Sending your dog to daycare might sound like just another passing trend. But it can have real benefits for some pups and their owners. Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of dog daycare, and how to decide if it’s the right choice for you and your pal.
Pros of dog daycare
If you work away from home and can’t be with your favorite canine all day, doggy daycare can give you peace of mind, knowing your pal will get supervision, attention and care when you’re not there. Plus, it ensures your pup gets needed potty breaks throughout the day.
A good dog daycare also provides your pooch with ample opportunity for physical exercise, often including a mix of free playtime and organized games, such as playing fetch or tunnel running. Daycare also provides mental stimulation and time to socialize with other pups and people. All of this can help head off unpleasant habits that a home-alone dog can develop, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing.
Some daycares also offer additional for-a-fee services, such as training and grooming.
Cons of dog daycare
However, there are some potential downsides, including cost. In addition, realize that staff members aren’t fitness trainers — if your pooch wants to be a couch potato at daycare, he can be. On the other hand, some dogs may over-do the exercise or become overstimulated.
Likewise, if your dog isn’t very social or has bad manners, don’t expect daycare to change that. In fact, some dogs learn new bad behaviors through interactions with dogs at daycare. With so many canines and doggie personalities in one place, there’s also the risk of injury, or exposure to illness and parasites.
Tips to help in your dog daycare decision
So how do you know whether dog daycare will have more upsides than down for your pal? Start by considering your dog’s personality. Those who do well in daycare tend to have:
- Medium to high energy
- Good social skills and tolerance for other dogs’ behavior
- Confidence
- Trouble staying home alone all day
Next, consider the daycare. Take a tour and consider factors like cleanliness and safety. Evaluate the play and rest areas. And ask lots of questions — for instance:
- What is the staff-to-dog ratio?
- What are the vaccine requirements?
- Is there a written emergency plan?
- What training does the staff receive?
- What is their approach to discipline?
- How many dogs are allowed in a group?
- How do they decide which dogs go into which groups?
If you decide to give daycare a try, your dog will let you know whether he loves it or not. If he goes to daycare every day happy and comes home relaxed, you’ve likely found a good fit.
Before sending your pooch off to any daycare, make sure his vaccinations are up-to-date and that he’s in overall good health. Your CareCredit credit card gives you a convenient way to help cover the costs.* Use the CareCredit Acceptance Locator or Mobile App to find a participating veterinary practice near you.