For pet parents who work all day or spend extended periods of time away from their home, dog daycare can be a great way to ensure that your canine companion gets the attention, care, and exercise they deserve. In addition to providing a fun environment for dogs to socialize, be active, and meet new friends, dog daycare is also a wonderful answer for dogs that suffer from boredom or separation anxiety. Consider the following facts about doggie daycare when deciding if it might be a good fit for your dog:
Dog Daycare Is Typically a Group Environment
Although some dog daycare facilities provide individual suites for dogs that get nervous in large groups, most facilities provide a fun and playful group setting. Dogs may be separated according to size, energy level, or age, but are generally gathered into small groups and supervised by a set number of handlers. This supervised group setting provides ample opportunity for healthy play, socialization, and rambunctiousness, while also maintaining safety and security for the dog himself.
Dog Daycare Facilities Often Board Dogs
Leaving on a long trip without Fido? Consider a dog daycare facility for boarding purposes. In addition to being outfitted with ample play yards and sleeping areas, dog daycare facilities are also staffed by trained professionals who know how to recognize a veterinary emergency and can administer daily medication to ill dogs, if needed. Although many dog daycare facilities focus mainly on day programs, the vast majority also offer extended-stay boarding.
Dog Daycare Facilities May Offer a Trial Period
For pet parents who are worried about how their dog might interact in a dog daycare setting, many facilities offer a trial-run program. These programs generally allow the dog to come and play for a day in order to ascertain how the animal will interact with the facility’s other enrollees and to address any fear or anxiety issues the dog may have. During this process, the pet parent also gets to evaluate the facilities and the staff in order to determine if the dog daycare is a good fit.
Dog Daycare Facilities Often Include Amenities
When some pet parents think of doggie daycare, the image of a large play yard and kennels comes to mind. While this may be true of some facilities, certain facilities might offer additional amenities, such as swimming areas, agility courses, shows, on-leash walks, or even daily hikes in the woods. Check with your local doggie daycare facilities to find out which services and activities they offer.
For pet parents who are often away from home, dog daycare can be a wonderful way to provide Fido with all the care and attention he deserves. Dog daycare facilities are rapidly becoming more popular, so check your local listings for facilities near you.
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