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CHOOSING THE BEST DOGGIE DAYCARE
By Teresa Bitler
Most dogs can benefit from doggie daycare. A full day or even a few hours spent playing with other dogs can help burn excess energy, alleviate boredom and rectify problem behaviors caused by boredom.
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Not all doggie daycares offer the same high-quality care, though. So, how do you find a good one? Here’s what to consider as you search for the right program for your pooch.
Logistics
Start with the basics: location, hours and cost. Most of the time, a doggie daycare that’s too far from your home or work doesn’t make sense. If you do plan to drop off before and pick up after work, the facility needs to accept animals before you start and allow pick up after you finish for the day, including those times you might have to work late.
Cost varies depending on a number of factors including location (you may pay $40 in Scottsdale for a full day versus $25 in Prescott), the size of your dog and activities offered. Some doggie daycares offer half-day rates, punch cards, multi-dog discounts and other incentives that affect what you’ll pay. Take these into account as well as any extras your dog might receive when evaluating a facility.
Facilities
Your dog’s daycare should be safe, clean and comfortable. The Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC) recommends making sure outdoor areas have tall, secure fencing and the facility, in general, is free of hazards like electrical cords, wires and broken toys. It should also smell clean, and the temperature should be set to a comfortable level.
Look for separate areas for large and small dogs as well as active dogs. Each space should have plenty of clean drinking water, too, and shady outdoor areas. Verify there is enough staff to ensure the dogs’ safety while at play, and make sure the facility is bonded and insured.
