Wednesday, April 22, 2015

The Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Sending Your Dog to Daycare (and Our Answers)

1)What is the typical dog to human ratio?
        At Dingo’s we typically have 3-4 staff members working for every 9-12 dogs.
 
2)   Do you have an enclosed outdoor area for the dogs?  If yes, how big is it and how often are the dogs brought outside to play and eliminate? 
At Dingo’s we have a 2,000 square foot enclosed outdoor area that is blanketed by pea pebbles and sand, thereby minimizing the amount of dirt and mud your dog can track into your home later.  The dogs are typically brought out at least every hour, more frequently for puppies and younger dogs.   If the weather is nice, we will spend several hours outside because we are all a little happier – dogs and staff alike - when we have ample opportunities for fresh air and sunlight. 
 
3)   Are there separate areas for dogs of different sizes and activity levels?
Because Dingo’s is a boutique doggy daycare, we get to know all of our dogs’ preferences and idiosyncrasies individually.  Certain dogs tend to gravitate towards each other while others may just not “hit it off” (“sometimes one dog sniffs another dog’s but and just doesn’t like what he smells”).   If necessary, we separate dogs based on a number of factors including age, temperament, play style, and activity level. We have the ability to do this because of our separate indoor and outdoor play areas. 
 
4)   What is your vaccination policy?
We require proof of all vaccinations including Bordatella, Rabies, and Parvo.  We also require clients to maintain a heartworm and flea/tick prevention program.   Veterinary records with proof of vaccination should be re-submitted at least once per year.
 
5)   Do you offer rides?  Pickups?  Drop-offs? 
Yes, we offer rides in Beverly, Salem, Hamilton, Wenham, Lynn, Swampscott, Nahant and Marblehead.  For rides outside these areas, please contact us to discuss.
 
6)   Are the dogs ever left alone (unattended)?
Our daycare clients are never left unattended.  However, in the interest of full disclosure we should note that our boarding clients do sleep alone at night.  For clients that are uncomfortable with this set up we also offer a home boarding option.
 
7)   What is your process for vetting new dogs?
For dogs new to daycare, we typically ask the owners to bring the dog over in the afternoon after the Dingo’s “regulars” have had time to run out some of their energy.   First, we will bring your dog into the outside area by him/herself and let him/her sniff around alone.  Next, we will bring out the most established calm and submissive dogs (Dingo is included in this group) in groups of one to two.  If your dog is copacetic with these initial “pack members” then we continue this process until your dog has met every member of the pack.  If any signs of aggression are shown, or if we do not think your dog is a good fit for our particular daycare, we reserve the right to refuse you service.  This has occurred on a handful occasions.  It does not mean your dog is a “bad” dog.  Not every dog is suitable for daycare or your dog may be a better fit elsewhere.
 
8)   What are your regular hours?  Can you accommodate an early drop-off or a late pickup if needed?
Our hours vary based upon the needs of our clients.  We can accommodate a drop-off as early as 7am and a pickup as late as 5:30pm.  If you can not pickup or drop off within that time frame we may be able to offer you a free ride dependent on where you live.
 
9)   Can you feed my dog a breakfast/lunch/or dinner if requested?
Of course!  We also have a separate feeding area for the dogs whose owners pack a lunch (or breakfast or dinner).
 
 
10) Are you bonded and insured in the event that anything was to happen to my dog whilst in your care?
Yes, we are insured by Business Insurers of the Carolinas, one of the few insurance companies that specialize in pet care general liability. 







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