What's the difference between dog daycare and dog boarding?
Dog daycare provides daytime care and supervision for dogs while their owners are at work or busy, typically from morning to evening. Dog boarding offers overnight accommodations and 24-hour care for extended stays when owners are traveling. Many facilities offer both doggie daycare and boarding services to meet different needs.
What are the benefits of sending my dog to daycare?
Professional dog daycare offers numerous advantages for your pet:
- Supervised socialization with other dogs
- Regular exercise and playtime
- Prevention of boredom and destructive behavior
- Relief from separation anxiety
- Professional supervision throughout the day
- Mental stimulation through varied activities
- Structured routine and consistent care
How much does dog daycare and boarding cost?
Prices for professional dog care services typically range as follows:
- Full-day daycare: $25-45 per day
- Half-day daycare: $15-25 per day
- Overnight boarding: $35-65 per night
- Extended boarding: Often includes discounted rates
- Additional services (extra walks, grooming, training): $10-30 per service
- Multi-dog household discounts may be available
What happens during a typical day at doggie daycare?
A professional dog daycare follows a structured schedule that includes:
- Morning check-in and health assessment
- Supervised group play sessions
- Rest periods and quiet time
- Outdoor exercise (weather permitting)
- Feeding (if requested)
- Individual attention and care
- Regular potty breaks
- Evening pickup and progress report
What should I pack for my dog's boarding stay?
When boarding your dog, bring these essential items:
- Regular food and feeding instructions
- Medications if needed
- Favorite toys or comfort items
- Bedding from home (if allowed)
- Updated vaccination records
- Emergency contact information
- Veterinarian details
What requirements do dogs need to meet for daycare or boarding?
Most professional dog daycare and boarding facilities require:
- Current vaccinations (including Bordetella)
- Proof of flea and tick prevention
- Spaying/neutering for dogs over 6 months
- Passing a temperament evaluation
- Good general health
- Completed registration forms
- Emergency contact information
How do you ensure safety at your dog daycare facility?
Professional dog daycare facilities maintain safety through:
- Trained supervision staff
- Separate play areas by size/temperament
- Regular sanitization protocols
- Secure fencing and gates
- Camera monitoring systems
- Emergency response procedures
- Staff certified in pet first aid
Can I tour the daycare or boarding facility before enrolling?
Most professional dog care facilities encourage facility tours:
- Meet the staff and observe their interactions
- View play areas and boarding accommodations
- Learn about daily routines and activities
- Discuss specific needs for your dog
- Review safety protocols
- Ask questions about services and policies
How do you group dogs in daycare?
Professional dog daycare facilities typically group dogs based on:
- Size and weight
- Age and energy level
- Play style
- Temperament
- Social compatibility
- Special needs or considerations
What happens if my dog gets sick or injured during their stay?
Professional dog care facilities have established protocols for emergencies:
- Immediate first aid when needed
- Contact with owner or emergency contact
- Transportation to specified veterinarian
- Isolation areas for sick dogs
- Detailed incident reporting
- Staff trained in emergency procedures
- Regular monitoring of recovering pets