaller ones?
• How are squabbles between pets handled? Timeout rooms are fine, but any form of physical punishment is a red flag.
• What happens in the event of a medical emergency?
• Is there a veterinarian on the premises, and if not, to where will your dog be taken if he becomes sick or injured?

Cleanliness is also very important. If a daycare doesn't smell clean, it probably isn't. The faint scent of bleach is often the best sign that a daycare stays on top of keeping all areas as hygienic as possible. Most importantly, all fecal matter should be disposed of quickly and completely, as this is one of the most efficient means of spreading illnesses.

Convenience should also be a factor

While convenience alone should never be the deciding factor, most owners must consider a full range of details before committing to a daycare program. These may include the daycare's location, cost, and schedule for dropping off and picking up pets. Unlike boarding your pet for a week while you travel on vacation, daycare will become a regular part of both your routine and your dog's. It must work well for all involved.

Your dog has the most important opinion of all

Dogs are usually excellent judges of character, so heed any warnings that your animal offers you about a particular person or place. You must trust the daycare you choose with your most precious possession: your beloved pet. So listen to your own inner voice, as well. Although having a rapport with your dog's caregivers isn't essential, it can be mighty reassuring. You won't be getting much work done, after all, if you are spending your days worrying about your canine companion.