Putting your dog in daycare can be as scary as dropping off a human kid at kindergarten, but it can also be a great opportunity for your pup to socialize, learn, and have fun! To make things ideal for you and your fuzzy child, it's important to be on the same page as the people looking after your dog. Communication is essential for you and your dog to have a good daycare experience.
In addition to a little independent research, we interviewed a former doggy daycare employee who has a lot of experience with the highs and lows of the business. The common theme of potential problems is a disconnect between dog parents and professional dog caregivers. Here are 4 things that our seasoned source wants everyone to know before getting their pup started at daycare:
What to know about sending your dog to doggy daycare
1. Your dog won't act the same as they do at home
Dogs respond to different situations differently! Especially if they're new to daycare, your dog may behave in ways you wouldn't expect. A pup who's super friendly at home may not be as social in a new environment with other people and dogs. It's important to communicate with daycare employees about your dog's behavior, and trust their judgement and expertise-- even if they tell you things about your sweet baby that may surprise you. Adjustments can be difficult for dogs, and the professionals will know best when it comes to helping your pup settle in.
2. Dogs get a little sick sometimes
With a lot of dogs all together in the same space, things can get germy. It's just like school for human kids. Inevitably, your dog will get some kind of bug. Don't panic as dogs get colds like the rest of us, and it's normal for them to be a little under the weather sometimes, especially if they're around other dogs. Like with humans, some rest and TLC will have your poor pup feeling better soon. Of course, if symptoms persist or worsen, you should see your vet.
3. Be sure to mention allergies!
Dogs can be allergic to a variety of foods, just like humans. At daycare, they will inevitably be given whatever food and treats are going around unless the employees know to keep certain things away from them. To keep your dog healthy and happy, it's important to keep track of any allergies or intolerances they might have-- and to let the daycare know. Daycares can absolutely accommodate allergies as long as they are aware of them in advance. Definitely something to bring up before your pup's first day!
4. Do your research!
Daycares vary widely! There are all kinds of different formats and policies. Some places have all the dogs together in one big space, while others will separate them into smaller groups. These groups might be based on breed, size, or play style. Some daycares have training built into their normal schedule, while some may offer separate training programs (usually at an additional cost). The price of daycares varies a lot, so based on your budget you may want to do a cost benefit analysis of your options. Another thing to bear in mind is that while some daycares will accept dogs right away, others have an interview process which takes longer.
Bottom line: it's key to think about what exactly you're looking for in a daycare and what will work for you. The other bottom line: ask the professionals! They can help you figure out what's right for you and your pup.