Dog Daycare Vs In Home Care

Dog Daycare Vs In Home Care

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How to Spot Red Flags in a Dog Daycare
Ideally, a dog daycare should separate dogs into groups based on size, energy level and temperament. This will reduce behavioral problems and injuries.


Ask them about their policies on naps and breaks for the dogs. Many dogs need to be kenneled or separated from the group in order to relax and recharge.

1. There are too many dogs
A daycare that’s overcrowded isn’t going to give your dog the attention and interaction they need. It can also lead to behavioral problems such as accidents, fights, and stress.

When you tour the facility look for a calm, organized environment. You can ask the staff about how many dogs they supervise at a time. You should also ask them about their training and knowledge of canine body language. They should be able to recognize early signs of discomfort or aggression and provide the proper intervention.

Also, be wary of any facilities that use devices like e-collars or prong collars or physical corrections (pinning down, grabbing or pushing). These methods are outdated and can cause serious injury or even death to a dog.

2. There isn’t enough staff
The number of staff members should vary depending upon the size of the facility, extra services offered and staff training, but any ratio that is a bit too low or has high turnover will be a red flag. This could mean that your dog is not being supervised enough and will likely be at risk of harm or escape.

Look for staff that have training on recognizing dog body language, stress signals and ways to de-escalate aggressive dogs using their voice, gentle hands and separation strategies versus yelling and other harmful methods. Look for a clear procedure that includes communication with the owners, veterinary consultations and what to do when your dog becomes overstimulated or sick during their stay.

Ask about climate control – too much or too little sunlight can be just as stressful for a dog as too much heat. Also, inquire about covered outdoor areas to help your dog play comfortably during rainy or windy weather.

3. The facility smells of fecal and/or urine odor
A strong odor from urine or fecal matter indicates that the facility is not clean. Urine and fecal waste produce ammonia gas which can cause irritation to the eyes and lungs of those around it. It’s important that a daycare center follows proper cleaning protocols, including prompt removal and daily washing of bedding.

A daycare should be happy to show you their facility during business hours. If they refuse or give excuses like it’s too dangerous to have visitors or it would distract the dogs, this is a red flag.

Ask if the employees are certified in pet first aid and CPR. You should also find out what their incident assessment process is in case of an emergency. Do they have windows, garage doors or skylights that they can open to bring in fresh air? Studies have shown that the quality of air in a room can affect the dog’s mood and energy level. This is especially true in high-activity facilities like a dog daycare.

4. The facility isn’t clean
If you tour the facility and find it dirty or unkempt, that is a red flag. Ask them to describe how they clean the kennels, including a disinfecting routine, and how often. Also, ask them if they allow unannounced visits and if they discourage parents from visiting the daycare while their dog is in playgroup.

Ask if the staff is trained in dog behavior and first aid, and how they handle behavioral problems. Avoid facilities that use corrective collars (e-collars, prong collars) or physical corrections (pushing, strangling, pinning), which are aggressive dog boarding near me not only outdated but can lead to long-term behavioral issues.

A good facility should separate dogs into small groups based on temperament and size, and encourage naps during the day. Also, ask if the facility provides crate/kennel time to provide a space for dogs who need to relax. They should also assess injuries on a consistent basis. If your dog comes home exhausted, this indicates that he hasn’t had a chance to rest or play.
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