Considering Doggy Daycare? Here's What You Need to Know

Some dogs are okay chilling solo or with their fellow furry housemates when their humans are away. However, other pups loathe being alone and prefer hanging out with their pals at doggy daycare.

Then there are the dogs that get into mischief if they have no way of releasing pent-up energy during the day. For these active canines, daycare could make a big difference in your pup's overall well-being (and the state of your furniture).

The Rise of Doggy Daycare

Doggy daycare first popped up in the United States in 1987, when a vet tech named Joseph Sporn opened Yuppie Puppie in New York City. Busy dog lovers became extremely enthused about no longer needing to leave their precious pups alone. Soon, the popular pet care facilities were opening throughout the country.

Over time, doggy daycares transitioned from laid-back, somewhat slack facilities to more sophisticated establishments. For example, during the early stages, you might find one or two people who watched or played with a few pups during the day. These attendants may or may not have specific training with dogs.

Today, high-quality doggy daycares offer a slew of services and multiple attendants who must undergo certain training. Also, although there aren’t any federal licensure requirements for doggy daycares, many counties and cities have ordinances in place. There are also optional pet care certification programs daycare owners can pursue to set them apart from the pack.

According to a report from Grand View Research, the demand for pet daycare services continues to grow. A report from Future Market Insights suggests many reasons for the rising demand for doggy daycare. These reasons include more people viewing pets as family members, an increase in working hours, and pet parents generally wanting the best for their dogs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bringing Your Pup to Doggy Daycare

Is doggy daycare right for your pet? Before you decide, consider the benefits and drawbacks of bringing your dog to daycare.

Benefits

Doggy daycare has many advantages for your pup, especially if they love to be around other dogs.

• Peace of mind — Someone is watching your dog and will be there in case anything happens to your pup while you’re away.
• Social interaction — Your dog will have other pups to play with and can enjoy socializing. Being with others instead of home alone could also help alleviate separation anxiety.
• Exercise — Instead of snoozing on the couch, your dog has more opportunities to exercise. Many facilities offer extras like a puppy pool, agility course, dog walks, and large grassy areas for play.
• Training — Depending on the facility, you may be able to add dog training as an extra service.
• No strangers in your home — Doggy daycare provides an alternative option if you don’t like the idea of a stranger pet-sitting at your house.
• Mental stimulation — Exploring a new environment, exercising and playing throughout the day, and socializing with other dogs provide mental stimulation. These are things your dog wouldn’t necessarily get if they were home by themselves.
• Setting a routine — Doggy daycares typically have a set routine for eating, playtime, training, etc. Dogs thrive off of routine, so this consistency can be beneficial for anxious dogs.

Downsides of Doggy Daycare

Here are the potential drawbacks of doggy daycare, which may or may not be an issue for your pup.

• It gets expensive — If you plan to bring your pup to daycare every day, it can add up fast. Facilities typically offer daily, weekly, and even monthly rates, and the average cost is roughly $40 per day.
• Exposure to illnesses — Doggy daycares usually require proof of vaccinations, but that doesn’t mean your pup won’t be exposed to potential illnesses or parasites. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their shots and uses adequate flea and tick protection.
• It could increase anxiety — If your dog doesn’t enjoy loud environments or being around other dogs, daycare becomes a very stressful place to be. Instead of easing anxiety, bringing your pup to a doggy daycare could increase anxious feelings and stress your pet.
• Lack of individual attention — When you bring your dog to daycare, they will likely be with 10 to 20 other dogs at certain points in the day. If your dog has specific medical needs or dietary concerns, daycare may not be a good fit. Therefore, if you prefer your pup to have more individualized care, you may do better with a pet sitter.

Things to Think About if You’re Considering Taking Fido to Doggy Daycare

After examining the benefits and disadvantages of doggy daycare there are a few other things to consider. If you decide to give it a try, here are the questions you need to ask.

How Much Does It Cost?

Daily rates for doggy daycare average between $30 and $50 a day depending on many factors. Location, quality, experience of staff, certifications, extra services, and how long your dog stays all affect what you pay.

How Often Should Your Dog Go to Daycare?

Every dog is different, so the answer to this question relies heavily on how your dog responds to daycare. Also, the daycare may have rules about how often dogs can attend each week. For example, a pet daycare may restrict dogs to four or five days a week.

Your budget, schedule, and dog’s reaction to daycare will ultimately determine how often they should go. However, remember, it’s still important for your dog to be able to handle being alone sometimes. Keep all of these things in mind when deciding the right amount of time your dog should spend at daycare.

What Is the Schedule?

As previously mentioned, dogs love routine, and a good daycare will follow a set schedule to help dogs acclimate to the environment. Find out their hours, feeding times, play times, etc. Also, ask about the hours included with your daily rate. Some facilities may offer extended hours for an additional fee.

Who Works There?

Find out how many attendants are on staff during the day and the ratio of handlers to dogs. A good ratio is 6 to 8 dogs per person. What are their qualifications? It’s common nowadays for reputable doggy daycares to have trained professionals on their roster.

What Does the Daycare Do in an Emergency?

Is anyone on staff trained in dog CPR? Are there any trained vet techs on staff? Ask the facility what their protocol is in an emergency or if your dog gets injured. Is there a nearby vet clinic or emergency animal hospital they work with or will you need to come get your pet?

Is Doggy Daycare a Good Fit for Your Pet?

Ask fellow pet parents what daycares they recommend or get suggestions from your vet. Another resource is Rover’s doggy daycare directory. Select a few options and visit the facilities, ask questions, and get a sense of how each place makes you feel.

Once you find a doggy daycare for your pup, try it out for a few days and see how your dog reacts. Observe your pup when you pick them up to note any changes in behavior. Likewise, notice how your dog acts when you bring them back to the daycare. Your dog’s body language will tell you everything you need to know. 

For more helpful pet resources, check out the Neater Pets blog.