Choosing the best dog daycare can be challenging, especially when you have a long list of options, and you don’t know where to start. As a reputable dog daycare in Massachusetts, we understand that you only want the best for your dog.
In this article, we rounded up six tips that can guide you in choosing the right daycare for your fluffy little one:
- Tour the facilities
To make sure that your dog will enjoy playing in a clean, safe, and properly sanitized environment, ask the dog daycare owner for a tour around the facility. Look out for safety features, such as proper ventilation through open doors, a fresh-air exchange system, solid and durable fences, double gating, and rubber and epoxy floors. It’s also important to confirm whether or not the daycare has safety precautions set in place.
- Check if dogs are separated appropriately
While some facilities may have all dogs playing in a single room, a dog daycare that is concerned for the pets under their care typically splits dogs up into different playrooms based on various factors, including size, temperament, and play style. Although your small pup may regularly play with larger breeds at your neighborhood park, it’s essential to keep your furry four-legged buddy as safe as you can while making sure they’re having fun with other dogs.
- Make sure the daycare is well-staffed
Be assured knowing that your dog is properly cared for and is given the attention needed by asking for the staff-to-dog ratio of the dog daycare.
Know that there are dog-to-human ratios for dog daycares implemented for some states, so be sure to verify with the owner about possible state guidelines. For instance, some organizations involved in pet daycares recommend a ratio of 15 dogs per staff as a safe standard.
Appropriate adjustments are also often made depending on dog groups. For more active breeds, a ratio of one staff per 10 dogs is desired, while 20 dogs per staffer are considered adequate for less active breeds.
- Choose a dog daycare with scheduled activities
When picking a daycare center, ensure that your dog will have lots of freedom and will get to interact and play with other dogs.
Ask the center whether or not there are scheduled activities the dogs will do throughout the day. Dog training and behavior modifications will be helpful in improving your dog’s behavior.
- Read the policies
Check the daycare’s policies, particularly those that focus on toys and treats. If you are aware that your dog can be aggressive with other dogs or does not get along well with toys, raise this concern to the daycare managers so that they can keep a careful eye on your furry friend.
Moreover, ask the dog daycare manager about their use of treats to reward good behavior. Inform them if your dog gets aggressive around food or if they are on a special diet.
- Look for a daycare that offers boarding & dog training
Whether you’re going for a business trip, taking a family vacation, or leaving for work, dog boarding is helpful for pet owners who have to leave their dogs behind for various reasons. Ask the center if it has boarding options available so that your dog can adapt more easily to the environment once it is familiar.
Further, it is best to find a location that offers dog training as well. You’ll be comforted knowing you have a one-stop solution for all your furry friends needs. Using the training services will help your pup better adjust to both daycare and boarding while also making things easier for you at home.
Conclusion
Picking the best dog daycare that suits the needs of your pet and meets your requirements has many benefits. While finding the right one is not easy, you can always get feedback and ask for recommendations from other dog owners to lead you to your ideal dog daycare center.
If you’re looking for a dog daycare, dog boarding and dog training in Massachusetts, we are here for you! We will give your furry family members lots of loving care and attention. Feel free to reach out to us to see how we can help. We look forward to hearing from you!
