Your dog’s needs are important. Whether you have a young pup or senior dog, it’s non-negotiable that every dog requires significant physical activity and mental stimulation. So, what do you do if you work long hours, have an erratic schedule, or otherwise can’t give your dog the activity they need?
Thankfully, these days there are plenty of options for caring for your dog, like hiring a dog walker or bringing your dog to a daycare facility. Just like hiring a babysitter or searching for childcare, choosing the right provider is a big decision.
Not only will they be responsible for your dog’s well-being and safety, but you may be opening your home to a stranger. Trust is an important factor when it comes to choosing correctly.
Know your dog’s needs. Different dogs have different needs, especially given factors like age, dog breed, temperament and weather. It’s important to be as well-versed as possible in your individual dog’s needs so that you can best communicate them to a potential dog walker. And your dog still may behave differently with them! It’s especially key to communicate whether your dog requires any specialized or additional care, like medication, that the dog walker will have to be responsible for.
Determine your budget. Like any service or utility, there will be a cost associated with dog care. How much you’re willing to spend may determine what is available to you. Do some research to gauge the price range for care in your area. Sometimes, in more populated areas, there may be a waiting list. Your budget will also depend on how often you require the services of a dog walker.
How to look for a dog walker. The best place to begin your search is through recommendations. Talk to friends and other dog owners in the neighborhood who utilize the services of a dog walker. Your vet may also have names of people they recommend. Additionally, there are websites that can assist you, like Pet Sitters International, where you can view profiles and read verified reviews.
Asking the right questions. Once you have potential candidates selected, conduct interviews and ask the right questions. Some important topics to cover include:
- How long have you been dog walking and/or caring for pets?
- Do you have references I could contact?
- Can you confirm that you have active commercial pet sitting insurance and bonding? (This covers potential theft.)
- How would you handle potential medical emergencies? Are you pet first-aid certified?
- If you are unable to fulfill a day’s appointment, do you have a backup? What’s your cancellation policy?
- Do you offer GPS tracking, verified maps, photos and visit summaries of your appointments?
- Do you walk dogs individually or multiple dogs at the same time?
- Do you have experience with dogs like mine?
It’s also important to note that the potential dog walker is asking questions of you and your dog as well, like what equipment is needed for care or potential behavioral triggers that your dog has.
After selecting your dog walker. Now you’ve made a match. Congrats! Make sure all pertinent information is provided for them including contact info, veterinary information, possible medication instructions, feeding and mealtime instructions, door code or alarm instructions, and locations of any supplies they may need (leash, baggies, gear, etc.). Always keep the lines of communication open. It’s not unreasonable to ask your dog walker for daily updates. Always be cognizant of any warning signs that it may not be the match you thought.
Important features of a safe dog daycare. There are some key attributes to be on the lookout for when selecting a dog daycare facility. A safe and high-quality dog daycare will have the following characteristics:
- Proper supervision and staff ratios: Active supervision (not just monitoring through cameras) and a staff ratio of 1:10 or 1:15.
- Separated playgroups: Dogs should be sorted by size, temperament and play style.
- Structured daily routines: Built in rest periods for pups are important to avoid overstimulation and stress from constant play.
- Cleanliness: The facility should smell clean and be free of hazards like exposed cords or standing waste.
- Transparency: Reputable facilities have clear emergency protocols, offer first-aid trained staff, and are open to in-person tours.
Next steps and what to ask. The following are good things to keep in mind as you select which facility is best for your dog:
- Take an in-person tour: Visit without your dog first to assess the cleanliness and whether there are signs of distressed dogs
- Ask about staff training: Ensure that caregivers understand canine body language and how to de-escalate dog scuffles.
- Review their intake process: A good facility will ask about your dog’s behavior and medical history and require an initial evaluation to see how your dog handles the environment.
- Review their policies: Take note of how the facility handles medical problems or emergencies and what kind of access they have to a vet or emergency clinic.
Keep in mind that many dog daycares will not accept dogs that are not spayed or neutered.
Just like a babysitter or someone who watches your house when you’re away, it may take a while to find the perfect dog walker or day care for your dog. You want your dog to be safe and happy in someone else’s care. A great provider will give you peace of mind and be the next best thing to you there yourself.
For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit www.akc.org.