What Are The Most Common Safety And Concerns With Dog Day Care
What Are The Most Common Safety And Concerns With Dog Day Care
Blog Article
How to Evaluate Dog Daycare
A reputable daycare will require dogs to be up-to-date on their vaccinations & have a titer test done. They should also ensure their staff members are trained in pet first aid & CPR.
In addition, they should have a low staff-to-dog ratio so that each dog is properly cared for and monitored. The facility should be clean and well ventilated.
1. Check the Facility
Just like you wouldn’t send your children to school without a personal tour, you should visit the daycare facility before leaving your dog there. Check the kennels and play areas to see how clean they are. Ask what procedures they have in place to avoid injuries and how they handle behavioral issues.
A reputable daycare will have plenty of outdoor areas for dogs to be active in and play freely. Make sure they have a procedure for breaking up scuffles and use only positive reinforcement tactics that are proven to be safe and effective for the animals. They should also have a clear incident assessment process and communicate well with pet parents about any incidents that occur at the facility. Red flags include not communicating about any incidents, not assessing the dogs after an incident, and using methods like force or water to break up scuffles that could cause injury. These techniques are antiquated and scientifically proven to be harmful for dogs, both physically and emotionally.
2. Ask Questions
Asking questions is one of the most important things you can do when shopping for dog daycare. Whether it’s about safety protocols, staff qualifications, or daily schedules, getting clear answers equips you with a holistic understanding of the facility.
Inquire about the daycare’s approach to food schedules, rest periods, and enrichment activities, as these are vital components of your dogs overall care. In addition, daycare for dogs near me a reputable facility should offer transparency in their daily procedures by providing a webcam and offering tours.
You can also ask about the daycare’s screening processes and how they determine if your dog is appropriate for their group (e.g., temperament tests, play groups based on size and play style). Also, ask about emergency access as you’d like to know that they have a plan in place for situations that arise such as fights or health crises. Ask about what pet medical training and certifications their employees have, as well.
3. Take a Tour
A quality daycare relies on repeat clients, so take time to see the facility. Look for windows or portals that provide a view into the daycare room and the kennels. Watch for red flags like a dirty facility or inconsistent cleaning schedule. Green flags include a clearly outlined day-to-day process and a staff-to-dog ratio that allows for individualized attention.
Ask what education or training the staff has in animal behavior and dog training. A reputable daycare should have protocols in place for handling conflict and aggression between dogs as well as for managing overstimulation during group play.
It's also a good idea to talk with current customers and get their feedback. This can give you insight into the pros and cons of a particular daycare and help you make a more informed decision that aligns with your pet's needs and expectations. A strong endorsement from a satisfied client is a powerful selling point. Likewise, negative feedback can alert you to possible problems.
4. Listen to Your Instincts
Ultimately, you know your dog best. If you notice your pup is relaxed and happy when they come home from daycare, then it’s a good sign that they enjoy their experience at the facility.
If you’re a pet-care business owner, ensure that you have a consistent process for interviewing and evaluating potential pet parents. This includes a temperament test and an assessment of each dog’s comfort level in your facilities.
Your evaluation process should begin with a short leash walk to see how the dog reacts in your building, and you can include additional stimuli like clapping, food, and toys to see how they respond. During this assessment, you can also look for signs of aggression or shyness. Ask the pet parent what they do if their dog shows these signs, such as yelling or using a squirt bottle to de-escalate them. A good pet-care provider will calmly deescalate a dog and may even remove them from the group for a few hours to rest.