We love it when Roxy, our Wags 4 Warriors puppy, visits us every week. It’s also fun to follow her when she is away from Channel 3.
Like a lot of pups, Roxy goes to doggy daycare to socialize and burn off a little extra energy. But how do you choose the right one? Roxy’s handler Kayla DeLorenzo shares what she looks for when considering a pet play place.
“She loves doggy daycare! As soon as I open that door and she sees that we are there, she flies right out and wants to go right in,” DeLorenzo said of Central Bark in Broadview Heights. She’s been taking Roxy there a few times a month.
Daycare is another step in Roxy’s growth and development. Not only can she burn off that energy and socialize, but it exposes her to different types of dogs and switches up her routine. As a service dog she will always need to manage different situations.Going to unfamiliar places will be a part of her life and Roxy will need to be calm and ready to help her veteran.
Here’s what DeLorenzo looks for in a doggy daycare:
- Tour the facilities: The daycare owner or manager should provide a tour. You’ll want to see that the environment your pup is hanging out in is clean and properly sanitized. Ask about any safety precautions the facility has in place.
- A thorough screening process: That should include a temperament test before they are placed with a larger group of dogs. Some daycares may have different dog groups that are based on size or weight.
- Strict vet records policy: They daycare should require updated and thorough vet records of all dogs that attend. In DeLorenzo's opinion, this is non-negotiable. It may require a little more paperwork, and providing copy, but it’s for the good of all the dogs that attend. And they are worth it!
- Schedule: What will your pup be doing during the day? Is there indoor time or outdoor time? Will dogs nap at all? DeLorenzo likes daycares that provide this sort of schedule so you know what your dog has been up to while they’ve been away!