If you know that you’ll be working, traveling, or otherwise spending time away from your precious pup, why not have them enjoy a stay at the best dog daycare in Los Angeles? The Wags Club provides care and company for your four-legged friend and gives them a luxurious and stimulating space to play. Your pup will get to meet new people, run free with other dogs, and practice their canine etiquette during their stay. They’ll never feel lonely or neglected, and you can relax knowing they’re safe and content.
To help get your puppy ready for their first big day away from home, we’ve put together a checklist that covers everything you need to do before you drop them off.
Choosing a Puppy Daycare
It may seem obvious, but choosing the right daycare for your pup is the key to a great experience for both of you! When you find a daycare your dog loves, it will be easy to get everything in order.
Visit In-Person
Visit the daycare to check things out, and bring your pup along. If they’re relaxed, curious, and wagging their tail, it’s a good sign they’ll be happy. Pick a daycare that suits your dog, whether they’re big or small, young or old, active or mellow.
Once you know the vibe is friendly, make sure the facility is clean and safe, and see if your dog likes the play areas. To put your mind at ease, some daycares will send photos during the day or give you access to a webcam, so you can watch your pup having a great time. Check to ensure there are enough trained and certified staff to supervise your puppy full-time. Also, look into the staff-to-dog ratio and try to discover what other kinds of dogs your pup will be spending time with.
Check out the Daycare’s Emergency Health Services
Even with the best care, accidents can happen, so make sure your chosen daycare has emergency services available if your dog gets hurt onsite.
Check the Hours of Operation
If you plan to take your puppy to daycare in the morning and pick them up after a day of play, make sure your schedule aligns with the daycare’s operating hours and their weekend and holiday schedules. Remember that some places will charge a fee or keep your dog overnight if you arrive too late to collect them, so ask the staff about their policy. Also note that you may need to schedule your pup’s stays in advance; not all daycares can take in your dog at a moment’s notice.
Ask about What’s Included
Every daycare is unique, so before you sign up, check out their service package. Some facilities have all-inclusive rates, while others may offer services like grooming and training a la carte.
The best doggy daycares can handle your dog’s special needs and even provide concierge services. To experience the full benefits of dog daycare, choose a place that gives your dog personalized attention and all the space and luxuries they could ever dream about.
Prepare for Your Dog’s Big Day!
Once you find the perfect daycare, it’s time to get your puppy ready for their first big day!
The first day of doggy daycare will be special for you and your pup, and there’s a lot to do to get ready! To ensure that everything goes smoothly, take time to prepare your dog to spend time away. Think about making their first visit a few hours long before easing them into full-day stays. Here’s what to do to prepare:
Schedule a Temperament Test
Before your daycare agrees to take in your dog, they will likely give them a temperament test to ensure they will fit in. These tests can also help prevent any friction between you, the staff, and other dogs and pet parents. Before the test, you might want to brush up on your dog’s obedience training and practice some basic commands. You don’t need to stress out about the assessment; just remember that everyone wants their pet to be happy in a safe environment.
Socialize Your Puppy
If your pup only has eyes for you, broaden their horizons! Take them to the park to meet other dogs, or call another pet parent to set up a playdate before daycare. This way, your pup won’t be overwhelmed by new sights, sounds, and scents when they arrive.
Visit the Vet for a Wellness Checkup
Before your dog goes to daycare, they’ll need to see the vet for a checkup and get a clean bill of health. If your dog gets sick or injured away from home, a record of your visit can help establish well-being before the incident.
Drop off Vaccination Records and Meds
Since your dog will be socializing with other dogs, make sure they’re up-to-date on all their shots and flea and tick medications to keep them disease-free. You’ll also need to give the daycare proof of vaccination before you drop off your pup.
Update Your Pup’s Identification
To keep your pet safe, make sure they have proper and current identification. You can outfit your dog with a collar and ID tags, or go high-tech with a microchip that makes it easy to identify your dog in an emergency.
Provide Emergency Contact Info
If something goes wrong at daycare, the staff will need to have the right emergency contact details at hand. Give them a primary contact number where you can be reached directly, plus the number of a trusted friend or family member, and the contact details for your dog’s vet.
Bring Along Your Pup’s Food and Supplies
You know what makes your dog happy, so don’t forget to pack a bag with the food, toys, treats, and supplies they need to feel at home at daycare.
Prepare Your Pup’s Food
Once your dog settles into daycare, they’ll have a ball running around and enjoying the doggy high life. Some daycares suggest that you give your dog an early breakfast before they arrive so they’ll be energetic and ready to play. To make sure your dog gets the right amount of food and snacks during the day, portion out and pack their meals ahead of time in labeled, easy-to-transport containers or zip-lock bags. Give the staff written instructions so they can schedule feedings, snacks, and nap breaks during the day.
Pack Your Pup’s Daycare Essentials
Even at a full-service daycare, it doesn’t hurt to ask about what to pack for your pup’s first day. You can’t go wrong with bringing a bag filled with your pup’s favorite toys and treats. Also include a t-shirt or blanket that carries your scent to help your pup feel like you’re there in spirit. Other daycare essentials could include a leash, pee pads, chew toys, and any special care instructions the staff may need.
On the first morning of daycare, consider giving your dog a calming supplement to help with any stress. Your vet may recommend giving your dog a chewable treat with ingredients like melatonin, L-tryptophan, chamomile, and hemp that will have a soothing effect.
Remember to Relax!
While you may feel anxious about your pup’s first day of daycare, remember that these feelings are a normal part of caring for your furry friend. The staff should be happy to give you updates and take your calls. If you like, you can come in during normal hours to pick up your pet early or have a quick visit. Once you see how much your pup enjoys the site, you’ll enjoy the benefits of dog daycare even more. When you take time to prepare your pup for their day at The Wags Club, you’ll feel great knowing they’re in good hands at the best dog daycare in Los Angeles.