If 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 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.
• Surprise Inspection: Does the facility allow drop-in visits? A good facility will welcome visitors dropping in to see what they offer.
Do keep in mind, however, that drop off and pick up times can be hectic and limit their availability to answer your questions. While there, let your senses loose – does it look clean, does it smell clean?
• 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!
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.
