Dog Daycare Guide | Dog boarding

Here are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before putting your dog in daycare or boarding for longer than a day. There are more questions about dog boarding / dog daycare at The IBPSA website here.

• When you walk through the front door, is the establishment clean and welcoming?
• Are caregivers warm and welcoming?
• Can you imagine entrusting them with the care of your dog?
• What cleaning protocols are in place?
• Are child care providers trained in dog CPR and first aid?
• What happens if your dog gets hurt or gets sick while he’s there? The daycare should have procedures in place, says Carmen, to handle emergencies.

Expect dog boarding to require proof of your pet’s vaccinations and your veterinarian’s contact information. But Carmen reminds dog owners that Bordetella (kennel cough) changes, just like flu strains in humans. Therefore, the Bordetella vaccine cannot guarantee complete protection for your dog, but the likelihood of it becoming ill is reduced.

• If you live in an area prone to special weather phenomena such as tornadoes or wildfires, ask if the facility has a emergency plan.
• If you have more than one dog, does the property offer daycare rooms where your puppies can stay together?
• If your dog has special needs, can the property accommodate them?
• Discuss your planning needs on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and think long term: does the property also offer overnight boarding for your next vacation? Once your dog is comfortable with daycare, transitions to overnight boarding can be seamless.

If you are happy and satisfied with all the responses you receive, ask to schedule a dog boarding test visit with your dog. A trial visit may last only a few hours or overnight, but it’s important to keep it short to assess both your dog’s condition and your satisfaction with the service.

Prepare your dog for daycare

Most dog boarding establishments require a temperament test, said Carmen. This basically assesses how your dog tolerates and gets along with other dogs. This is especially vital during group activities, socialization and dog daycare playtime.

But Carmen advises dog owners to consider their own mindset as well. To set the tone, keep a positive and happy attitude while getting your pup ready, driving and arriving. This can go a long way in laying the groundwork for a thrilling experience.

Words of wisdom from a dog daycare pro

Rescue dog Gigi goes to dog daycare twice a week — but her human Lynn Anamasi relies on two different dog boarding homes in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. This is because each installation has a slightly different strength. She prefers a daycare when thunderstorms are forecast because it’s soundproof and even offers an app-based camera that lets Lynn keep a close eye on Gigi. The second installation is smaller with a more personal touch.

Gigi plays with other dogs at Camp Bow Wow in Charlotte, North Carolina
Photo credit: Camp Bow Wow

Gigi is much loved at both dog boarding houses, where she enjoys baths and training. Ultimately, Lynn says she appreciates dog daycare because it provides a quiet #WFH atmosphere for her, as well as socialization for Gigi. An additional benefit? Lynn loves getting cute playtime photos from Gigi.

Dog Daycare Supplements

The list of services offered by dog ​​daycare centers continues to grow. Here are some options you might want to research:

• Walks and exercise, alone or with other dogs.
• Grooming including baths, nail clippings and massage for dogs.
• Fun, games and socializing.
• Enrichment such as training or even behavior modification. Ask if the trainers are certified.

Red flags for dog boarding

Overall, does the property feel safe and secure? A major question for geriatric dogs: is the floor slippery? Are there places where you can imagine your dog sticking his nose – and do they look safe? If you are not comfortable with any of the answers to these questions, these may be red flags.

Speaking of noses, be sure to use your own. There shouldn’t be any unpleasant smells, says Carmen.

Do dogs seem overwhelmed? The nap is vital. Carmen says her dog daycare provider turns off the lights and plays classical music between noon and 3 p.m. During this time no dog pick ups are allowed which literally leaves all the sleeping dogs lying.

Dog Boarding and Daycare Research Matters

Dog daycare and boarding, as an industry, has grown exponentially in recent years. But in many countries, including the United States and Canada, pet boarding and daycare centers are unregulated. Carmen advises pet owners to research whether any local, municipal or state regulations are in place. The facilities belonging to IBPSA agree to adhere to industry best practices as part of their membership.

Rewards for dog daycare and boarding

A typical day, Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center accommodates approximately 85 dogs. Located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Holiday House is owned by a veterinarian. This distinction sets them apart and gives peace of mind to many dog ​​owners, says Cheryl Lindley, Holiday House’s Daycare and Training Program Manager. She’s seen an increase in demand for daycares since the pandemic, mostly because dog owners recognize their pets’ socialization needs during or after lockdowns.

Childcare options at Holiday House include group play in three categories called Adventurers, Explorers and Pioneers. Activities include swimming pools, brain games, nature hikes and agility skills. VIP Daycare is available for dogs that are not quite ready for large group experiences, or those that are not yet spayed or neutered.

The most rewarding part of the daycare offering, Cheryl says, is bonding with each dog. Although she only has one dog at home, she considers herself lucky to have hundreds of dogs at work. She particularly enjoys gaining the trust of puppies who are nervous when they arrive. Even adult dogs who are friendly and playful at home can take a while to come out of their shells at daycare. Cheryl says every dog ​​needs time to process their introduction to daycare.

Ultimately, how do you know if your dog likes daycare?

Trust your instincts, as well as your dog’s. Your dog won’t lie to you! The experience should not exhaust your pup. You’ll know if your dog is happy, says Carmen, by his behavior and his mood. Ideally, daycare should be a healthy break that refreshes you and your faithful companion. As the saying goes… together and it feels so good.