Leaving your dog in someone else's hands is stressful—you want to know they're happy, safe, and getting proper care. The right daycare can be a game-changer for your pup's socialization and your peace of mind, but choosing the wrong one can lead to stress, behavioral issues, or worse. Here are the critical questions to ask before signing up.
What's Their Vaccination and Health Policy?
A reputable daycare requires proof of current vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, and bordetella for kennel cough) before admission. Ask specifically whether they enforce this consistently and what exceptions, if any, they make. Some facilities accept titered antibody tests instead of annual boosters—know their exact stance.
Also ask about their sick dog policy. Will they turn away a dog showing signs of illness, and do they notify owners immediately if their dog appears unwell during the day? A facility that allows sick dogs to stay is a red flag.
How Do They Screen and Manage Temperament?
Not every dog is suited for group play, and a good daycare knows this. Ask whether they conduct a temperament evaluation before your dog's first day. This should include meeting your dog one-on-one and observing how they react to other dogs and staff.
Find out their criteria for ejecting a dog from the program if behavioral issues arise. If your dog is reactive or has a history of aggression, ask how staff will handle that. Some facilities have separate play groups by size or temperament—understand how they'll classify your dog.
What's the Staff-to-Dog Ratio and Experience Level?
State regulations vary, but a general benchmark is one staff member for every 10–15 dogs during active play. Ask for the specific ratio at the facility you're considering and whether they maintain it consistently.
Beyond ratios, ask about staff qualifications. Do they have:
- Formal dog training certifications?
- First aid or CPR certification for dogs?
- Minimum years of experience working with dogs?
- Mandatory training on recognizing stress signals or injury?
A daycare that can't clearly answer these questions probably hasn't invested in staff development.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Request a detailed breakdown of the daily schedule. Most daycares offer 4–8 hours of care (roughly 7 AM–6 PM), but activities and rest periods matter. Ask:
- How much time is spent in active group play versus supervised rest?
- Are there structured activities or just free-for-all play?
- How often do dogs get bathroom breaks?
- Is there outdoor time, and is the yard secure and cleaned regularly?
- Do they provide food, or should you bring your dog's meals?
A facility that runs dogs ragged with no downtime can lead to exhaustion and injury. Balance is key.
What Are the Costs and Cancellation Terms?
Daycare pricing typically ranges from $25–$50 per day depending on your location and the facility's quality. Some offer discounts for recurring bookings (5+ days per week) or package deals. Ask:
- What's the exact daily rate?
- Are there additional fees for pick-up/drop-off times outside their standard window?
- Do they charge for holidays or require advance notice for cancellations?
- What's their refund or credit policy if you need to cancel?
- Do they offer trial days so your dog can adjust before committing?
Read the contract carefully—some facilities require 30-day notice for cancellation.
Can You Visit and Observe?
A facility confident in their operations will welcome a visit. During your tour, observe:
- General cleanliness and odor control
- Whether dogs have access to fresh water
- How staff interact with dogs (calm, engaged, or reactive?)
- Visibility into play areas (no hidden corners)
- Emergency protocols and whether a vet is nearby
Request to watch a play session if possible. You should see supervised play, not chaos.
Comparing multiple daycares is essential—you can streamline this process by using platforms like Mercoly, which help you find and compare trusted doggy daycare providers in your area all in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my dog is actually having fun at daycare? A: Good signs include excitement at drop-off, tiredness after pickup, and positive reports from staff. Ask for photos or video updates during the day. If your dog shows anxiety, aggression, or reluctance to attend after the first week, it may not be the right fit.
Q: What should I do if my dog comes home injured? A: Contact the facility immediately and document the injury with photos. Ask for a detailed incident report and get veterinary care if needed. Review their liability and incident documentation policies before enrolling to understand how they handle accountability.
Q: How often should my dog attend daycare? A: This depends on your dog's age, energy level, and temperament. Most dogs thrive with 2–3 days per week; daily attendance can lead to overstimulation or burnout. Discuss your dog's individual needs with the daycare staff and your vet.
Start your search today and find the right daycare match for your dog.