How to find the best doggy daycare
If you are going away or will be out for a long time, you may be considering sending your beloved dog to doggy daycare.
Doggy daycare is a great option for dogs that do not cope well in the home on their own, need special care and attention, or do not like being in kennels, but it can be difficult to choose the best one for you and your dog.
Here is some advice to follow when seeking a doggy daycare for your dog, to help you find the right one and ensure that your furry family member has a pleasant stay away from home.
Tour the Facilities
You should ask the owner or manager for a tour around the facilities of the daycare so that you can see the environment in which your dog would be staying. It is important to check that the area is clean and safe for your pet.
Meet the Primary Carer
Arrange to meet the person with who you would be entrusting with caring for your dog to give you an idea of what they are like as a person and to ensure that you share the same approach to caring for dogs.
We also advise that they meet your pooch, and if they have any permanent residents that they will be spending time with, it may be a good idea for them to meet each other as well to make sure they get on well.
Make Sure Dogs are Grouped Appropriately
If you are considering a large doggy daycare, make sure that dogs are grouped and separated appropriately. Dogs at larger daycares are typically split into smaller groups based on their size, temperament, and play style.
Find Out How Many Staff Will be There
Larger doggy daycares may have multiple members of staff to care for the dogs. You should find out how many members of staff there are and what the ratio of dogs to humans is at any one time.
A ratio of 10 dogs to every one member of staff is typically considered to be safe. If there are more dogs per member of staff, this should be a cause for concern.
Look for a Day Care that Also Offers Boarding
If you may be interested in boarding your dog in the future, it may be a good idea to check whether the daycare providers also offer boarding.
This is not essential, but it means that your dog can stay somewhere that they are already familiar with and may make their time away from you less stressful for them.
Find Out What Their Routine Will Be
You should find out what your dog’s routine will be during their stay at a doggy daycare facility and determine whether you believe this would be a good fit for your dog.
Find out how many walks they will go on, how many dogs they may be playing with, whether they will be able to go outside at any time, whether they will be allowed on the furniture or anything else that you feel is important to ensure your dog has a good day and is not in distress. It is also important to ask about scheduled rest times to ensure your dog is not on the go all day long.
See What Others Say
Ask for recommendations and read reviews online to find out what doggy daycares in your area are popular with other local dog owners. Take note of what others have to say about the experiences they have had with daycare providers.
Knowing that others have had a positive experience with a doggy daycare can provide you with the assurance that you are sending your dog to a good place.
Check Whether They Have a Licence
Stricter regulations relating to doggy daycare were introduced in England in 2018. From 1st October 2018, any facilities offering dog boarding, home boarding, or daycare services, must have a licence from a local authority in the UK by law.
Any facilities not having an appropriate licence or following the conditions of the licence can face fines up to £500 or a prison sentence of up to three months.
A licence is not only a legal requirement but also offers reassurance to pet owners that the doggy daycare provider will take good care of your beloved dog as they are trusted by the local authority to keep dogs safe during their time with them.
If you have any queries relating to your dog and would like expert advice, please get in touch with us today by calling 0116 244 2455 or email us at [email protected]. WitsEnd are experienced in offering training, physio, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy for dogs.