Guide To Choosing A Pet Day Care
by Hillary Easom

Do you feel guilty leaving your pet home alone during the day? You might consider pet Day Care. Unlike a kennel, pet Day Care allows your furry friend to socialize with other animals—and people—outside the confinement of a cage.

Most pet Day Cares are limited to canines. Normally, they’re wide-open places with plenty of room for dogs to run around. When comparing facilities, ask about separate sections for different-sized dogs and whether there are fenced-in outdoor exercise areas.

In addition to doggie toys, many pet Day Cares have other amenities. Some offer boarding, training, grooming, and veterinary check-ups. Pampered pups can even be treated to canine massage at some pet Day Cares. Decide how much TLC you want your pet to receive while you’re gone. (It might be tough to compete once you’re back home again!)

When choosing among pet Day Cares, be sure they require vaccinations and current rabies inoculations. Some have more extensive health regulations. The stricter the guidelines, the better for your pet, as he’ll be interacting with many other animals.

Your pet’s safety should be the greatest factor to weigh when selecting a pet Day Care. What is the number of dogs per caretaker? Avoid any facility with a ratio greater than 15:1. Level of experience is also important. Ideally, the caretaker should be skilled in basic dog training and behavior, plus canine first aid and CPR.

Be sure to contact references, and check out the facility in person. Show up unannounced to see how everything is really run. Are the animals given plenty of water? Playing with a group of other dogs every day can be quite stimulating; it’s easy to overheat. Is there enough shade for the animals to rest? What happens if the dogs’ play gets too rough? Be sure the staff is willing to appropriately intervene.

Ask whether the staff will give medications and meals if needed. In case of emergency, will they contact your veterinarian, or is there someone on call at the facility? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want to ensure that you’re getting the best care possible for the price you’re willing to pay.

Pet Day Care is not for everyone. Some dogs are less social than others and prefer to stay home alone. Others are overly aggressive and may not behave well in a group setting. Think about what’s best for your dog, and you’ll both benefit.