If you’re a dog owner who works long hours away from home, you probably asked yourself: What should I do with my dog while I’m at work? Eventually, you begin to think that sending your dog to daycare in Windsor is likely the best solution for you and your fur child. But it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly; these people will spend hours with your dog without you in their facility that you have little to no influence over. So, how do you know if it’s the right dog daycare in Windsor?
This article will give you an overview of what it means to send your dog to daycare in Windsor. Assess the pros and cons, share our top tips, and take a closer look at a few of the leading doggie daycares. And where Windsor locals recommend sending your dog to daycare in Windsor.
Pros of sending your dog to daycare in Windsor
- They will socialize with other dogs and learn healthy interactions and play.
- Your dog will get a bunch of toys and activities that they most likely wouldn’t receive at home to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. You may even be able to find a dog daycare in Windsor with a splash pool and ball pit.
- Spot will get a lot of attention and love from the doggie daycare staff.
- They will almost certainly be tired when they come home; they’ll be happy to see you but won’t burst with excessive pent-up energy.
- You can avoid having strangers in your home by taking them to a dog daycare in Windsor.
Potential cons of sending your dog to daycare in Windsor
- You don’t always know what goes on behind closed doors. Sometimes trusting a new person to give your dog the same level of treatment you would give them is a tall order and doesn’t turn out well 100% of the time.
- Your dog might not like it. Whether it’s because they are shy and are overwhelmed, or they’re getting picked on by other dogs, or the environment doesn’t offer enough to keep them stimulated.
- Your dog is at a higher risk of contracting illnesses from other dogs. Much like sending a human child to daycare, they now have an elevated likelihood of contracting a sickness due to exposure. Even if the daycare has strict health and safety procedures, some illnesses like the flu or cold can still slip through.
- If your dog requires more 1:1 attention, they may not be ab;e to receive it straight away at all times. Depending on the ratio of the staff members to the pups, it can be difficult for them to balance their attention.
- If the other dogs aren’t well trained, your dog could be at risk of being harmed. This likely won’t be the case in your chosen dog daycare in Windsor, but it is a potential risk and could happen anywhere.
Questions to ask a prospective dog daycare in Windsor
- What are your cleaning and sanitization procedures?
- What type of training and experience does the staff have?
- How do you know that the other dogs can be trusted to interact with your dog?
- What is your staff-to-dog ratio?
- What play and activity equipment do the dogs receive?
- How much outdoor time do the dogs receive on average?
- Are the dogs split into any different categories/rooms? For example, big dogs and small dogs.
- What methods of communication do they use? For example, some dog daycares send weekly or daily reports or have a live webcam link for owners to check in on whenever they wish.
- Of course, what are the fees and costs involved?
Top places to send your dog to daycare in Windsor
All these dog daycares in Windsor have been in business for at least five years and have received multiple positive reviews from the community. Each of these doggie daycares has a five-star rating on Google.
Animal Antics Behaviour Centre
Kelly and her highly trained professionals own and operate this dog daycare in Windsor. Kelly has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling. She is one of the only animal behavioral therapists with this level of education in the Windsor-Essex county area.
Staff offer facility tours after daycare hours to not disturb the dogs and cause any undue stress. Puppies are supervised at all times and can receive nap times at request. For the most part, your dog is free to roam and play with its friends under full supervision. Animal Antics Behaviour Centre has an indoor and outdoor play space. They split their facility into two or three categories to group boisterous and quiet dogs with similar temperaments. You will need to fill out an application, which includes proof of vaccination, and have your dog complete an assessment before they are officially accepted. They also offer additional services such as training and grooming.
Smoochie Poochies
Smoochie Poochie looks like a barking good time. It’s plain to see from their Instagram page that the dogs get plenty of outdoor spaces and play. For your dog to be considered a play pass at Smoochie Poochies, you must provide proof of vaccinations, and your dog will be requested to take a temperament test. After that, you may complete a registration form to apply. They also offer additional services such as boarding and training.
K9 to 5 Paws and Play Daycare and Boarding
This dog daycare in Windsor is highly coveted because they have an experienced veterinarian technician on site. This gives many owners peace of mind knowing that a trained professional is ready if something goes wrong. All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations and go through the application process to be considered for admission, which includes a temperament test. They also offer additional dog walking, grooming, and boarding services.
Top tips for choosing the best dog daycare in Windsor
- Always trust your gut. If something feels off about a place to you, take that into consideration. It is usual for dogs to be shy or hesitant to leave you at the beginning when thrust into an unfamiliar environment.
- Ask around for referrals.
- Ask to view the dog daycare in Windsor before you even take your dog there.
If you enjoyed this article on where to send your dog to daycare in Windsor and are always on the lookout for what’s going on in your community, be sure to check out our website articles for what’s what in Windsor.