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| When my husband and I were first married, we decided to get a dog. Well, it wasn’t actually a thought-filled process. We saw a picture of an adorable little Labrador puppy and thought, “Why not?” Little did we know of all the attention that a puppy, or any dog for that matter, really needs. Of course, we played with Chino at night and on the weekends. But as this lively puppy, who was growing bigger and more active every day, was left alone while we were at work, it was clear that he needed more one-on-one attention than we were giving him. If only we had thought about doggie day care back in the Chino days, we may have had a more relaxed, well-mannered dog and fewer chewed-up pillows, shoes, and wedding photos. Doggie day care is a relatively new concept, but it seems to have taken the world by storm. And why not? Caring for man’s best friend and most faithful companion seems like a no-brainer. For Joe Sporn, it was a no-brainer. Back in 1987, it was Joe who opened The Yuppie Puppy Daycare Center in New York City, the very first doggie day care in the world. Since then, doggie day cares have taken off and not only have grown in popularity for their services, but in recent years have been recognized as a top new business to open. For those not familiar with the concept of day care for dogs, it’s very similar to day care for children. The thinking behind it is that dogs are family too and they need loving care and attention. Whether you choose to take your dog to a private home or a commercial day care, both should give your pet the attention and exercise they need to keep them healthy, happy, and entertained. So many people (this writer included) get frustrated with their dog’s behavior, whether it’s their intense level of activity or their tendency to destroy things around the house. In fact, these are two of the main reasons animal shelters cite for owners relinquishing their dogs. Here’s how doggie day care works: You drop off your dog on your way to work. Bring your dog’s food and medications (if applicable), and walk away with the comfort of knowing your pet is going to have a fun day interacting with people who care about him. Activities are suited to your dog’s likes and preferences. If your dog is active and friendly, he or she will be able to interact with other like-minded pals. If your pooch prefers to be pampered and to take it easy, that’s OK too. Day care centers even let them hang out on the couch if that’s what they like to do. The centers are staffed by licensed and knowledgeable caretakers who have been trained to deal with all types of doggy personalities and any problems that may arise. As with any day care, these facilities usually have some sort of screening or interview process that works for the benefit of all parties involved. Dogs that are to be enrolled in the program must also meet certain requirements. Shot records must be provided to ensure that the dogs are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Dogs must be free of parasites and not have any contagious diseases or conditions. They cannot be aggressive or display antisocial behaviors. And your pet should be spayed or neutered. Requirements may vary by facility, but these are pretty standard expectations. This screening process also provides you with a chance to evaluate the day care and see if it is a good fit for you and your dog. Take note of your pet’s behavior upon picking him or her up at the end of the day. Do they seem happy and well-cared for? Do they appear excited when it’s time to return? How do the other dogs act? Do they seem happy and friendly? Is the facility clean? Of course, there will be considerations to be made since they are caring for dogs and not infants, but take note…are the outside areas clean of debris and animal waste? Are the staff members friendly and loving with, not only your pet, but all of the dogs in attendance? Be sure to ask family and friends for referrals and suggestions, and don’t shy away from asking the facility for references. If you’re looking for a boarding facility for an extended doggie sleepover, many day care providers offer this as well. It is a good idea that this be a place with which your canine is already comfortable. If you are not in the market for day care but do want to board your dog, there are many options that run the gamut from standard kennels to deluxe doggie hotels and anywhere in between. Many boarding facilities will take dogs and cats and some will also accept birds and reptiles, but be sure to check with the facility you have chosen. No matter what type of facility you choose to board your dog (or cat), be sure that it is licensed and clean. Yards, runs, and cages or sleeping quarters should be clean, and the interior locations should be disinfected on a regular basis. The facility must be secure and monitored, with staff available to observe the animals’ behavior and activity around-the-clock. Some people may think that having a neighbor periodically check on your pet or asking a friend to dog-sit while you’re away is sufficient, but that is not usually the case. Dogs need one-on-one attention, not just a few minutes to run around the yard and a quick pet here and there. It’s quite different to have a trained and devoted professional interact with your pet while you’re away than to have someone check in on him or her. Day care and boarding facilities allow dogs to interact with each other, assist them in developing their “social graces,” and help to relieve them of separation anxiety. Whether you choose to board your pet while you’re away or to enroll him or her in a daily day care program, it is a good opportunity for your pet to interact with people who care about him. They aim to ensure that your pet is getting enough attention and is being well-cared for. Sources for this story included: dogs.about.com, www.pawsdogdaycare.com, www.frederickdoggiedaycare.com/doggie-day-care-requirements.html, and www.yuppiepuppy.com. |
Doggie Day Care |
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