Our country is still at the top of the list in terms of animal abandonment in the European Union. According to the latest published data, around 140,000 abandoned dogs and cats are rescued in Spain every year. But, today, several alternatives could help improve this unfortunate situation. Will you join us to discover what a dog daycare is? Follow us!
What is a dog daycare?
Needless to say, everyone knows what a daycare center is. Naturally, it is the place where parents leave their children to be looked after and cared for while they work. The same thing happens with dog daycare centers.
But didn’t dog boarding kennels already exist? Yes, but here comes the interesting part. A dog boarding kennel can be a stressful space for our furry friend. There will be many unknown canine companions in it. And he will have to share space with them, even if it is in different cages.
And what is a dog kennel?
A dog kennel is a place where we can leave our furry friends. They are usually used on occasions when we know we will not be able to take care of them. This could be for vacations, business trips, or simply a move or renovation.
Although they have a very good reputation, there is also a certain amount of criticism towards them. The reasons are the care provided, the amount of attention, or the space in which the dogs are ‘housed’. As they are facilities prepared to house many dogs, the attention must be divided. For this reason, many dogs feel uncomfortable and need a more ‘personalized’ space.
For all those who are not convinced by the idea of a dog boarding kennel and need an alternative to leave their pets, kennels are born. A concept of ‘care’ for our dog that moves away from the kennel. And it does so through personalization.
So, unlike dog boarding, choosing a dog daycare can have many more options.
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Types of dog daycare
Not all of these centers have the same characteristics or are oriented to the same services. Let’s take a closer look at what types of dog kennels exist :
1.- Business or private
There are several alternatives regarding the type of dog daycare that we can find. Some have been established as companies or businesses that are dedicated to this (more or less as if they were residences). But there are also animal lovers or professionals who offer themselves on a personal level to become daycare centers.
This last option is one of the newest and, at the same time, the most traditional. It involves finding someone you trust to whom you can lend your best friend. Instead of asking the neighbor, we meet new people who make us feel safe enough to do so.
2.- Daycare for dogs
Whatever the type (personal or business), it is the alternative for those who have somewhere to leave their pet during the night, but not during the day. They usually take care of feeding it, walking it, and caring for it during the day.
It is a very useful alternative for dogs that need extra care because they are sick or have special needs. It is also an option for those who have adopted a puppy and do not have time to give it the necessary attention.
3.- Complete dog daycare
We were talking earlier about the possibility of leaving our furry friends in a kennel during the day. Well, this option is just a complement to the previous one. If what we need is to leave our friends for a couple of nights, this is the perfect option.
The advantage of this option is that, as it is a nursery, the animals feel more comfortable and in a more familiar place.
4.- Dog walker
It is a type of dog daycare that is dedicated exclusively to walking dogs. If the dog’s character allows it, it is taken for a walk with other dogs. It is a good alternative to get our friends to socialize and have a good time.
This is a very popular option in large cities. Although anyone can hire it, the main target audience for this service is older people. Many people cannot invest all the energy that their dogs need.
5.- With or without cats
Dog daycares can be mixed. And not in the sense of mixing male and female dogs. But in the sense that there are some daycares that also accept felines.
If you want to leave your dog in a kennel and you know that he doesn’t get along with cats, avoid them!
What services does a dog daycare offer?
It depends on the disciplines in which their caretakers are specialized. Even so, here are a series of services that can generally be found in a dog daycare:
Grooming. This is one of the types of care that can be provided to our dogs. What better way to see them than to see them again, all groomed and beautiful?
Games and entertainment. One of the great advantages of dog daycare compared to the loneliness of a home is this. With this service, the caregivers make sure that boredom has no place in their facilities. Fun and joy are guaranteed!
Dog training. Experts are specializing in dog training. So, if your furry friend lacks some knowledge, he or she can acquire it from professionals!
Tailor-made walks. We all know that every dog is unique, just like people. That’s why one of the advantages of a dog daycare is the personalization of all services. Especially the walks. Each one at their own pace!
Dog spa. This is one of the new trends in both kennels and daycare centers. In this service, our dogs will be immersed in relaxing and restful treatments. They will return home as good as new.
Veterinarian. Caregivers need to have some knowledge of veterinary medicine. If not, they will surely have a veterinarian they can trust and find. Nothing should happen, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.
Accommodation. A place for our little ones to rest in a comfortable and pleasant place. Being a more personalized service than residences, dog daycare is an option for those furry ones who need affection and family space.
How good is it to take a dog to a daycare?
og daycare not only ensures that dogs are safe while their owners are busy, but can also provide several benefits to the animal to ensure its physical and emotional well-being.
Socialization and emotional development. Socialization with other dogs helps them understand how to interact with other animals, which reduces the risk of aggressive or fearful behavior.
Regular physical exercise. Dogs need daily physical activity to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. At the kennel, they have ample space to run, jump and play freely.
Reducing separation anxiety. Dog daycare provides an environment where dogs are not only accompanied but also engaged in activities that keep them busy and distracted.
Professional care and constant supervision. The staff is trained to care for the dogs, monitor their behavior, and respond appropriately to any problems that may arise.
Peace of mind for owners. Leaving a dog home alone for long hours can generate feelings of guilt, especially if the owner knows that the dog is bored or anxious. Although sometimes there is no other option but to do it due to schedule, having a dog daycare offers the peace of mind of knowing that the animal is accompanied, safe, and enjoying activities and personalized attention.
In addition, as we have already mentioned, some kennels offer dog training services, which makes it easier to reduce and correct aggressive or problematic behavior.
Learn how to do it with dog training training! Study and focus your career on what you are most passionate about: daily contact with our furriest friends. Don’t hesitate and request all the information about our academic program.
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