Finding the right daycare facility for your pup can be challenging because you want to leave your dog in good hands. Below are a few questions to help you feel confident in decision-making. These questions will help you decide which doggy daycare facility will take excellent care of your dog when you can’t.
Do You Have an Emergency Plan in Place?
One of the first questions you should ask a doggy daycare facility is their emergency plan. They should have an answer for handling dog injuries and natural disasters. Staff should have training in canine first aid. When will they contact you if your dog gets hurt? How will they contact you if the facility is hit by a tornado, flood, or other catastrophe? A trustworthy daycare has a plan in place.
Is There a Temperament Test?
Facilities test dogs to ensure their temperaments are a good fit for daycare. They closely examine behavior and personality to ensure all dogs get along during the day. Some places will conduct a more in-depth assessment, but it’s good to know if the daycare facility you’re looking at will perform one. It’s a good idea to find places that do perform a temperament test because it means all dogs your furry friend will interact with were screened before enrollment.
Will I Get Daily or Weekly Updates?
You will want updates about how your dog is doing during the day, so it’s good to know whether the doggy daycare facility will offer daily updates, weekly updates, or none at all. Ask how they’ll notify you if staff notices changes in behavior. It’s also important to ask if they have webcams available for you to check on your dog during their stay.
What Training Does the Staff Have?
At the bare minimum, staff should have training in safety procedures and primary care. It’s a giant green flag if you find a facility with animal behavior training. It means they’ll look for signs of sickness or stress and watch for other changes in their behavior. Well-trained staff pay close attention to your dog, providing extra peace of mind.
Asking these questions when searching for the right doggy daycare facility will help weed out the “bad apples.” Staff should be eager and open to answering every question. The more compassionate and patient they are with you, the more confident you can be in their ability to care for your dog. Most importantly, trust your gut!
