How to Choose A Doggy Daycare in NYC
Doggy daycare isn’t for everyone, but if your dog is a good fit, it can be a great resource! The right doggy daycare will fulfill a dog’s needs and give dog parents peace of mind. This way, your dog stays happy, healthy, and well-cared for while you’re busy, at work, or away. There are tons of options available in New York City, so choosing one can be overwhelming. We’re here to help!
Read below to see our best tips & tricks!
Is doggy daycare right for your dog?
It’s very possible your dog prefers to relax at home and have a walker pop in. But if you’re curious about daycare, here are some considerations when it comes to evaluating the option.
Socialization: At doggy daycare, your dog will meet new dogs, make new friends (and probably some dogs they don’t particularly like!), and their social skills will be put to the test.
Separation Anxiety: If your dog struggles with separation anxiety, daycare can be a safe and familiar space. It’s unrealistic for you to be home all the time, and daycare can act as a much needed break for you if your dog enjoys it.
Convenience: Daycare is convenient when you have a busy schedule or work in an office, especially if you have a high energy dog.
1. Start with Research
The first step in finding a good daycare is to do your research. Look for local facilities with good reputations. Here are some tips to start your search:
Ask for Recommendations: Talk to other dog owners, veterinarians, or trainers in your community. Word-of-mouth recommendations are the best way to find trustworthy daycare.
Check Reviews: Platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook may have company reviews. Sort by the most recent reviews and look through the lowest star reviews.
Visit Websites: Check the daycare’s website for information about their services, pricing policies, and team. Many daycares will also post photos of their facility or have customer testimonials.
2. Visit the Facility in Person
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule a visit to the daycare. This gives you the chance to evaluate the environment and ask important questions.
Here are key things to look for during your visit:
Cleanliness: The daycare should be clean and well-maintained. Clean facilities = healthy environment for your dog.
Safety Features: Check for secure rooms (multiple barriers i.e.: door then gate) and cameras.
Supervision: Ask about the staff-to-dog ratio. It’s important there are enough trained staff members to properly supervise the dogs. A good daycare should have trained professionals who are knowledgeable in dog behavior, body language, and first aid.
Play style/size: In terms of pairing dogs for play, many daycares do this differently. Some do it based on size while some do it based on play style or temperament. Here at TDH, we tend to prefer that dogs are paired off based on their playstyle and temperament. Some dogs have strong opinions on bigger or smaller dogs!
Space: The daycare should have enough space for dogs to move around comfortably. Adequate space for play and rest (!!!) is crucial for your dog’s well-being. Bonus points if they have an outside space (or take the dogs outside!).
3. Inquire About Services and Activities
It’s important to find out what your dog will be doing at daycare. Will they be playing for hours on end with no breaks or rest? That’s probably not a great idea. Your dog should come home from daycare happy, tired, and fulfilled. However, they shouldn’t be totally exhausted even the next day. If they are, it likely means daycare was a little too much for them. TLDR: The right daycare should give your dog proper breaks and give them outlets other than just play, such as mental stimulation like scent games and more.
Playgroups: Some doggy daycares organize playgroups where dogs can socialize with others. As mentioned above, ask if the daycare groups dogs by size or temperament to ensure compatibility.
Exercise and Enrichment: Look for daycares that provide structured activities. For example, organized walks, agility training, or puzzle games, to keep your dog engaged and active. Though the services are pricier, these services show a commitment to the dogs’ well-being.
4. Ask About Health and Safety Policies
Your dog’s health and safety should be a top priority for any dog daycare.
Vaccinations: The daycare should require up-to-date vaccinations. Look for requirements like rabies, distemper, and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations to protect all dogs in the facility.
Health Screening: Ask about their procedures for checking the health of the dogs they care for. This might include temperature checks or a policy requiring dogs to stay home if they’re sick.
Emergency Protocols: Find out what the daycare’s emergency protocols are. This includes their procedures if your dog gets injured or if there’s an issue like a fight or medical emergency.
5. Consider the Cost
Pricing Structure: Does the daycare offer half-day or full-day options? Are there discounts for multiple dogs or long-term commitments? How much flexibility is there?
Extra Fees: Inquire about any extra charges for services like grooming or extended hours.
6. Tips for Starting Off Right
Start Slowly! If your dog is new to daycare, try short periods at a time to help them build confidence. Give your dog time to get used to the new environment and make sure to create positive associations (through lots of treats and rewards).
Try to vary your schedule. It may be too overwhelming for your dog to go to a daycare facility 5x/week, so explore hiring a dog walker some days or even bringing your dog into work, if you can!
8. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right or you notice red flags during your visit, it’s okay to walk away and continue your search. Your dog’s safety and well-being should always be your top priority.
If you still have questions, let us know and we can help! Just fill out this form here.