You’ve probably heard about day care for dogs. This pet care option has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Dog owners like it because their dogs get to play and interact with other dogs and human beings during the day. Dogs like it because – well, because it’s a lot of fun!
Dog day care is an enjoyable and healthy option to crating or having a dog walker come in during the day. Some of our clients bring their dogs to daycare five or seven days a week, while others come only occasionally to give their dogs a special treat, a change of pace, or an alternative to a kennel while work is being done on their house. Some bring their dogs only on weekends while they run errands. Still others bring their “senior citizen” dogs because their elderly friends need to go out frequently or require medication and supervision during the day.
There are many good reasons to choose day care for your dog. First, it helps socialize your dog. Dogs are pack animals by nature, but rarely get to be around a ‘pack’ in today’s world. As a result, some dogs become dog-aggressive or overly fearful around other dogs. Dog day care allows them to socialize and play with other dogs in a way that is much more natural for them. Second, it keeps your dog active and healthy. A good dog day care will offer many activities for your canine friend so that your dog will be stronger and more fit than if it were left “home alone” five days out of seven. Third, it makes your dog just plain happy to be in a stimulating environment, playing with other dogs and people.
If you are considering a day care for your dog, here are some of the things you will want to look for when choosing a facility: 1). cleanliness, 2). experienced owners and staff, 3). staff members are with dogs at all times, 4). tours of the facility are offered to potential clients, 5). vet on call, 6). procedures in place for introducing a new dog to the “regulars”, 7). a “potty” area, preferably outside, 8). good heating and cooling system, 9). member of the American Boarding and Kennel Association, 10). 24-hour supervision of the dogs if overnight boarding is offered.
All in all, dog day care is good for your pet and for you. A happy, well-socialized dog is a joy to be around. Many owners comment on what a pleasure it is to pick up a relaxed, smiling tag-wagger at the end of the workday, rather than coming home to find 10 hours of pent-up canine energy awaiting them. Dog day care is the win-win option. Or maybe we should call it the “win-wags” option.
Compliments of Michelle Fisher, President of Always There Pet Care
