Is Daycare Right for Me?

Emilee Brewer

While doggie daycare can offer many benefits, it can also have drawbacks, and I want you to be well-informed before bringing your pup. Not every dog will thrive in a daycare situation, so let’s discuss the pros and cons! 

One of the main reasons people bring their pooch to daycare is for socialization. My dog is reactive to other dogs (and sometimes people) and honestly, it’s a little embarrassing when he’s losing his mind and the other dog is just cool as a cucumber. Socializing them is important so they don’t freak out in new environments and meeting other animals or people. Socialization can increase their confidence and help them learn to navigate new experiences. Poorly socialized dogs can develop behavioral issues like anxiety or even aggression. Daycare provides a safe environment for them to experience new dogs and people and how to handle them. 

Another reason people bring their dogs to daycare is for mental stimulation. I have a lazy dog. He curls up in a little circle on the couch and does not move until he needs the bathroom. This may work for my couch potato dog, but other dogs need that stimulation or they can become destructive. Nobody wants to come home to a couch ripped to shreds, so daycare is an excellent way for them to get that excess energy out. They get to run around and play with friends and destroy the facility’s toys instead of your furniture. It’s a win-win! 

Additionally, daycare can provide a much-needed break from your animal. Who hasn’t gotten overwhelmed by their dog? Especially if you have a high-energy puppy or a working dog. Similar to a human child, dogs depend on us for their survival and sometimes it can be a lot! Dropping them off at daycare gives you a few hours of peace and quiet while they’re safe and having fun. Think of it like sending them to summer camp! They come home exhausted and fulfilled and you get a little reprieve from their energy. 

Now, there are many other benefits to daycare, but at the risk of this post getting too long, let’s touch on a few cons to give more of a full picture. One drawback is that daycare can be overwhelming. If a dog is used to being alone, suddenly being surrounded by three or four other dogs can be scary. Plus dogs are barking in other groups, there are people they’ve never met before. Think of it like the first day of school. It’s scary being in a new environment with new people and not knowing the routine. Dogs also get overwhelmed and they can act out because of it. 

Daycare also puts dogs at risk of getting sick. While we require certain vaccines, there is still the potential of a bug being spread around. It’s on the owner to make sure their sick pup stays home, but sometimes a dog can be asymptomatic and then they get their friends sick and the dogs around their run get sick and before you know it, everyone is barfing. Again, it’s just like school; one toddler gets sick and then suddenly the whole class is out. 

Finally, much like people, dogs pick up habits from their friends and it may not be the best habits. Say little Spot likes to bark at dogs passing by. Scooter has never done that before but now he’s barking at all the dogs on your walk because his buddy was doing it at daycare. These behaviors can be deterred with regular training, but it’s easier to prevent the habit from developing in the first place. 

So is daycare right for your dog? That entirely depends on the individual dog. If they’re prone to being anxious or getting overly riled up, it may be best to keep them home or take them somewhere that can give them more one-on-one attention. If you have a dog that is bursting with energy, daycare can be a great way for them to get their zoomies out. It all comes down to how your dog acts on their own and around others. You also want to research each daycare facility and take a tour if possible, before making any decisions. How does the staff interact with the animals? How many dogs are in a group and how many people are supervising? Does the facility use proper sanitation techniques to lower the risk of illness? There are lots of factors in choosing a daycare facility so make sure you do lots of research!   

Policies

  • Puppies must be at least 4 months old and up to date on Bordetella, Rabies, and all of their DAPP boosters.

  • We require veterinarian records showing your dog is up to date on Bordetella, DAPP, and Rabies. Canine Influenza is recommended but not required.

  • We require veterinarian records showing your cat is up to date on Feline Leukemia, FVRCP, and Rabies.

  • Our office hours are 6 AM-11 AM & 2 PM-6 PM Monday-Friday and 6 AM-2 PM on Saturday. A $10 per guest surcharge applies to pets who check in/out between 11-2 Monday-Friday and after 2 on Saturdays.

  • Sunday check outs are available from 1-4 PM with a $25 per guest surcharge.

  • We are closed New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas.

  • We require a $25 deposit for all boarding reservations. If you cancel within 7 days of your check in date, the deposit is forfeited. Deposits for stays over New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas are non refundable regardless of cancellation date.

  • We require all dogs to have a Going Home Bath after 4+ night stay so they come home clean & fresh for you.

  • Holiday Rates of $3/day/guest apply to the following holidays: New Year, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. The Holiday Rate applies to the week prior and the week after the holiday.

  • We reserve the right to refuse guests we feel are a danger to themselves, other guests, and/or our staff.

  • We do not allow intact females while in heat. If a female dog goes into her heat cycle while staying with us, there is a $25/day cleaning surcharge.