Why Use Doggie Daycare or Overnight Boarding?
There are many reasons why a person would want to send their beloved pet to doggie day care (Monday through Friday). Anyone who:
- Works full-time outside the home and feels guilty about leaving their dog home alone;
- Is tired after a hard day’s work and is either unable or unwilling to walk / play with their dog in the evening;
- Has a dog with an excessive amount of energy;
- Has a dog with separation anxiety or gets easily bored and, therefore, a bit destructive;
- Has a dog that is overweight and needs to play away those extra pounds; or
- Has a dog that has told his parents that he is interested in making some new dog friends!
There are many reasons why a person would want to board overnight (Monday through Sunday). Anyone who:
- Is going on vacation or a business trip out of town;
- Has scheduled a stay in the hospital for surgery or to have a baby;
- Is stuck in traffic due to a snowstorm; or
- Forgot they took their dog to day care and then couldn’t pick up because it’s after-hours
When choosing a doggie day care facility or boarding kennel, it is important to look for / ask the following (included but not limited to):
- Does the place smell and look clean?
- Is there more than adequate room to play – both inside and outside?
- Is there shelter from the sun, rain and snow outside?
- Do the Caregivers appear to be knowledgeable about dog behaviors?
- Will your dog be allowed to play with the other dogs during the day?
- Does the facility’s policy include time outs?
- Do the Caregivers play with the dogs throughout the day?
- What is their policy regarding contacting your vet in case of an accident or illness?
- If your dog is still a puppy or happens to be a senior, will they accommodate a special schedule (such as naps and a lunch feeding)?
- Are you able to get a tour (without an appointment) to see the entire facility?
Dogs are very social animals and many of them need extra attention and exercise. For busy work-out-of-the-home people who own a dog, doggie day care may be the perfect solution to alleviate their guilt about leaving their dog alone all day. Picking the place that seems like a good “fit” will help them and their dog be happier and healthier!
