[16] October 28, 2011
www.kirklandreporter.com
pampering pets...
How to choose a doggie daycare
I
f you are thinking about doggie daycare for your “best friend,” but unsure how to evaluate your options, here are a few points to consider.
• Greenery or Convenience: Proximity to your home or office versus environment for your dog will involve compromise. Most doggie daycares with
OBEDIENCE and AGILITY CLASSES • Seminars • Behavior Modification • Private Consultations and Training • Doggy Daycare
425-488-0923 206-367-8071
Professional Pet Sitter & Dog Walker Because they like to stay, even when you’re away.
(425) 638-3825 www.whiskersathome.com
Licensed Bonded Insured
500296
Online updates will be provided after each visit with your pet.
$10.00 Off Any Service
For New Customers SERVICES AVAILABLE Boarding, Grooming, Canine Training One coupon per visit May not combine with other offers Coupon expires March 31st, 2012 Give us this coupon at check-in or out and mention Reporter Newspapers
425-483-9333 CASCADEKENNELS.COM
20005 178th Ave. NE, Woodinville
Stina Hughes of Scampers Daycamp for Dogs in the Totem Lake area of Kirkland can be reached at 425-821-9100 or via email: stina@scampersdogs.com.
• over 9000 sq. ft. of supervised indoor and outdoor play space • convenient Totem Lake location • joint-friendly rubber flooring indoors
425-821-9100 scampersdogs.com 12532 NE 124th Street Kirkland, WA 98034
• canine pack management trained • pet first aid trained • as many tummy rubs as your pooch can handle!! 537505
• • • •
539055
499558
Serving the Greater Seattle area since 1980
significant outdoor space are farther from town, while more convenient facilities may or may not have outdoor areas. • The Numbers: To ensure safety, the ratio of caregivers to dogs should be 1 to 10 or 15 depending upon the character of the dog pack and skill level of the caregivers. • Special Skills: Have the caregivers received specialized training or training in canine first aid? • Playgroups: Are there separate areas for larger, smaller, more or less energetic groups? • Standards for Enrollment: Are there vaccination requirements? Do they evaluate every participant’s temperament? If so, you can feel confident that your dog’s playmates will be well mannered and healthy, too. • Reviews: Seek out online (Yelp, Bing, Google) or personal reviews from other dog owners. There are no licensing requirements for doggie daycares; a business license only indicates that the company is meeting their tax obligations. On the other hand, if they operate within King County, they must post a current Pet Daycare Permit from the Board of Health. Above all, ask questions and trust your instincts when hearing the answers. Then, trust your dog’s instincts – after a few visits, if your dog is eager to get there, you’ll know you’ve found the right one for you and your pooch!