How to choose a doggy daycare

Doggy daycares have exploded in popularity in New Zealand, but did you know that this industry is currently largely unregulated? Anyone can decide to open a doggy daycare with no requirements for minimum staff qualifications or experience, so it can be difficult for companion animal guardians to have confidence that their dog will be safe and happy in their care.

Before choosing a doggy daycare, you first have to consider if your dog would be a good fit for the doggy daycare environment.

Just like people, some dogs are natural extroverts and thrive in a busy, social environment. Other dogs are more introverted and may find this environment overwhelming and stressful. A good doggy daycare will assess your dog’s suitability and be honest with you about whether doggy daycare is the right fit for your pup.

Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives for owners looking for ways to keep their dogs safe, happy, and engaged during the day. You can use puzzle feeders or interactive toys to keep them busy while you are away or ask neighbours or friends, or hire a pet sitter, to pop by in the middle of the day. If your workplace allows dogs, you could even consider exploring the option of bringing your dog to work.

Behaviour assessment

The doggy daycare environment is not suitable for all dogs. A good doggy daycare will assess your dog to ensure they will enjoy their time at the facility and are not disruptive or dangerous to other dogs.

A day plan of activities

While pictures of dogs running wild all day looks fun, it is important for dogs to have scheduled periods of rest and relaxation in between dogs’ daycare activities. A structured day is important to provide reassuring routines and stability and ensure dogs’ needs are met. These activities may include interactive enrichment activitiess, fun games, socialisation with other dogs, and supervised play.

Supervision and staff

Unsupervised dogs can quickly get into trouble, so supervision is vital. SPCA Certified recommends a maximum staff to dog ratio of 1:15 and all dog areas are covered by video cameras.

At least one person on site should hold a current Pet First Aid certificate or have a relevant medical qualification, such as veterinary nursing. SPCA Certified encourages ongoing training in animal care, canine behaviour and other related areas.

Health

A well run doggy daycare will require that dogs attending are vaccinated and have a method to monitor to ensure these stay up to date. Staff will check all dogs over on intake to check for new health issues. A Pet First Aid kit should be available on site.

The facility should be cleaned regularly and not have a strong smell. Dogs should have ready access to water and temperatures should be comfortable, with steps in place to keep dogs cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.

Transparency

Ask the daycare how they deal with unwanted dog behaviours. Knowing how a facility manages a dog's behaviour helps you to make an informed choice in line with your personal training philosophy. SPCA Certified standards prohibit the use of training or handling methods that cause dogs to experience pain, fear or discomfort.

In an emergency, staff need to know what to do and quickly. Ask doggy daycares about their protocols in case of emergencies, such as dog fights, illness, or natural disasters. Doggy daycares should tell you about any incidents that involve your dog.

Security

Some dogs can be escape artists! Doggy daycares should have external fences that are high enough to prevent dogs being able to jump them. SPCA Certified recommends a height of 1.8m for external fencing. Doggy daycares should also have external doors with a double gate system and require dogs to be brought into the facility on leash to avoid dogs escaping.

SPCA Certification

Doggy daycares may choose to become SPCA Certified. If a doggy daycare carries the SPCA Certified logo, this means they are independently audited twice a year against the SPCA Certified standards, so you can be confident that your pup is cared for in line with international best practice and science!

Trust yourself!

If a companion animal business says or does something that makes you or your pet uncomfortable, it’s okay to leave or stop to ask more questions.

If you are a doggy daycare interested in finding out more about becoming SPCA Certified, reach out to our friendly team at certified@spca.nz.

Can’t find SPCA Certified Pet Care Services locally? If you would like to encourage your local Pet Care Service to become SPCA Certified, please feel free to contact them directly.