If you decide to give doggy day care a try, find a recommended business in your area. You can ask friends and family members who own pets what day cares they recommend. The process to finding one may be lengthy, but well worth it for your furry family member.

At the risk of seeming like the 30-year “veteran veterinarian” that I am, I don’t have to think very hard to remember when there was no such thing as “doggy day care.”

Day Care’s Not for Every Dog
That doesn’t mean I believe day care is a good thing for every dog. The dogs who benefit most from it are those who are outgoing, playful and need more exercise than other dogs might.

Day care is a place for dogs who like to be social, but it’s not ideal for socializing dogs.

For dogs who aren’t well-socialized, there are other exercise options. Making sure you put time in your schedule for a good game of fetch every day might be one choice, or if time is your problem, you might check around for someone who can walk or run your dog regularly.

Choosing the Right Doggy Day Care
Even if your dog is a good candidate, you’ll still need to find a good day care. In a large metropolitan area, you may have quite a few choices.

A good day care will evaluate your dog as an individual and with other dogs. They will not accept your dog if he won’t be a good fit. There’s nothing wrong with your dog if he’s not “the day care type,” but you do need to accept their decision.

What a Day Care Will Ask From You
If your dog passes the evaluation, you should expect to be asked for proof of vaccinations, all your contact information, and your veterinarian’s information too. Most day cares require pets to be altered, to help reduce certain behaviors that can lead to fighting.

But chances are if you’ve chosen well, you’ll never get a call with bad news. What you will have, every day you pick up your dog, is a happy, tired dog who can enjoy some snuggle time on the couch, dreaming of the next day he's with his pals at day care.

If you discover that your pup has too much anxiety while at doggy day care or it just isn't a good fit for him, there are always other alternatives. For example, there are pet sitters that can come to your home and care for your fur baby.

Whatever you decide is best for your pup, it's nice knowing that doggy day care is an option. Learn more about this option on vetSTREET. Carefully consider what's best for your pup and he'll be one happy dog!