Are you trying to decide whether or not doggy daycare is right for your pup? Our veterinary team in Orlando shares the benefits of doggy daycare, what you can expect and how to make the experience as positive as possible for your pup.
Daycare for Dogs & Cats
If you have to be away from your dog for the day while you work, care for children or run errands, you might have a few options to consider between a pet sitter, family members to care for your four-legged friend or leaving your pup on their own for a short time.
That said, doggy daycare is a growing trend across the United States for many pet parents who are concerned about leaving their furry family member alone for too long, or who are aware their pet needs physical activity, mental stimulation and socialization time. In this post, we discuss the purpose and benefits of doggy daycare and the stress factor. We also offer tips for reducing any stress your pet might feel at daycare.
What do dogs do at daycare in Orlando?
Dogs that don’t have an outlet for their energy and curiosity can become bored, which may result in depression, stress or mischievousness that can get them into trouble — not to mention the impact that stress and lack of exercise can have on their physical health.
While your dog is at a daycare facility, you can be sure they’ll be getting in some valuable playtime, experience socializing with other dogs and physical exercise that will allow them to run off all that pent-up energy.
Throughout the day, they’ll typically enjoy playtime both solo or with a group in a dedicated play area, treats and lots of love, attention, friends and toys to play with. Small, medium and large dogs are separated by size for safety reasons.
The Importance of Pet Stress Relief
Beyond the convenience factor, booking your dog some time at daycare not only makes it easier to get that much-needed exercise time in, but it also helps your animal relieve stress that’s built up from everyday events and larger factors, from car trips, being left at home alone, your recent move, visits to the vet, changes in routine or maybe even the death of a family member.
Just like us, physical activity and time with their dog friends is an important stress reliever for our pets. Every dog is also vaccinated and is up to date on parasite prevention and flea medication (speak with the staff at the doggy daycare you chose about which vaccinations are required).
Many people find that their dogs are less likely to be hyper or destructive after a day of activity and play. After they arrive home, they’ll be ready for snuggle time with you, and a good nap!
Tips for Reducing Stress While Your Pet is at Daycare
Naturally, if you’ve never been separated from your pet, you might be nervous about leaving them with someone for the day.
Some dog owners have wondered if it’s stressful for their pet to attend animal daycare, either because of the separation or all the new smells, people and other dogs they’ll be interacting with. While there is usually an adjustment period for dogs who are new to the daycare experience, most settle in and enjoy their time at the doggy daycare. That said, here are some steps you can take to reduce any stress your pet may feel during their time at a daycare facility:
1. Assess the facility before booking.
When you speak with staff at the facility, what kind of “vibe” do you get? Are they warm, caring and passionate about pets? Do they have experience in running a pet daycare? Ask for a tour. Does the facility appear clean and organized? Are there comfortable places for your dog to play and relax? Are there staff members available to address questions and concerns?2. Be honest about behavior and other issues.
Just like people, each dog is an individual. Some have quirks or behavioral issues, which is one of the reasons why most daycares have a detailed intake process, during which they will ask about these subjects.3. Leave your contact number and clear instructions.
While the staff should be experienced in addressing a number of issues that might come up in a day, they will also keep your contact number and specific instructions for emergencies on file — for overall peace of mind.
You can rest assured that your dog will be well cared for by experienced staff and that all dogs at the daycare have completed a thorough behavioral evaluation to ensure they’re a good match for the space.
How many pets go to daycare?
As pet parents become more aware of their pets’ need for mental stimulation and regular physical exercise beyond what they may be able to provide, daycare for pets has become increasingly popular across the United States since the mid-1990s.
More and more owners are looking into pet daycare services as life gets busier and we become more aware of the benefits of regular mental and physical activity for dogs. We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have as you choose the best place for your four-legged friend.
