Doggy daycare centres are popping up all around the country. There are approximately 9 million pet dogs in the UK and around 24% of households have a dog. That's a huge amount of busy families and dogs that need looking after. Back in the old days dogs would simple be put in kennels when their owners went away. However, today there are a lot more options available. One option that is proving very popular is doggy daycare centres. The definition of doggy daycare centre does vary slightly.
One type of daycare is where people run small businesses by looking after dogs in their own home. The dogs benefit from being looked after in a home environment. They can settle into the routine of that home and fit in with the family. Daycare professionals will often include one or two walks in their daily daycare fee. This is an excellent option for when you go away. You just need to find someone you trust to leave your dog with and feel safe in the knowledge that your dog will be happy during their stay.
Another very popular option is taking dogs to a large daycare centre. These centres often have large open space such as a big field or outdoor area where the dogs can run around and enjoy themselves. They may look after between 10 and 30 dogs per day and have members of staff looking after the pack at all times. Some daycare centres offer a pick up and drop off facility, although this does add to the cost.
This isn't an option for all dogs as some do not cope very well in a pack environment with a large group of dogs. If your dog doesn't get on well with other dogs then they probably won't be accepted into daycare. For dogs that enjoy the company of their kind spending a few hours in daycare is great fun. It's great for socialisation and the large amount of exercise they do can help your dog keep fit and healthy. Expect your dog to be very tired when they get home.
Some more luxurious daycare centres are also attracting dog owners attention. People adore spoiling their beloved pets and some owners feel their dogs deserve on the very best care and facilities. You can go one step further and drop your dog off at a luxury dog hotel where they will be pampered and fussed over. Dogs even have their own toiletries and room service!
It doesn't matter what type of daycare you choose as long as your dog is happy. It seems people are getting busier by the day and having a reliable daycare service is very important for some dog owners. Dogs shouldn't be left on their own for more than three or four hours a day, although the length of time does depend on the individual dog. Take your dog to daycare where they can socialise and keep occupied rather than being left alone on their own for long periods.
The Benefits Of Taking Your Dog To Daycare
Is your dog spending too long at home on their own? If you are struggling to be around for them enough then don't just let them suffer. There are plenty of options when it comes to ensuring your dog has some company during the day while you are at work. You can get a friend or family member to look after them, take them with you to work, get a dog sitter or take them to a daycare centre.
There are so many daycare centres around these days it can be difficult to choose which one to go with. You just need to find a daycare company you can trust and make sure your dog is happy to go there.
What people often don't realise is there are lots of benefits to taking your dog to daycare. All some owners think about is the fact that they have to leave their dog somewhere and assume their dog will only be happy at home. This is not always the case.
It doesn't just solve a problem for you, it gives your dog a chance to have some new experiences. Moreover, it also makes you feel better knowing your dog is going to be happier and more relaxed while you are working. Here are the key benefits to taking your dog to daycare.
- They don't get left on their own
- They get to socialise with other dogs
- They get to socialise with people
- They get to use the daycare
- They don't get bored during the day
- They come home tired
- They get mental stimulation
- They get used to being in different situations and in different places
- They learn not to be the centre of attention all the time
- They get relief from loneliness
- They get to run around with other dogs and get the exercise they need
- Prevents destructive behaviour
Things You Should Know Before Taking Your Dog To Daycare
Thinking about taking your dog to daycare? There are a few things you need to know and prepare for so that your dog has an enjoyable time. Daycare is an excellent option for dog owners that can't always be at home.
Take your dog to daycare instead of leaving on their own for hours on end. Dogs shouldn't be left on their own for longer than three or four hours and daycare is an excellent way of preventing this. Lots of daycare centres have popped up around the country, it's becoming a very popular option for busy dog owners. Here are some things you need to know.
They might get dirty
Some daycare centres allow dogs to run around and play in a big muddy field. Therefore you need to be prepared for your dog to get a little bit dirty. Some daycare centres will give your dog a wash before sending them home if they get really dirty.
They will be mixing with other dogs
Daycare is not like kennels, your dog will mix and interact with other dogs. If your dog isn't very good with other dogs or shows any signs of aggression they will not be accepted into daycare. You will need to find a specialist place where you know they will be kept apart from other dogs. Most daycare centres will test your dog with a few well socialised dogs to check they are friendly before allowing them to mix with all the other dogs.
They may be given treats/food
The daycare centre should ask you if your dog has any allergies, however it is best to let them know anyway. If your dog is allergic to a specific food, on a or has a food intolerance then tell the daycare centre. Otherwise they may give them treats or food without knowing. You can then give them special food for your dog.
A few hours at daycare will tire them out
Dogs that spend a full day in daycare will be extremely tired when they get home. They will be running around and interacting with lots of other dogs which will help them to burn a lot of energy. Be prepared for a very tired doggy when you pick them up.
They might need a coat
You may want to get your dog a to help keep them warm and protect them from the elements at daycare. If they wear a coat they might not get as dirty as most of their body will be covered. This makes them easier to wash when they get home.
Your dog may take time to settle into daycare
Be patient, daycare might seem light a very strange place for your dog at first. It's a completely new environment with lots of new faces. Your dog should settle into a routine at daycare in time. However, if they are obviously getting too stressed then it might not be a suitable option for your dog.
Your dog has to be friendly
If your dog is not very friendly towards humans then daycare is definitely not the best place for them. Seek advice from a behaviourist and look after your dog at home.
Ways You Can Save Money On Doggy Daycare
Doggy daycare can get very expensive. It costs between £15 and £30 per day to have your dog looked after. This can really add up, especially if you use day care services regularly. If daycare if getting a bit too pricey, then you might want to look at a few ways you can save money. Here's how you might be able to save money on doggy daycare.
Shop around
Have a look around your local area to see roughly how much people are charging for daycare. You could be paying a premium without realising. Check to see you are paying a fair amount and look for day care facilities that offer fair deals. However, be careful not to just go for the cheapest option. Make sure you go for a reputable company that you know will be able to cater to your dog's needs.
Special offers for more than one dog
Some day care centres will do special offers if you have more than one dog. The more dogs you have, the bigger discount you can get. Not all daycare centres are open to this but it's definitely worth asking.
Ask for a discount for longer periods
If you know you will need your dog to be looked after for longer periods then ask if you can get any discount. Some daycare centre will give discounts to regular and loyal customers who use their services a lot.
Do half days occasionally
A lot of dog owners will book their dog in for a full day when they really only need a half day. Save a lot of cash by putting your dog in for half days when you know you are going to be home sooner. Half days are generally half the price.
Look out for special offers
A lot of dog owners will book their dog in for a full day when they really only need a half day. Save a lot of cash by putting your dog in for half days when you know you Keep an eye out for special offers that daycare centres are running. Check their website and social media for regular offers and take advantage of deals when you can.Drop your dog off
It usually costs a lot more to put your dog in daycare if the daycare company has to pick them up and drop them off. If you are able to drop them off and pick them up it could save you some money on the daily cost.
Get friends and family to help where possible
Don't always rely on a daycare company, see if your friends and family will help out occasionally.
Try smaller home daycare businesses - Some of the smaller daycare business can be a little bit cheaper. The bigger companies often have a lot of interest so they are able to charge a bit more.