No one wants to end up choosing a pet daycare facility, but there are times when your beloved pet just can’t go with you. Whether you’re attending a family reunion abroad or you’d like a holiday in a country in the middle of nowhere, you’d rather have a professional look after your pet than one of your neighbors.
While friends, family or neighbors can, indeed, help, the truth is different pets have different needs. If your friend has specific needs, it might be wiser to leave them with a pro. Now, with so many options out there, you want the best one. Here’s how to make a good and informed selection.
Comfort Is a Must
Comfort is one of the most important things when looking for a doggy day care service. You need to ensure your pet is comfy and enjoys the environment. For instance, the facility must look and feel clean, rather than smell like feces and urine.
Good ventilation is also required, not to mention the temperature and light. Ideally, each dog should have both an indoor and outdoor area, only to be protected from weather conditions.
Opportunities to play are just as important, not to mention interactions with other dogs or perhaps the staff.
If you need a place for your cat, it should be away from dogs and there must be plenty of space around. The litter box can’t be too close to the food and water either.
Safety and Protection
Safety is essential when picking a facility for your pet. You need to ensure your little friend is healthy and safe during the stay. You can also contribute to this, so make sure your pet is vaccinated.
Many facilities will also ask for a copy anyway. If they don’t, it means other pets nearby may not be vaccinated.
Find out what happens if there’s an emergency too. Do they have a vet on call? Will they take the pet to a vet? Will you be notified about it? This is almost never an issue, but it’s important to discuss it upfront, just to play it safe.
Activities for Pets
Ask about the playtime for your pet and what it actually includes. For instance, if you live in a hot area and you need a place for your dog, most places have small pools and even sprinklers. Most dogs love these things.
When it comes to cats, they usually manage with little to no activity. But for dogs, ask how much activity they get on a daily basis. You need your pet to have fun, but also do it in a safe manner.
Some facilities may cost slightly more, but they could also offer one on one time in terms of playing, not to mention treats and other considerations.
Checking In
To most people, pets are family. And many owners will want to keep an eye on their pets while they’re away. Therefore, more and more facilities give you the opportunity to check in while you’re away.
Some facilities offer cameras, whether they cover the whole facility or just the kennel.
If you can find a facility that offers such facilities, go for it. If they don’t, ask about it. It’s mainly for your peace of mind.
Cost
Apart from all these, the overall cost is just as important. Obviously, you’ll have to match a budget, but at the same time, you want the best for your furry friend as well. From this point of view, the more features and benefits you’ll get, the more it will cost, of course. There are different packages out there too, so sometimes, it might be more cost effective to get a package or perhaps a subscription service, depending on how often you have to let your pet there.
It’s also important not to compromise on quality for the sake of saving money. Facilities with lower prices may lack the necessary staff training, safety protocols, or amenities needed to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.
Other Key Considerations
While these are the main things to consider, the truth is there are many more small things to pay attention to. Here’s a checklist to make the selection easier.
Visit it. See the daycare as a nursery for your kid. You need to go there, inspect it, take a look around, see other animals and so on. Visit during the busiest time of the day, usually between 11AM and 1PM. See if the dogs are happy, playful or safe. Check the safety measures in place, such as secure fencing and proper supervision.
Ask about it. Make sure you write some questions down and ask them. Find out who will look after your dog, what the day will be like, what the staff to dog ratio is, whether animals are neutered or not and so on. It’s also important to ask about how they handle unexpected situations to ensure your pet’s safety.
Consider the diet. Some kennels offer their own food. Others allow people to bring their own food, which is a better option if your dog is on a special diet or perhaps you only buy the best food. If you do have to bring your own food, make sure you bring more than enough to avoid problems. Also, clearly label the food with your pet’s name and feeding instructions. Communicate any specific dietary requirements to the staff, such as portion sizes and feeding times.
Consider the staff training. It’s important to look at diplomas and certifications upfront, not to mention the staff training. You want the personnel to be trained in health and safety, but also in different emergency issues that may arise. Staff should be well-prepared for various scenarios, including pet injuries or health issues. First aid support is just as important.
Ask about activities. Different activities could be fun, but they could be problematic if there are more animals involved. Take ball throwing, for example. It’s a fun activity for very friendly dogs, but too many dogs at once could cause issues if they start fighting for balls. This is why it’s important to understand how the facility organizes and supervises group activities.
To conclude this guide, remember that selecting the right daycare involves careful consideration of multiple factors. Make sure you evaluate each factor to ensure the daycare aligns with both your pet’s needs and your expectations. The goal is to find a facility that offers a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment, providing peace of mind that your furry friend is in capable hands.
