Sending your dog to a doggy daycare can be a great way to provide socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation for your pet. However, dog owners need to be aware of potential risks to doggy daycare:
1. Health Risks:
Disease Transmission: Dogs nearby can transmit contagious diseases like kennel cough, parvovirus, or canine influenza. We require all dogs' vaccinations to be up-to-date and recommend the Bordetella vaccine every six months.
All pets in our facility must be protected against fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Flea collars are not allowed or considered part of the prevention period.
Stress-Induced Health Issues: Dogs may experience stress in a new environment with unfamiliar dogs, leading to gastrointestinal problems, skin issues, or a weakened immune system.
2. Behavioral Concerns:
Aggression: Dogs may display aggressive behavior towards other dogs, leading to fights or injuries.
Anxiety: Some dogs may become anxious in a group setting, resulting in behavioral issues or aggression.
All dogs are screened for aggression and anxiety before being allowed to enter the daycare group, and our staff is trained to look for signs of aggression and anxiety. However, disagreements can still happen between dogs, leading to aggressive behavior.
3. Accidents and Injuries:
Play-Related Injuries: Dogs can be rambunctious, and accidents may occur during play, resulting in bites, scratches, tender muscles, or sprains.
If your dog injures another dog or a staff member, you are responsible for the cost of the vet or hospital.
Escape or Evasion: Some dogs may find ways to escape the facility, posing a risk of accidents, injuries, or getting lost.
4. Smell:
5. Property Damage:
Dogs may chew on or damage facility equipment, furniture, or structures, potentially causing property damage. Excessive damage caused by a single pet may incur a fee to the owner for repair or replacement.
6. Allergic Reactions:
Dogs can have allergies, and exposure to other dogs or environmental factors in the daycare may trigger allergic reactions. Please let us know if your dog has any known allergies.
Peanut butter and other treats are often given during the day. If you or someone in your household has an allergy to which secondhand exposure could be a risk, please notify us so we may limit those treats.
7. Changes in Behavior:
A daycare environment can affect your dog's behavior at home. They may come home tired even the next day, and in some cases, you may see a change in their normal routine, separation anxiety, or increased energy levels.
Water is provided at all times; however, during the day, your dog may not take the time to drink the water provided. Though we will try our best to get them to drink, they may come home thirsty as we will not force them to drink.
If you notice any concerning behavior in your pet after daycare, please don't hesitate to contact us.
