About Dog Day Care

A dog day care is not very different from a baby day care. Day care employees feed the dog, give them water, play, take naps and pamper them. To find the right dog day care center, check the listings in your local phone directory, consult with co-workers or friends who take their dogs, or call the local facilities and ask lots of questions.

Finding the Right Dog Day Care Center

• Before deciding on a doggie day care center, call local facilities and ask to take a tour. During the tour, take note of the cleanliness, smell and if the dogs look happy and healthy.


• Make sure the day care allows your dog to have enough rest and access to water.


• Check their hours of operation, drop-off and pick-up times, and ask if they have web cameras for you to check on your dog during the day.


• Make sure the amount of time your dog spends outside the kennel is suited to temperament and keeps him safe. Some day care facilities provide ample room for dogs to interact and play, whereas others allow dogs to play with an employee for fifteen minutes at a time.


• Ask the staff how they discipline dogs, prevent and end dog fights, and how they handle injuries or emergencies. Inform them of your dog’s special needs and make sure they are set up to deal with anything.


• Make sure the day care has policies regarding required vaccinations, spaying and neutering, communicable diseases and parasitic infections.

Types of Dog Day Care Centers

• Private In-home day care: A day care in a private home allows more interaction with humans. This may be a better option for an antisocial dog. This day care is also cheaper and provides care of a smaller group of dogs.


• Commercial dog day care: These facilities are ideal for social dogs. Trained staff generally keep them busy playing outdoors, or have activities set up for their entertainment. The staff is usually trained to deal with aggression and able to handle emergencies.