Dogs are among the most devoted pets you can have, and this is because they adore their owners and will go to great lengths to protect them. You have a responsibility to your pet as the owner to ensure that they are healthy and happy in their environment.
Selecting the Best Doggy Daycare Center in Norfolk, Virginia
You should find out how the daycare groups the dogs. Do they, for example, separate the dogs based on their sizes or ages? Do they group the dogs based on their behavior or play style? To ensure the dogs’ safety, there should be a clear separation between them, so if you don’t see any, it may be time to look elsewhere.
Tour the Dog's Facility
When looking for a good dog daycare facility, the first step is to call or email the daycare center to arrange a tour of their facilities. You will have the opportunity to explore the area and get a sense of what your dog’s typical day might be like.
Make certain to select a cage-free daycare. You don’t want your pet to feel confined. While you’re there, look for good ventilation, sturdy fences, and proper gating.
Find Out How they Group their Dogs
You should find out how the daycare groups the dogs. Do they, for example, separate the dogs based on their sizes or ages? Do they group the dogs based on their behavior or play style? To ensure the dogs’ safety, there should be a clear separation between them, so if you don’t see any, it may be time to look elsewhere.
Percentage of Staff for Dogs
The IBPSA (International Boarding and Pet Care Services Association) recommends keeping a dog-to-person ratio of 15 at all times. They are, on the other hand, willing to make accommodations based on the amount of activity displayed by the group of dogs in question.
For more active dogs, you may need more watchdogs, while less active dogs may only need a few.
Know their Schedule
Before you bring your dog to a daycare, find out if the employees will follow a schedule designed to help your pet adjust to a new routine. Find out if there is any kind of order to the play or if every dog just runs around and has fun all day.
The majority of dog-care facilities provide supervised rest breaks in between periods of play to ensure that no dog becomes overtired or dehydrated throughout the day.
Look At the Experience of the Staff
A good doggie daycare will require or offer extra training on how to take care of dogs in a group setting, and its staff will know how to deal with or train dogs. Even though the majority of doggy daycare facilities take additional precautions to ensure they are providing and maintaining a safe environment, such facilities must still be prepared to deal with fights if they occur.
Emergency Medical Plan
Staff members should be familiar with common canine injuries and have a plan in place for what to do and where to go if a dog in their care needs to see a veterinarian or receive emergency medical attention.
It is critical to remember that just because a doggie daycare has an emergency plan does not mean they anticipate a high number of injuries or accidents. It simply means they are prepared in the event that one occurs.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Daycare in Norfolk, VA
Even if the doggie daycare meets all of the security and stimulation requirements, it does not always guarantee that it will be a good fit for your canine companion.
When looking for a dog daycare in Chesapeake, VA, consider the following factors:
1. Temperament Testing
The majority of dog daycares require a temperament test before allowing a dog to join their program. Depending on their complexity, these exams can take anywhere from two hours to a full day to complete.
Throughout this time, the team will keep an eye on the dogs to see how they interact with one another.
2. Vaccination Requirements
Doggy daycare facilities are unlikely to accept your pet if they haven’t been vaccinated, regardless of whether the reason is medical or personal. Most daycares require pets to be up-to-date on their vaccinations for all of their core diseases, and some of them also require vaccinations for kennel cough.
3. Policies On Spaying and Neutering
The majority of dog daycares require canines to be spayed or neutered prior to enrollment. Because they might get pregnant by accident or be sexually aggressive, the few that do often avoid mating with women who are in heat during their estrus cycle.
4. Your Dog’s Personality
Consider your dog’s personality when deciding whether or not doggie daycare is appropriate for your pet. Dogs who are timid, jittery, or reactive are not usually good candidates for daycare because they find other dogs intimidating.
Even though dog daycare can be a lot of fun for dogs who are more extroverted, it can be overwhelming for dogs who are more reticent.
Safe & Spacious Doggy Daycare in Norfolk, Virginia
If you are looking for the best daycare in Norfolk, VA, look no further. At K9aholics, we have a summer camp that has stunning indoor and outdoor play facilities for your fur baby. Doggy daycare and overnight boarding with us are both conducted entirely without the use of cages.
Our hardworking staff members love dogs, have been trained to understand dog behavior, and are certified in both canine cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and canine first aid.
Overnight campers will have the company of pet sitters in the same room while they sleep. Our goal is to make boarding fun for dogs by reducing the stress and separation anxiety that can happen when they are away from their owners. You can also keep track of your camper online.
In addition, we offer dog washing, obedience training for any dog behavioral issues, a dog boutique, and grooming services. We also offer unique surprises that both you and your canine companion are going to like.
Visit us online or give us a call to schedule an appointment!