Doggy Daycare Basics
What are the benefits of doggy daycare?
Doggy day care is a place to drop off your dog for the day to play with other dogs and humans in a safe, clean, structured environment. It improves socialization, provides your dog with regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, relieves separation anxiety, boredom and destructive behavior, and increases your dog’s overall happiness.
How often should my dog go to daycare?
The answer really depends on your dog and lifestyle. Young, energetic dogs with pet parents that work full-time can benefit from several days a week, while owners of senior dogs that require more downtime may find that 1-2 days a week is enough. If you notice that your dog is getting too tired or grumpy, it might be time to scale back. Alternatively, if your pup has more energy than he or she knows what to do with, or is getting into trouble while you are at work, you could try adding more days.
Should I feed my dog before daycare?
If your dog normally eats in the morning, we recommend you feed him or her at least 60 minutes before arriving at daycare. We provide a fun, active environment for dogs, and if your dog joins in the activities too soon after eating it could result in a sometimes fatal condition known as bloat. If your dog has eaten within an 30 minutes of arriving, just let our staff know at drop off.
What will my dog do while at daycare?
Play! (It’s really a pup’s paradise.) Your dog will spend the day playing and socializing with other dogs in a structured environment, carefully supervised by our dog trainers and highly experienced staff. We have a daily schedule that includes playtime, socializing, naps, and, of course, lots of belly rubs and scratches behind the ears.
Will my dog be walked while at daycare?
Your dog will get plenty of exercise throughout the day – running, playing, and socializing – so there’s no need for a walk. Plus, it’s safer, since your dog never leaves our doggy daycare facility.
Does UCA have an outdoor play area?
Yes! In fact, we have the largest indoor and outdoor play area for dogs in the Albany Capital Region with top-of-the-line artificial turf. In the warmer months, we even have mini swimming pools for dogs to play in.
What should I expect when my dog comes home from daycare?
You’re likely to find you’ve got one tired pup on your hands! This is totally normal after a day of running, playing and socializing. And it’s not uncommon for dogs to sleep when they get home. Your dog may also be thirsty. Although water is available in the play areas and in your dog’s crate at the end of the day, they may still require additional water when they get home – similar to how we feel after a good workout.
