Life is busy, and so are you! When things get complicated, providing our dogs with the attention they deserve becomes challenging. In these moments, investing in doggy daycare could be a great option to get your dog out and about.
It's an option that more dog owners are choosing around the world. Globally, the pet daycare business reached 3.74 billion in 2022, according to Future Market Insights. The research firm predicts it will grow to $8.84 billion by 2033.
One of those businesses is Hounds Town USA, which was founded in 2000 by former NYPD and Nassau County Police canine handler Michael S. Gould, who is a long time TD business customer. With International Dog Day coming up on August 26th, we met with Anthony Mitchell, owner of two Hounds Town franchises in New Jersey and a TD Bank customer, to learn about doggy daycare.
Anthony has had a lifetime of experience with dogs, starting from when he was the age of 7. His first dog was a German Shepard and Husky mix named Ruffy. Anthony has had numerous dogs, continuously learning about dog behavior, and deepening his appreciation for dog training.
Doggy daycare has a whole lot of benefits
Anthony believes investing in a doggy daycare offers benefits, such as a safe environment for your dog to play and interact with other dogs and people. This type of interaction is crucial for a dog's mental health and socialization skills.
Additionally, knowing that your dog is safe and happy while you work or handle important tasks provides peace of mind. While you’re busy, your pup could be having the time of their life!
What should I look for?
When searching for a doggy daycare, the first thing to look for is transparency from the provider. All-inclusive pricing is a way to avoid unexpected fees, but you should ask specifically what the cost covers.
Also, ensure that the doggy daycare communicates well and informs you if they notice anything unusual or if something happens. Find a place that understands dog behavior and has processes to evaluate your dog and place them in a suitable environment.
Anthony believes it is very beneficial to note if the doggy daycare separates dogs into different play areas based on size, personality, and age, creating a natural pack environment. He notes that dogs of similar size can play more safely, and those with similar personalities and ages can interact better.
Is my dog a good fit?
To determine if your dog is a good fit for doggy daycare, choose a daycare that conducts evaluations before accepting a dog. Evaluations and trial periods help make sure that your dog shows no overt aggression. Many dogs may feel excited or anxious when meeting new dogs and people. However, with time and gradual evaluation, both you and the daycare can assess if your dog will adjust to the environment and interact well with others.
According to Anthony, most dogs will settle into the routine once given time to adjust and interact. Even excitable puppies learn to relax and enjoy their new friends and environment. Once the dogs are adjusted, the risk of conflict is minimal. So, most dogs are suitable for doggy daycare, provided you choose a daycare that sets them up for success and offers opportunities to adapt to their environment.
How often should I bring my dog?
It’s best to establish a consistent schedule with a doggy daycare. This makes budgeting easier, as you’ll know exactly how much you are spending each week without surprises, especially if the daycare offers all-inclusive pricing. Additionally, a consistent schedule benefits your dog by providing routine. Dogs thrive on routine, and regular attendance helps with their training and comfort around other dogs and strangers.
Does breed matter?
According to Anthony, all dog breeds are quite similar in terms of daycare suitability, so no particular breed fares significantly better or worse than others. Each dog’s individual personality is more important when choosing a daycare.
If the daycare carefully evaluates and groups dogs based on size, age, and personality, breed is not a critical factor, according to Anthony.
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We hope you found this helpful. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on information available as of August 2024 and is subject to change. This content is not intended to be used or acted upon with respect to any client's specific circumstances. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, consider talking with your qualified professionals.
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