Indispensible Services: Dog Day Care & Dog Walkers

If you have a busy lifestyle, chances are that you don’t always have enough time with your dog. Working overtime means your precious dog is home alone hours on end waiting for play and companionship. Prolonged, regular absences often cause extreme separation anxiety and result in severe behavioral problems in your dog. If this sounds familiar, consider using the godsend services of doggie day care centers and professional dog walkers. You and your dog will be much happier.

Choosing a Doggie Day Care

In principle, dog day care works just like baby day care. Drop off your dog at the beginning of the day and pick him/her up after quitting time. It is that easy! At a doggie day care center, the operator will consider your dog’s needs and create a day plan suitable for your dog. This includes walks, feeds, playtime with people and other dogs, basic grooming, relaxation time, and lots of love and attention. Dog day cares can range anywhere between $10 and $40 per day, depending on size and the range of activities offered.

Commercial or Private?

There are generally two types of doggie day care. Smaller, private dog day cares are typically run from someone’s home, and they care for small number of dogs. This makes it ideal for dogs needing more quiet time and less interaction with other animals. On the other hand, a large dog day care center may have up to twenty dogs and is operated by a large staff. The doggie day care staff ensures the dogs are properly entertained, fed, and exercised. They are also usually trained in dog psychology and are prepared to deal with any conflicts.

Ask for referrals from friends and visit several dog day care centers in your area. Interview the operators about the activities, interaction with other dogs, and the staff’s training. If you have any doubts, then it is not the doggie day care for you. Some services will offer a trial stay, which is a good way to see if it works for you and your dog.

Professional Dog Walkers

If your dog is happy and content at home, but a little personal attention and regular exercise is important to you, hire a dog walker. Dog walkers pick up your dog from home and take him/her on regular walks, often in a group with other dogs. Since dog walkers usually have access to your home and your best friend, it is essential that you perform a background check. Only then can you be reassured that you won’t be robbed or even have your dog stolen. Follow up with at least five references and make sure that the service is registered and bonded as a legitimate business.

Dog walkers are more often than not passionate dog lovers. But often times, they are only out to make a quick dollar. Interview any potential dog walker and check their commitment to what they do. Is this a side business? Will they be distracted by other professional demands? Does the dog walker have the common sense to act responsibly in an emergency? Do they have any dog behavior or psychology experience? Asking these questions sooner rather than later will guarantee a safe, professional service committed to your dog’s happiness!