July Newsletter: The Benefits of Daycare Services for Your Pet

Dogs play with staff member at daycare.

The Benefits of Daycare Services for Your Pet

Pet daycare could be an excellent solution if you're worried about your pet while you're away from home. Daycare offers advantages for you and your furry friend.

Improved Socialization

Experiences with animals and people at daycare will bolster your pet's confidence in a variety of social situations. Pets that interact regularly with people and animals may be better behaved in public and less likely to suffer from anxiety and other issues. Playtime with other dogs at daycare teaches your pet which behaviors are and aren't appropriate. Learning the rules of the dog world helps your pet enjoy positive experiences with dogs it meets during walks or visits to your friend's homes.

A temperament evaluation may be required before your pet starts daycare. The evaluation gives daycare workers important information about your cat or dog's personality, which helps them place your pet in the appropriate group.

Better Health

Exercise keeps your pet's bones, muscles, and heart strong. According to Dogster, dogs need 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise every day. Cats need about a half-hour of exercise, divided into several short sessions.

Unfortunately, when you're at work, your pet probably isn't walking laps around your home or sprinting up and down the stairs to meet daily exercise goals. Your furry friend is more likely to spend the time napping or looking out the window. If you regularly work long hours, you may not have enough time to play with your pet or take it for a walk.

Without regular exercise, pets are more likely to become obese. According to the 2022 Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are overweight or obese. Carrying even a few extra pounds increases your pet's risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, and other conditions.

Daycares offer both structured and unstructured playtime designed to ensure that your pet stays active.

No More Unpleasant Surprises

Pets find ways to entertain themselves when you're not home. Although tearing apart couch cushions or knocking the pictures off the mantle may seem like perfectly appropriate activities to your furry friend, you probably disagree.

Both boredom and separation anxiety can cause destructive behaviors. If your pet tends to be destructive while you're at work, enrolling it in daycare will offer physical and mental stimulation. The predictability of the daycare routine may also help pets that suffer from separation anxiety feel more secure.

An End to Complaints

Do your neighbors complain that your dog barks constantly while you're gone? Barking or howling may mean that your dog is bored or afraid. Enrolling your dog in daycare not only benefits your furry friend, but can improve your relationships with your neighbors.

Choosing the Best Daycare

It's best to visit several daycares before making a choice. During your visit, pay attention to:

  • Cleanliness. Does the facility look and smell clean? Do the employees quickly clean up urine and feces? What does the facility do to prevent the spread of diseases and illnesses?
  • Training. Does the staff receive ongoing training on animal behavior, first aid, pet care, and animal handling techniques?
  • Activities. What will your pet do during the day? Will it be placed in a large or small group of pets?
  • Transition. How does the facility help pets become comfortable with their new routines?
  • Staff. Does the staff seem friendly? How do they interact with the pets? How long have they worked at the daycare or with pets?
  • Overall Impressions. What does your gut feeling tell you? Sometimes a facility may seem fine on the surface, yet there's something that makes you question if it's the right one for your pet. The best daycare should offer a positive experience for both your pet and you.

Does your pet need a few immunizations before it attends daycare? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources

Dogster: Dog Exercise - How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need Every Day, 12/18/2018

https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/dog-exercise-how-much-exercise-does-a-dog-need-every-day

Association for Pet Obesity: 2022 Surveys & Data

https://www.petobesityprevention.org/2022

Hill’s: Is Daycare Right for Your Cat?, 9/20/2019

https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/routine-care/cat-daycare?lightboxfired=true#

Daily Paws: How to Choose the Best Dog Daycare for Your Pup, 5/2021

https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/caregivers-services/how-to-choose-best-dog-daycare

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Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
    ~R.H
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Maggie over the years. Y'all are the best and Dr. Johnson, you are the best vet in the world! God bless you all.""
    ~ J.D.
  • ""Your care for my beloved Mattie these last 10n years made her life, and mine much better….God bless each of you for all you did for us and I'm sure for all your other two and four legged patients.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""Thank you for saving my life." ~T.C."
    ~T.C.
  • ""I can not express how grateful I am for you and your staff… I appreciate everything you did in Beckham's treatment. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful doctor on his side. Thank you for all you do for the benefit of all our beloved pets.""
    ~L.B.
  • ""Dr. Johnson - There are no words that can truly capture your kindness.""
    ~G.B.
  • ""Thank you for the great care you took of Taco and the rest of our family. He is doing great now! He is enjoying running and playing with all four legs again.""
    ~W.C
  • ""People who avail themselves of your services at the clinic certainly are blessed to have such a caring staff....bless you and your devoted staff.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
    ~T.F.
  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
    ~P.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
    ~C.W.
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Lola when she had her reaction, and your office was already closed. I know you took time away from yourself and your family and I really appreciate it.""
    ~R.M.
  • ""Thank you for giving me more time with my best friend. We are all so grateful.""
    ~A.M.
  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.