| Dog day care is growing in popularity. It started in | | | | home alone they get into mischief like chewing on |
| California in 1987 and has been spreading across the | | | | shoes, furniture and whatever they can find. Some |
| country every since. | | | | dogs suffer from separation anxiety so this would be |
| I must admit it's not something I was aware of. Of | | | | a great way to help them by giving them dogs to |
| course, I know about kennels - a place to take your | | | | play with and people around. |
| dog if you just can't take him with you on a trip but | | | | Check out these factors when choosing a dog day |
| not dog day care. Isn't it child day care? Anyway, | | | | care center. |
| one day when I was talking with my son he | | | | Are the employees trained? Some have been trained |
| mentioned he was taking his dog to dog day care | | | | in dog behavior, first aid and obedience training. |
| the next day. What's that? Anyway he said he dog | | | | Is the facility clean? Is there an area specifically for |
| loved going there and he even had a dog friend. Well, | | | | the dogs to potty? How does the center smell? |
| I had to look into this and so here is what I came up | | | | Is the facility overcrowded? |
| with. | | | | Is the staff to dog ratio good? One staff member to |
| Dog day care is much like day care for children. You | | | | every 10-15 dogs is optimun. |
| drop your dog off in the mornings and pick him up | | | | Does it look like the staff enjoys the dogs? |
| after work. Your dog gets to socialize with other | | | | Is there a security fence around the outdoor areas? |
| dogs, gets outdoor exercise, have activities, play | | | | Are they high enough to prevent dogs from jumping |
| games like fetch. They even have nap time! They | | | | over? |
| have tug toys, balls and toys to climb on. Some | | | | Midday meals? |
| places have couches, chairs and even bean bags for | | | | Do they give medications? |
| them. They even can attend an obedience class. | | | | To get in a center your dog needs: |
| These centers are generally in a large open space like | | | | Current vaccinations. |
| a renovated warehouse. They have an area for large | | | | Flea prevention |
| dogs and one for small dogs. They will also have a | | | | Sprayed/neutered |
| large outdoor area. | | | | Dog must get along with other dogs. |
| Some centers have cameras going that you can get | | | | Some centers have other services like overnight |
| on the internet and see what your dog is doing. Do | | | | boarding, dog training and grooming facilities. Some will |
| child care centers have that? | | | | even pick your dog up and home and return him at |
| These dog day care centers are great for people | | | | night. |
| who feel guilty about spending so much time away | | | | I found cost from $15.00 a day to $35.00 a day plus |
| from their dogs. They offer dog owners options | | | | weekly rates so shop around. |
| giving their dog a day of play rather than boredom | | | | These dog day care centers do provide a safe and |
| and loneliness at home. They get to interact with | | | | healthy atmosphere with lots of interaction with |
| other dogs, get exercise and have fun. | | | | people and other dogs. |
| You know some dogs get so lonely and bored at | | | | |