As a responsible and loving pet owner, you may feel a bit overwhelmed when looking for the right doggie day care. Here are my top four tips for finding the best doggie day care. If you follow my suggestions you will be able leave your dog at the day care feeling confident your pet will be well taken care of.

1. Don’t wait until the last minute. Life is hectic these days and it is sometimes difficult to plan ahead, but if you take your time you will be able to make a more informed decision and might possibly have a broader selection of doggie day cares to choose from than if you wait until the last minute. Planning ahead gives you time to do your research and to schedule appointments with day care staff for asking questions and taking tours.

It is also important to give yourself enough time to gather all the necessary paperwork and make sure your dog is up to date with his vaccines. The rabies vaccine alone isn’t considered effective until 28 days after administered, keep this in mind when making your plans. Your veterinarian is always your best source for information on vaccines.

2. Make sure you do your research. Take the time to find out what you want in a doggie day care, and what you can expect from a good day care facility. Then make sure you investigate and tour several doggie day care facilities to decide what is most important for you and your dog. Make a list of the most important things you are looking for in a doggie day care, and compile a list of questions to help you discover the best facility.

Call the prospective doggie day care. Ask your questions and if you are interested in the facility, make an appointment for a tour. Can your pet come for the tour? Reputable doggie day cares will schedule a visit for you during a slow time. This should give you enough time to ask your questions.

3. Ask enough questions to make yourself confident in your choice. Don’t be timid about communicating your needs and your pet’s needs. Make sure your questions get answered. You are looking for a good fit for you and your pet, the only way a prospective doggie day care can give you what you want is if you let them know what you want. Be upfront if your dog has any issues or special needs. Find a doggie day care that is willing to individualize your pet’s stay.

4. Plan ways to reduce your pet’s anxiety. Even the most well adjusted, outgoing dog, at the best doggie day care will experience a certain level of stress. Day care staff should be able to discuss their strategies for stress reduction. Things like structured play and feeding times, small playgroups and solid walls between kennels will help your dog deal with the stress he may feel.

Ask if your dog will be allowed to bring things from home to help him relax. His own bed or blanket (for an overnight stay), a favorite toy, or anything else that smells like home or is special to him will bring a lot of comfort in a strange environment. Make sure the doggie day care will feed your dog his normal food. Stress can cause gastro-intestinal issues, and there is no need to aggravate that with new food.

Once you have found the perfect doggie day care, you will be able to leave for your trip with the confidence that your pet is in good hands. You will have done your homework and found a day care facility that fits you and your pet’s personality and needs. I hope these suggestions will help provide you peace of mind and a good time for both you and your pet!