10 Things to Look for When Your Dog Needs a Home Away From Home
1.
A Healthy and Clean Environment. Is the facility clean? Are the dogs in the facility clean, healthy looking and happy? Are indoor potty accidents immediately cleaned up? Is there a minimal amount of offensive odor in the facility? Does the facility allow tours of the premises? Tours should be available at any client's request.
2.
Recommendations and Reputation. Has the facility been recommended by your veterinarian, pet professional or a current satisfied client? Does the facility have a good reputation for having a low number of injuries and illnesses among its clients?
3.
Proof of Current Vaccinations and Flea & Tick Control. Does the facility require proof of Rabies, Distemper, and the Bordetella kennel cough vaccination? Are all dogs required to use a monthly flea & tick control medication? Facilities that do not require these things have a much higher chance of passing along illnesses.
4.
Playtime. Does the facility provide playtime for the dogs? A good dog daycare should allow the dogs to play for the majority of the day with the exception of naptimes and timeouts if needed. Are small and large dogs given separate play areas to keep them safe? Does the facility have appropriate flooring to protect dog's joints from injury?
5.
Spay and Neuter Requirements. Does the facility require all dogs to be spayed and neutered after six months of age to prevent unnecessary fighting, marking and unwanted litters?
6.
Breed Restrictions. Does the facility have breed restrictions? Some breeds have a higher tendency to engage in biting and fighting and can present more of a risk to staff members and other dogs in a pack situation.
7.
Daycare Evaluations. Does the facility require an evaluation prior to your dog becoming a client to ensure that your dog is suitable for the daycare environment? Dogs should be evaluated to make sure that they enjoy the company of other dogs and can be acclimated slowly to the pack.
8.
Staffing. Are there enough staff members available to safely supervise the dogs during playtime and adequately care for the dogs? Are staff members courteous, nurturing and knowledgeable?
9.
Overnight Accommodations. Does each dog have a clean, separate, safe room or crate to eat, drink and rest in at night?
10.
Walks. Does the facility's staff walk the dogs in its custody? If so, how often and where are the dogs walked? Is the yard or green area free of pet waste?
Tracy & Matt McCord are the owners of the Palm Beach Paw Spa. The Palm Beach Paw Spa is an upscale dog daycare and pet hotel founded in 2004. The facility offers group play and an enjoyable "home away from home" for its canine clients. To find the Palm Beach Paw Spa, simply call (561) 741-0022 or visit their Web site at:
www.palmbeachpawspa.com
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