There are so many pet-care services available to our pets; such as, multi-purpose doggy day cares with grooming facilities, massage tables and obedience classes. There are also long and short term boarding facilities with acres of land and condos with posh living rooms equipped with couches and satellite television.

Spa-tacular: Doggy Day Care

Although dog day cares vary regarding their services, loosely put, a dog day care is a stimulating, crate-free environment where you can leave your pet in the supervision of positive, motivational trainers. Dog day cares can provide one, some or all of the following: exercise and socialization, nutritious meals and treats, behavior modification, birthday parties, spa treatments, sleepovers, pet supplies, obedience classes and veterinary services, just to name a few.

If you don't want your dog to sit home all day, enrolling him or her in a dog day care is an option. A dog day care is a great place to take your pet while the pest control or cleaning person pays a visit, or if you’ve just had a newborn and need a little break. Just like nursery school for children, dog day care is a wonderful way for your pup or adult to learn how to play and socialize with other dogs from all barks of life.

Some dog day cares provide additional spa services such as pawdicures, fear and anxiety aromatherapy, essential oil joint rubs, aromatherapy ear cleanings and coat conditioners, queen sized beds for resting, and body massages. Our own Dr. Jane was a frequent guest on “Petsburg” on The Animal Planet. One segment was all about a day in the spa. The dog particularly liked the cucumber facial mask while the cat preferred the mint coat powder.

To keep the environment safe and healthy, many cage-free facilities screen pets first and reserve the right to not admit animals based on temperament and level of sociability. In other words, if your dog is a grouchy old bully, some pet day care facilities will have no problems telling you to find another day home for him. In fact, many day cares have a list of rules to ensure the good health and safety of all the pets.

Looking for the Right
Dog Day Care

If you've in fact decided to enroll your dog in a day care, it's advisable that you check out day cares with the vigilance of a bank robber, or the way you would scope out a preschool for your first child. You should take a full tour of each facility you visit, asking plenty of questions each step of the way. Even if you don't enroll your pet full-time, you may want your dog to attend day care every once in a while to relieve yourself of stress or to give you time to plan for the holiday season. Either way, you want to place your dog into the hands of a facility you trust. Below are some pointers.

Aside from searching online, ask other dog owners for recommendations for places they have used and check with your local pet store, vets (yours and others), and your grooming parlor for references. You can also call the American Boarding Kennel Association for a list of their members.

Dog day cares should be clean with minimal odors. It's hard to avoid at least some hint of a doggie smell, but avoid any putrid-smelling place.

Dogs should be well supervised. Note the dog-to-staff ratio (which should be very low) to make sure there are enough caregivers to provide proper supervision.

Make sure each facility you visit allows you to see exactly where your pet will be sleeping and eating. Stay clear of places that refuse to let you visit such parts of the facility.

Get a feel for the staff. Are they knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating?

Does the place require proof of vaccinations and spay/neutering?

All facilities must clean with agents that kill bacteria and virus, rinsing well afterwards. (ask them what kind of antibactrial cleaners they use and make sure they are safe to your pets)

Visit places without an appointment.

Continued tomorrow....