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Sat and Sun: 8am-7pm

Doggie Drop Offs Till 5pm
(before dark please)

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Corona, CA 92881
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Riverside, San Bernardino
Orange County, CA

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Pet Care Tips

Choosing Doggy DayCare

With so many people working long hours, there is a fear the Dog is becoming neglected. Sure, you can leave the pup in a crate for several hours. Yet, you know he or she deserves more than that, you want your pet to have fun while you are away. One of the answers to this problem is to send your dog or puppy to Doggy Day Care.

There are many such dog care centers available. How, then, do you choose the right one for your pet? You begin with a visit. Go, without your favorite pooch, to as many dog care facilities as you wish. Phone in advance and set up an appointment or drop in unannounced to see what they have to offer. Have ready a check list of desirable qualities. Make sure, you go through them as you make a tour of the operations.

Here, are several essential things you must consider before choosing a place for your companion to spend his or her mornings, afternoons or evenings. Be sure, the doggy day care complies with them.

Cleanliness is next to godliness or dogliness. The facility does not need to be spotless, but there need not be dog excrement all over the yard. Dog odor is going to be unavoidable. Nevertheless, the smell must not be overwhelming. All dogs must look healthy. There should not be any sickly animals on the premises mixing with other animals. Safety is essential. Are there spaces for dogs to play without fear of injury? Can a dog have quiet time? Does it look like there are bullies running the playground? Are all gates, both in and out, securely latched?

Supervision is part-and-parcel of safety issues. Are there people constantly monitoring the behavior of the pets? Do they interact with them in a friendly but assertive manner? What are the staffing levels? Do they have the right ratio of persons per dogs? The minimum should be 1 person for 10-12 dogs. Space is another important criteria. How much space does the doggy care have for your pooch? Is there a leash-free area? If your pet is merely staying in a crate all day, why not leave him or her at home? If play space is cramped, how much exercise will your dog receive? Less space can also rev up the aggression levels in some breeds.

Fun is a part of life, or should be. Are the dogs having fun there? Do they dash about playing or sit there morose? Do the types of activities you see, look like the type your dog already likes or could enjoy? Socialization is a necessary part of the well-rounded canine’s world. Do you see socialization taking place? Are the dogs enjoying themselves and learning the correct mores of doggy life? What is the policy re: punishment? Do the workers have similar approaches to discipline?

These are the basics. You also need to see if the doggy care center has a procedure in place for handling situations. Is there a Vet on site or nearby? Is the staff trained to deal with behavioral problems? Can they see in advance, and therefore prevent, any acting out or aggression difficulties as they occur in the playground?

Before you even set pen to paper to commit your dog, you should hope the doggy day care has restrictions and an assessment process. If they do not ask you in for an initial assessment, go elsewhere. The assessment assures all animals in their facility have up-to-date vaccinations. They are free of heartworm, fleas and worms. There should also be a clause excusing all pets from attending if they are sick that day.

There are also other considerations. Price always enters into the equation. Doggy Care charges various prices, pick one compatible to your economic states without compromising your pet’s safety. Some facilities have flexible check-in and checkout times. It might also offer home pick-up and return. These are minor factors compared to the need to make sure your pup has a safe and happy time while you are away.

Content provided by Kenny Johnston of Oh My Dog Supplies Dog Supplies, check out our cool selection of doggy footware online.

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