How to Choose a Daycare for Your Dog

If you’re a dog owner who works long hours or has an unpredictable schedule, leaving your dog home alone for long stretches can be challenging for both you and your dog.

In addition, by the Swiss Animal protection Law, you are not allowed to leave your dog home alone for periods longer than 4 hours.

While some owners opt for hiring a dog walker, others will find that a dog daycare is the best choice for their dog. If your dog is well-socialized, enjoys the company of other dogs, and will benefit from frequent exercise, playtime, and lots of stimulation, a daycare environment may be a good option.

Is Doggy Daycare Right for Your Dog?

Every dog’s needs are different and you’re in the best position to decide if this environment is right for your dog. Some of the benefits of doggy daycare include:

    A chance to meet and play with other dogs

    Mental stimulation

    A routine that relieves separation anxiety and boredom

    Exercise. A tired-out dog will be relaxed and exhausted by the time they come home

    Avoids the issue of having strangers in your home

Choosing the Right Daycare Facility For Your Dog

Once you’ve narrowed down the options in your area, it’s important to visit facilities without your dog and simply observe. Most of the daycare facilities don’t accept visits during regular days as the energy level of the dogs varies when a stranger comes in. Make sure you can arrange a visit on a non-regular day. Examine the facility and watch how the staff interacts with the dogs in their care. Here are some things to look for:

    Is it clean and organized?

   Is the furniture safe for the dogs?

    Does it have secure fencing?

    Is the area free of hazards, like electrical cords, wires, or broken toys?

    Does it have minimal Odors and a comfortable temperature?

    Does it have an adequate heating system during the long wintertime?

    Is there enough staff to ensure safety?

    How big are the groups?

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Doggy Daycare

So far, so good? Then it’s time to ask some important questions. And don’t be shy — this is your dog’s care you’re deciding on. Any reputable daycare centre will be happy to answer your questions.

Will They Do a Temperament Test?

The daycare facility should do an assessment of your dog’s behaviour and personality before accepting them. Some facilities do a comprehensive behavioural assessment, not only to decide if a dog is right for their environment but also to customize care.

What Kind of Training Does the Staff Have?

At a bare minimum, the staff should be trained in basic care and safety procedures. However, ideally, you’re looking for staff trained in animal behaviour, including canine body language, and warning signs of danger, stress, or illness. This is an important point in Switzerland. Take into consideration that anyone can take care of up to 5 dogs on daily basis without any trainings or permits. If you want to be sure that the person that is taking care of your dog is certified by the veterinary office, then you have to ask if the person has an “FBA” or a “Tierpflege” certification. If the person responsible for the daycare has any of these certifications, then you know he or she has done animal related studies covering: Animal behaviour, Swiss Animal law, Veterinary Medicine, Emergency procedures, in some cases dog training skills among others. Having these certifications also assures you that the veterinary office will control the facility and its procedures, and a Veterinary Clinic nearby will have a special attention in case of an incident or accident.

Does the Facility Have Procedures in Place for Emergencies?

There should be staff members trained in canine first aid. Ask how they’ll communicate with you in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster. Also the veterinary office requests a copy of the daycare contingency plan for their approval.

What Communication Will You Receive From Staff?

Some facilities provide daily or weekly reports on your dog’s behaviour, while others will give owners access to a livestream, and some publish pictures on daily basis, so you can see what you dog is up to during the day. It’s important to ensure that any potential doggy daycare has plans in place to notify you promptly if they see a change in your dog’s behaviour or well-being.

What Activities Do They Offer?

There will likely be dogs of many different energy levels and personalities at any doggy daycare. Whether it’s providing toys or structured play time, it’s important that staff plan a variety of activities to appeal to different types of dogs. Daycare facilities should also provide a comfortable, designated rest area for dogs in their care. Also, ask if your dog will be crated at any point, and for how long?

Does Your Dog Like Doggy Daycare?

Once your dog has settled into the routine, you’ll be able to tell whether they’re enjoying daycare. The best sign is a dog that comes home tired, but happy. Are they relaxed or stressed at the end of the day? Do they seem eager to head out each morning or do you have to drag them through the door?

You know your dog best and are most qualified to assess their health and happiness. And, when it all works out well, you can go off to work guilt-free, knowing that each day is like a vacation for your dog.

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