How to Choose the Right Dog Daycare

We know you’d spend all your time with your dog if you could, but busy schedules can often mean leaving your pup alone for hours at a time. Choosing a dog daycare can help ensure that your pup is getting the care and attention they deserve, even when you’re not around. When it comes to finding the best dog daycare, it can be hard to know where to start. Read on for tips on what to look for, ask about, and keep in mind during your search.

Assessing Your Dog’s Needs

Every dog is one of a kind, so it’s important to establish the kind of care your dog needs when looking for a daycare. Do you have a high-energy pup who needs frequent exercise? Does your dog genuinely enjoy the company of their fellow canines, or do they just tolerate it? Will they need any special care or accommodations for medical conditions? Questions like these will help inform what dog care needs to look for in your search, whether it’s group play size and duration, available resources, or staff training.

Researching Local Daycare Options

When looking for a local dog daycare, it can be helpful to reach out to other pet parents in your area. Asking friends about their experiences with specific businesses can help you gauge if they’re a good fit for you and your dog. You may also want to reach out to local dog groups on social media or ask around at your favorite dog park. If you have a specific place in mind, referencing dog daycare reviews online can also help establish patterns for what a facility does or doesn’t do well. 

Evaluating Daycare Facilities

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you’ll want to take a closer look at the dog daycare facilities with a focus on cleanliness, safety measures, and staff qualifications. During your daycare facility evaluation, you’ll want to make sure that the space is well-ventilated, items like bowls and toys are cleaned daily, and any messes are cleaned up immediately with dog-safe products. The staff should be able to explain their emergency procedures, what safety features (fencing, double-entry doors, etc.) they have, and if/how they conduct temperament assessments for new dogs.

Meeting the Staff

As part of your evaluation, you’ll want to meet and interact with the dog daycare staff. It’s important to ask about training, education, and approach. Are the dog care professionals up to date on pet CPR and first aid? What training do they receive on dog behavior and body language? If they have trainers, ask about certifications and philosophy. You’ll also want to ask how often you can expect communication from the daycare. Do they provide weekly or daily reports? Is there a way to check in with your pup during the day?

Observing a Trial Visit

Once you’ve set up an observational or trial visit, there are a few things you’ll want to look for. During your daycare trial visit, take note of how the staff interacts with the dogs and how your dog interacts with the other pups. What is the staff-to-dog ratio? How large are the playgroups? This is also a good opportunity to see what the daily schedule looks like and what activities your pup can expect. The dog daycare trial will also help determine if your dog is a good fit in terms of behavior and enjoyment. Ask the staff what kinds of behaviors they look for to know if your dog is comfortable and which behaviors indicate they may not be a good fit.

Understanding Policies and Pricing

Part of your consideration should include the dog daycare costs and policies. Make sure you’re familiar with vaccination requirements, protocol for if a dog gets injured, as well as pickup and drop-off times. You’ll also want to make sure you have a full breakdown of daycare pricing, including any additional fees.

Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you and your dog are comfortable and confident with your daycare decision. Listen to your gut and keep an eye out as your dog is adjusting to their new routine.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.