What are the signs of a good daycare?

You, my lovely clients keep asking for referrals to other daycares in the area and I thought this information needs to be put out for all of you. Disclaimer: This is my own personal opinion and in no way am I saying anything bad about other daycares in the area. This only has to do with daycare and not with kenneling/boarding.

In my journey I have gained some knowledge into what I think makes a good daycare facility.

Let's get into it: First, my deal breakers.

1. They don't allow you to tour their facilities. Wrong answer. I want to know where my dog will be playing, hiking, sleeping, eating, napping etc. and if they can't show me, my dog is NOT staying there.

2. The smell: Does the smell hit you in the face when you walk in the door? Is there a ton of poo in the outside playground? Don't leave your dog there. It's one thing to have a tiny potty mess on the floor, it's another thing if you instantly get hit in the face with stink. Look at the walls, floors, drains, etc. Ask to use the bathroom. If these places aren't clean, forget it. If they can't keep their place clean, they sure can't keep your dog clean. If there's stink there's disease.

3. Ratio: Ask what the dog to person ratio is on any given day. If it's more than 25 dogs per person in one space, don't leave your dog there. That is a lot of personalities in one space.

4. Reviews on Google: How responsive are they to both good and bad reviews.

5. No Evaluations/Temperament Tests: Forget it. Not for my dog.

6. DO your research: Do they have a business license and do they have insurance? It's your job to make sure your dog is taken care of at the best quality level.

   
   

1. Assess your dog's needs and individual traits: age, energy level, socialization skills, playstyle

2. Does the daycare provide a general schedule of what your dog's day will look like or is it just a free for all?

3. Is there quiet/chill space for your dog to take a break from stimulants

4. Are there mandated vaccinations?

I hope you all find the best placement for your puppies!