If you’re heading back to the office this fall and will once again be leaving home for long stretches, your dog may struggle with separation anxiety after months of extra company during quarantine. Recognizing that transition and planning ahead can make the adjustment much easier for both of you.
One practical solution for longer days away or for dogs who thrive on attention is a professional dog daycare. A quality dog daycare offers benefits beyond supervision: safe socialization with other dogs, consistent human interaction, regular outdoor breaks, structured play, and a variety of toys and enrichment activities. These elements can help reduce boredom and anxiety while supporting your dog’s mental and physical well-being.
Before you type “dog daycare near me” into a search engine, use the following best practices to evaluate facilities. This guide covers what to look for in a clean, secure, and well-run dog daycare—especially important during the pandemic—and how to choose a place that meets your dog’s needs.
6 Tips to Help You Choose the Best Dog Daycare
Do some digging
Start by asking friends, family, neighbors, or your veterinarian for recommendations. Local pet owner groups and community forums often share real experiences and can point you toward reputable options. Read customer reviews across multiple websites to get a balanced sense of each facility’s strengths and weaknesses. Look for consistent praise around staff friendliness, cleanliness, and how well the daycare manages dog interactions.
Observe the facility
Visit prospective daycares in person during business hours. A good facility welcomes tours and is transparent about its routines. While you’re there, notice how staff interact with dogs—do they greet animals by name, handle them calmly, and intervene appropriately during play? Watch for clear organization: separate play areas by size or temperament, supervised group play, and staff who can describe the daily schedule and behavior policies.
Look for cleanliness
Cleanliness is critical for any pet-care business, and it has taken on added importance since COVID-19. The facility should demonstrate regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and play areas. Staff should follow sensible personal hygiene practices; during high community transmission periods, mask policies may be in place for employees and visitors. Check that kennels, crates, feeding areas, and outdoor runs are well-maintained and odor-free, and that the staff uses appropriate cleaning products and routines.
Inquire about security
Safety measures should be straightforward and visible. Doors and gates should be secure and staff should control entry and exit points to prevent escapes. Ask whether the facility uses monitoring cameras and whether they provide owners access to live or recorded footage. Learn their protocol for lost pets, emergency evacuations, and medical incidents. A reliable daycare will have documented procedures and be willing to explain how they handle unexpected situations.
Ask about the dog’s schedule
Understand the daily routine: how often dogs are let outside to relieve themselves, how playgroups are structured, frequency of walks, designated rest periods, and how long dogs spend in crates if crating is used. Puppies under six months typically need more frequent breaks and should not be crated for extended periods—three to four hours is a common guideline—so confirm any special policies for young dogs. Also check feeding practices, handling of special diets, and how staff manage dogs with separation anxiety or other behavioral needs.
Inquire about the hours you’ll be away
Coordinate the daycare’s hours with your work schedule and commute. Some daycares open early and close late to accommodate different shifts; others offer extended care or evening pickup for an additional fee. Ask about drop-off and pick-up windows, overtime or late fees, and what happens if you’re delayed or can’t pick up your dog. Confirm who is authorized to collect your dog and discuss any identification or authorization processes the facility uses.
Additional considerations include vaccination and health requirements, staff training and certifications, staff-to-dog ratios, temperament assessments before enrollment, and whether the daycare offers a trial day or a private meet-and-greet. A trial visit allows the staff to assess your dog’s social skills and give you peace of mind.
Leaving your pet in someone else’s care can feel stressful, but a thoughtful selection process makes a big difference. Choose a daycare that communicates clearly, prioritizes safety and cleanliness, and provides enrichment suited to your dog’s age and temperament. When you pick your dog up at the end of the day, be ready to reward good behavior and reconnect—maybe with some tasty dog treats to celebrate a successful day.