Many pet owners are reluctant to leave their dogs home alone for long periods of time. In these cases, a doggy daycare can be a lifesaver.
Information on Doggy Daycares have staff with extensive training in positive reinforcement, canine body language, de-escalation techniques, and proper handling methods. They also separate dogs into different playgroups according to size, temperament and activity level.
Socialization
Depending on the daycare, socialization activities can include games such as soccer or “keep away.” Staff may also take dogs for walks, play fetch and interact with them using a variety of toys and equipment. This is especially beneficial for shy dogs, who often benefit from one-on-one interaction with a kind person rather than an entire group of other dogs.
Generally, dogs spend morning and afternoon in indoor or outdoor play areas. Trained staff supervise the dogs to ensure that their interactions remain safe and enjoyable. Dogs are given breaks to rest, cool down and nibble on snacks.
If you are considering opening a doggy daycare, consider the legal structure of your business. The type of business structure you choose will impact your tax status, legal liabilities and insurance coverage. You will need to register your business and follow health and safety regulations. Many state and local jurisdictions require a license for operating a business that offers care to animals.
Exercise
Whether it’s playing fetch, tug-of-war or hide and seek, exercise is an important part of a dog’s day. Many dogs who spend the day at a doggy daycare are given a lot of playtime and supervised exercise, which can help prevent destructive behavior.
The more exercise a dog gets, the calmer and happier he will be when he is at home with his family. A daycare that provides a good amount of physical activity can also be helpful for a dog with clinical separation anxiety.
Some doggy daycares are private, operated out of a person’s home and have a limited number of dogs per day; others are large commercial facilities with playground equipment like slides or swings and fenced-in outdoor play areas. Prices vary, but typically range from about $15 to $40 a day. Conduct thorough market research to determine if your prices are competitive and will appeal to your target audience. You should also consider your business structure, such as a sole proprietorship or a partnership, before opening up shop.
Training
A good doggy daycare will provide structured activity and entertainment for the dogs in its care. It is a great place for a rambunctious dog to burn off energy and develop important social skills, as well as for an older or shy dog to find companionship with others of the same kind.
Look for facilities that offer training activities, such as playtime and games, obedience classes, treadmills, and climbing apparatus. Ask about the staff’s education and experience and how they handle conflicts between dogs in their care.
As with other canine-related businesses, a doggy daycare business requires high quality, durable equipment. Choose kennels and other animal cages from a reliable supplier like Direct Animal that are easy to clean and will last the lifetime of your business. Investing in top-quality equipment up front will save you money over the long term by decreasing maintenance and repair costs. You will also have peace of mind knowing you are providing a safe, comfortable environment for the animals in your care.
Health care
The daycare environment can be overstimulating for some dogs. If your dog doesn’t do well in groups or is a senior who prefers to sleep most of the day, then a doggy daycare may not be the best option for them.
A quality doggy daycare offers a wide variety of health care activities to keep your dog happy and healthy. Whether it’s swimming in the summer or a regular game of frisbee tosses in the fall, these types of activities help dogs burn energy and make them less likely to be destructive at home.
When evaluating doggy daycares, find out what activities they offer to their clients and how often they perform them. Also, find out if they allow pets to have regular contact with other animals and how the conflict is handled when it happens. Lastly, ask what their policies are on sanitization and the removal of dog poop from play areas. This can prevent the spread of germs among dogs and human caregivers.
