80 Questions To Ask A Dog Daycare

If you’re looking to book a doggy daycare it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions. There are some horrible daycares out there that just think about the money and don’t always put your dog’s best interests first.

There are many positives for sending your dog to doggy daycare, so it’s important you find the right one for them.

Why Send A Dog To Dog Daycare?

There are several reasons why someone might choose to send their dog to a daycare facility:

1. Socialisation: Dog daycare provides an opportunity for dogs to interact with other dogs in a supervised environment, which can help improve their social skills and prevent behavioural issues related to isolation or under-socialisation.
2. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Daycare facilities often offer structured play sessions, games, and activities that provide physical exercise and mental stimulation for dogs, helping to keep them physically fit and mentally engaged.
3. Alleviate Boredom and Anxiety: Dogs that are left alone for long periods may become bored or anxious, leading to destructive behaviours or separation anxiety. Daycare can provide a stimulating and enriching environment that alleviates boredom and reduces anxiety for dogs.
4. Supervision and Safety: Daycare facilities are staffed by trained professionals who can monitor the dogs’ behaviour and intervene, if necessary to prevent conflicts or injuries. This level of supervision helps ensure the safety of all dogs in the facility.
5. Convenience for Pet Owners: Dog daycare can be a convenient option for pet owners who work long hours or have busy schedules and need a safe and reliable place for their dogs to stay during the day.
6. Prevents Loneliness: Dogs are social animals and can experience loneliness when left alone for extended periods. Daycare provides companionship and social interaction, which can help prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation in dogs.
7. Provides Routine and Structure: Daycare facilities often have structured schedules and routines, which can be beneficial for dogs that thrive on consistency and predictability.

Overall, dog daycare can be a valuable resource for pet owners, who want to ensure their dog’s physical and emotional well-being while they are away. It provides a safe, stimulating, and supervised environment where dogs can socialise, exercise, and receive the care and attention they need.

It is however important to find the right dog daycare for your individual dog as they might not be the right fit for each dog.

80 Questions To Ask A Dog Daycare

Here’s an extensive list of 80 questions to ask a dog daycare facility:

1. What are your hours of operation?
2. What days of the week are you open?
3. How do you ensure the safety of all dogs in your care?
4. What is your staff-to-dog ratio?
5. What qualifications do your staff members have?
6. How do you train your staff to handle dogs?
7. Can I tour the facility before enrolling my dog?
8. How long has your daycare been in operation?
9. Are you licensed and insured?
10. How do you handle medical emergencies?
11. What is your policy on vaccinations for dogs?
12. Do you require proof of vaccination?
13. How do you assess and manage dog behaviour and socialisation?
14. Can you accommodate special needs or requirements for individual dogs?
15. How do you handle dogs with different energy levels and play styles?
16. Do you have separate play areas for small and large dogs?
17. Are outdoor play areas supervised?
18. How often are play areas cleaned and sanitised?
19. What types of activities and enrichment do you provide for the dogs?
20. Can you administer medication or special diets if needed?
21. How do you introduce new dogs into the group environment?
22. What is your procedure for handling conflicts or disagreements between dogs?
23. Are there breed restrictions or size limitations?
24. Do you offer any additional services, such as grooming or training?
25. Can I bring my dog’s own toys or bedding?
26. What is your procedure for handling lost or escaped dogs?
27. How do you communicate with pet owners about sickness in the daycare?
28. Can you provide references or testimonials from current clients?
29. What is your policy on aggressive or overly dominant behaviour in dogs?
30. How do you handle dogs with medical conditions or special needs?
31. Do you have any outdoor space for dogs to relieve themselves?
32. How do you ensure dogs get enough exercise and mental stimulation?
33. What is your procedure for cleaning up accidents or messes?
34. Are there any specific training or behavioural requirements for dogs to attend daycare?
35. Do you have indoor rest areas or quiet spaces for dogs to relax?
36. How do you handle extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves or storms?
37. Are there any additional fees or charges for specific services?
38. How far in advance do I need to book my dog’s daycare sessions?
39. Can you provide transportation services for drop-off and pick-up?
40. How do you handle dogs that become ill or injured during daycare?
41. Are there any rules or guidelines for pet owners regarding behaviour or expectations?
42. Can I observe a daycare session before enrolling my dog?
43. How do you monitor and manage the health and well-being of dogs in your care?
44. What is your policy on dogs that exhibit signs of stress or anxiety?
45. Can you provide updates or reports on my dog’s activities and behaviour during daycare?
46. How do you handle dogs that show signs of aggression towards staff or other dogs?
47. Do you have a protocol for emergency evacuation in the event of a fire or other disaster?
48. How do you handle dogs that are not spayed or neutered?
49. Can you accommodate dogs with specific dietary requirements or food allergies?
50. What steps do you take to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for every dog in your care?
51. How do you handle dogs that are not comfortable in group settings?
52. Can you provide training or behavioural modification for dogs with specific issues?
53. What is your policy on refunds or credits for missed daycare sessions?
54. How do you handle dogs that are in heat or intact males?
55. Will you use the pictures of my dog on your social media or advertising?
56. Do you have a secure outdoor area for playtime?
57. How do you prevent and manage fleas and ticks in your facility?
58. Can you provide assistance with basic training or obedience during daycare?
59. How do you handle dogs with separation anxiety or fearfulness?
60. Do you offer trial sessions or evaluations for new dogs?
61. Can you accommodate dogs with physical disabilities or mobility issues?
62. How do you handle dogs that are overly timid or shy?
63. Can you provide pick-up and drop-off services if needed?
64. Do you have a procedure for evaluating and addressing potential health risks in the daycare environment?
65. How do you handle dogs that require medication administration throughout the day?
66. Can you provide references from veterinary clinics or other pet professionals?
67. How do you ensure that all dogs are supervised at all times during daycare hours?
68. How do you address concerns or complaints from pet owners?
69. Can you provide a detailed breakdown of your daily schedule and activities for the dogs?
70. How do you ensure that playtime is safe and appropriate for all dogs?
71. Do you have a protocol for handling aggressive or reactive behaviour in dogs?
72. Can you accommodate dogs with specific behavioural issues, such as resource guarding or leash reactivity?
73. How do you ensure that all dogs are properly hydrated and have access to water throughout the day?
74. Do you have a system for tracking each dog’s individual needs and preferences?
75. How do you prevent overcrowding and ensure that each dog receives individual attention?
76. Can you provide guidance on appropriate play behaviours and socialisation techniques for dogs?
77. How do you handle dogs that exhibit signs of discomfort or distress during daycare?
78. Can you provide additional services, such as training or behaviour modification, for dogs with specific needs?
79. How do you handle dogs that have a history of aggression or behavioural issues?
80. What measures do you have in place to ensure the health and well-being of all dogs in your care?

These questions cover a wide range of topics and can help you gather detailed information about a dog daycare facility to ensure that it meets your pet’s needs and your expectations.