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Take a Tour: This is the
number one guideline to choosing a daycare or overnight boarding
facility. Don’t trust just the internet; good marketing
can make just about anything sound wonderful. A good daycare/overnight
boarding center will have an open door policy and welcome
you to view all areas. Drop in unannounced to see how the facility is run (vs. making an appointment). Note the cleanliness, ventilation
system, safety, comfort, overall ambiance and friendliness
of caretakers and staff. Ask the ratio of caretakers to number
of dogs which gives you an idea of the amount and degree
of attention and care your pet will receive. For overnight stays,
ask if each pet has his own private area or if chain link
fencing or crates/cages are used. |
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Associations: Ask about memberships
to professional associations, particularly the Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) where members are required to
meet stringent standards to be an active member. Are they
involved in local community associations, such as the Humane
Society, rescue groups and/or therapy dog organizations. |
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Information to Ensure Quality: Ask
for references. Ask what makes them a qualified daycare and/or
boarding facility. |
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Staff: How many caretakers are available
at any given time? What sort of experience and/or training
have they received? Are they certified in canine CPR/First Aid? What is their attitude toward you and the dogs in their care? Do they truly love dogs or is this 'just a job'? |
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Outdoor Time/Activities/Amenities:
If boarding, how many times/day is your pet let outside?
What time is the 'last out' potty break before bed (some facilities last out is 6pm, where as others it is 10pm). Is there an indoor and outdoor area where your pup can join
the fun with other canine guests? For daycare, is there ‘free
play’ all day or are there other activities in addition
to free play? Do the dogs have a required nap time and how
long is it? Inquire as to amenities offered and what is included
in the base price vs. add-on services at a cost. If your dog is 'not social' with other dogs and cannot participate in group activities, what do they offer in lieu of this (i.e. private play time, walk, special outdoor area). |
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Daycare Group Sizes: What is the daycare’s
capacity and how strict are they on the number of dogs at
any given time? What is the ratio of caretakers to the number
of dogs? |
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Dog Groups : Will big dogs be with small
dogs or are there separate areas (both indoor and out)? Are dogs separated based on their activity level as well as size (which ensures a safer environment and more fun for your fur baby)? |
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Safety: Is there a manager on site
24 hours a day or are the dogs left alone overnight? Is there
a fire protection system and security system? What is their plan in the event of a fire or severe weather? What type of
fencing is used for outdoor containment and how tall is it? What type of flooring
is in the play areas (look for 'paw and joint friendly' flooring)? |
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Special Needs: If your companion has
special needs, ask who will be caretaking your pet and what
type of experience they have. |
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Make Reservations in Advance: The best
facilities may reach capacity quickly, especially around
holiday times so call as early as possible (even a year in
advance for key holidays). |
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Inform the pet care facility : Complete
all required behavior information requested so the caretakers
can make your pup’s stay the best possible for her
personality. Always err on giving more information than less. |
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Your Companion’s Comfort: For
overnight stays, bring something familiar for your pet, such
as a bed, blanket or toy to help them feel at home. Always
supply your dog’s own food. Diet changes can prompt
digestion problems and discomfort. Plus, he is always more
apt to eat his own food than something new. |
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Comfort Your Pet: Dogs have an uncanny
ability to pick up and react to your stress level so give
yourself enough time to calmly transition your pet for their
stay. Talk calmly and happily to your companion so he feels
reassured that this is a happy place. |
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Go With Your Gut: Often the best gauge,
recognize when something just doesn’t seem ‘quite
right’. Like most things, you’ll know the right
place when you see it and have the peace of mind that your
furry friend is happy. |
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For more information on choosing a pet care facility, see the Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) link below: |
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