Dog Daycare Observation Tips
Dog Daycare Observation Tips
Blog Article
How to Evaluate Dog Daycare
Dog daycare should be a fun & safe place for your dog. This requires a system of evaluation for each dog that allows the professionals to screen out dogs who are not good candidates for daycare.
Ask the daycare how they evaluate each dog, especially those new to the facility. Also inquire about their safety standards and injury assessment procedures.
Ask for References
When evaluating dog daycare, ask for references and check out client reviews on social media. You can also look for online videos and pictures to see how well the facility is kept, if it looks clean, and how staff members interact with pets.
Inquire about the facility’s safety protocols, such as requiring proof of vaccinations for all dogs and whether they have a veterinarian on-call. Ask about their staff-to-dog ratio, too—a lower ratio will ensure that each pet receives adequate attention.
Moreover, you should find out if the daycare staff is trained in animal behavior and can interpret dog body language. This knowledge is vital to prevent and manage conflicts that can arise during group play, such as a shy dog getting knocked around by larger, rowdier pups. They should also know how to respond to medical emergencies and how to de-escalate aggressive behavior, including when to stop rough play or remove a dog from the group for safety reasons.
Visit the Facility
You would never send your child to daycare without visiting the facility first, and you should not drop off your dog at a daycare without taking a tour of their facilities. A sanitary environment with plenty of room for dogs to play is critical to your dog’s happiness.
During your visit, ask to meet the staff members. Find out about their backgrounds, and inquire if they regularly attend training sessions on animal behavior and safety protocols. A staff with extensive knowledge of dog body language is crucial to ensuring that play time is fun for everyone, and that conflicts are quickly resolved before they escalate into injury.
The facility should also be able to provide information on their health and hygiene practices, including vaccination requirements and a protocol for breaking up any scuffles between dogs. Find out about their dog-to-staff ratio as well, since smaller groups can provide more individualized care and attention for each pet.
Take a Tour
Dog daycare can feel intimidating, but choosing the right one can take the guesswork out of dropping off and picking up. Reputable facilities have clear policies on vaccinations, behavior assessments, and emergency protocols. They are also transparent with owners and communicate openly about their experiences.
During your tour, ask about staff qualifications, experience, and philosophy. What training do they have on dog behavior and body language? How often do they update their knowledge on pet CPR and first aid? Look for a low staff-to-dog ratio to ensure more personalized care.
Finally, pay attention to the facility’s overall atmosphere. The attitudes dogs grow accustomed to at daycare usually follow them home, for better or worse. Be wary of any facility that is reluctant to share information or give tours. They may have something to hide. Trust your instincts and go with a daycare that aligns with your values. This process is an important one for your dog’s happiness and safety.
Ask Questions
Like in a job interview, you can ask a lot of questions to see if a potential daycare is a good fit for your dog. Ask about their staff-to-dog ratio and how they manage group play. You can also ask about their training and qualifications to determine if they have the knowledge and expertise to handle different breeds and temperaments.
Find out how they keep their dogs healthy by asking about their vaccination policies and veterinary relationships. Also, ask them how they prevent fights and other accidents from occurring.
A reputable daycare or boarding facility will have a clearly defined process to evaluate and accept pets into their care. They should also be willing to discuss this policy with you so you understand what the criteria is for acceptance. They should also have a plan to deal with emergencies such as injuries, illnesses, and behavioral issues. Just like workplaces and schools aggressive dog boarding near me have emergency plans, so should a dog daycare.