Choosing Doggy Day Cares: A Guide to Selecting the Best for Your Pup

As dog owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry companions. Whether you’re a working dog parent or simply looking to give your dog some socialisation and playtime, choosing the right doggy day care is an important decision. You want a daycare where your pup can have fun, and you’ll be confident they’re in safe hands and being well looked-after. And with so many choices out there, it can be overwhelming when you start shopping around. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the best doggy day care for your beloved pet.

Safety First: Choosing A Daycare That’s Secure For Your Dog

Your dog’s safety is the number one priority when choosing the right doggy daycare. Make sure that the facility is secure, with tall and sturdy fences to stop pups from escaping. Check for staff-to-dog ratios to be reassured that there’s adequate supervision for each dog. A quality doggy day care has appropriate staff-to-dog ratios to make sure that every guest gets the attention and care they deserve. Ask about the daycare’s emergency procedures and whether they have trained staff on-site to handle any unexpected situations.

Cleanliness and Hygiene: A Clean Daycare Keeps Dogs Healthy

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is like giving your dog a VIP pass to a spa day at their favourite playground. A good doggy day care understands the importance of cleanliness, ensuring that play areas, sleeping spots and every nook and cranny are regularly scrubbed, sanitised and dog-hair-free. After all, a clean setting keeps your furry friend healthy and happy and makes sure they’re not picking up any illness or infections while they’re having fun. 

Qualified and Caring Staff: Knowing Your Dog’s In Good Hands

The staff at the doggy day care should be experienced, trained and genuinely passionate about dogs. Ask staff about their training programs, qualifications and how they handle different breeds and personalities. Trained staff members should be present to oversee all doggy interactions, address any issues and provide a watchful eye on the overall well-being of the dogs. A caring and attentive team can make a significant difference in your dog’s day care experience. 

Health Requirements: (Kennel) Coughs and Sneezes Spread Diseases!

Make sure that the doggy daycare has strict health requirements for all dogs attending it. This should include up-to-date vaccinations, flea and tick prevention treatments and regular health check-ups. These precautions help maintain a healthy and disease-free environment for all dogs at the daycare and stop your dog from picking up any infections or illnesses while they’re having fun with their friends.

Enrichment Activities: Exercising Brain As Well As Body

A good doggy daycare should be more than just a place for your dog to spend time; they should have a fun-filled day of enrichment and stimulation. Look for doggy daycares that provide enrichment activities, such as group play, interactive toys and mental stimulation exercises. Dogs need to be mentally exercised as well as physically exercised, so ask your potential daycare about how they provide this. A well-stimulated dog is a happy and well-behaved one.

It’s also important to take into account down-time for your dog. Ask the daycare about how and where your dog can have a snooze if they need to and where they can take a break from all the stimulation. While daycare is super fun for your dog, they can’t go a 100 miles an hour all day and will need calm spaces too. 

Separation of Dogs by Size and Temperament

Dogs come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments. A good quality daycare should recognise this and separate dogs into appropriate groups based on size, energy levels and play styles. This makes sure every dog has a safe and fun experience with dogs that match them well. Ask the staff about how dogs are grouped and how they assess which dogs are suitable for each group. 

Transparent Communication

Communication is key when it comes to your dog’s well-being. Choose a doggy day care that keeps you informed about your dog’s daily activities, behaviour and any concerns that may arise. Regular updates and transparency build trust between you and the day care staff.

Trial Day or Visit

Before committing to a specific doggy day care, consider scheduling a trial day or visit. This lets you observe the facility, meet the staff and assess how your dog interacts with the environment. It’s a great opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have before you choose which daycare is best for your dog. 

Trust Hunters Lodge To GIve Your Dog The Best

Embark on a doggy daycare adventure like no other at Hunter’s Lodge, where your dogs are cared for like one of our own! Our commitment to safety, with secure facilities and excellent supervision, keeps your furry friend safe while in our care. Our devoted and trained staff are ready to provide the best care, making every tail wag a testament to the joy found in our lodge. Join the Hunter’s Lodge family and treat your four-legged companion to a day filled with fun, friendship and an abundance of love. Book your pup’s retreat today and let the adventure begin!