Dog Daycare Requirements and Policies Explained

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Posted Oct 12, 2024

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Dog owners want to ensure their furry friends are safe and happy while they're away, which is why understanding dog daycare requirements is crucial.

To operate a dog daycare, you'll need to comply with local health and safety regulations, which typically include a minimum square footage requirement of 50 square feet per dog.

Most dog daycares require dogs to be up-to-date on their vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.

Dogs must also be spayed or neutered unless they're under 6 months old.

Some dog daycares may have specific requirements for dogs with certain health conditions or breeds that are prone to aggression.

Here's an interesting read: Dog Daycare License Requirements

Daycare Requirements

To participate in daycare or boarding, your pup must meet certain health and socialization requirements. This includes having up-to-date vaccination records, with a specific focus on the Bordetella vaccine.

The Bordetella vaccine must be administered every 6 months to participate in daycare or boarding, as some veterinarians recommend yearly boosters but Waggin' Tails requires more frequent boosters to optimize its effect.

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Even with vaccination, your dog can still catch and spread Kennel Cough, which is why a 6 month booster is required. If your dog has never received the Bordetella vaccine or it was last given more than 9 months ago, they must receive the vaccine at least 3 days prior to their stay.

A temperament test is also required for every dog to ensure they'll thrive in a daycare environment. This free day of daycare allows staff to assess your dog's behavior towards other dogs and humans.

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Our Requirements

We require all dogs to be up-to-date on their vaccinations, including Rabies, Distemper/Parvovirus, and Bordetella. These vaccinations are crucial for protecting your pup and the other dogs in our care.

Dogs must provide proof of vaccinations from a veterinarian, either by uploading records to their client portal or providing hard copies at check-in. The submitted documents must have either a given or expiration date for each vaccine.

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We cannot guarantee that we will be able to reach your veterinarian at check-in, so please arrive prepared with all necessary documents.

Here are the specific vaccination requirements:

If your dog has any underlying conditions that prohibit them from receiving these vaccinations, a signed letter from your veterinarian must be provided.

Temperament Requirements

Every dog that wants to stay at our facility needs to pass a temperament test, which is a free day of daycare to see if they'll thrive in a social environment. This test assesses their behavior towards other dogs and humans, looking for signs of aggression or fear.

The first day can be overwhelming for most pups, but don't worry, every dog adjusts at their own pace. We're constantly monitoring their behavior and will dismiss a dog permanently if we feel their behavior has changed and could put them or another dog at risk.

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Daycare Details

Waggin' Tails requires all pups to meet certain health and socialization requirements to participate in Daycare.

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Our daycare program is designed to ensure your furry friend gets the socialization they need with other dogs.

To participate, your pup must be up to date on all vaccinations.

Some dogs may require additional vaccinations before they can join our daycare pack.

We've found that dogs who are well-socialized tend to be happier and more well-adjusted in our daycare environment.

By meeting these basic requirements, you can rest assured your pup will have a fun and safe experience at Waggin' Tails.

Important Information

Before you bring your furry friend to dog daycare, there are some important requirements and rules to be aware of. These include requirements and rules to play, which will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your dog and the other dogs in care.

To enroll your dog in daycare, you'll need to submit an application, which will provide us with essential information about your dog's health and temperament. This is a crucial step in ensuring we can provide the best possible care for your dog.

Some additional paperwork is required, including a health and temperament agreement, an emergency medical care release, and a veterinary form. These documents will help us understand your dog's needs and provide the necessary care in case of an emergency.

Spay/Neuter Requirements

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Dogs over 6 months old must be spayed or neutered before joining our pack socialization. We take this requirement seriously to prevent unwanted breeding and reduce aggressive behavior.

Some studies suggest waiting to alter a dog until they're older is beneficial, but we've found that in social settings, the risks outweigh the benefits. Excessive hormones can lead to aggressive behavior, putting your dog's physical and mental health at risk.

Unaltered females approaching or past their first heat cycle won't be allowed at our daycare until after they've been spayed and healed. This ensures a safe and healthy environment for all dogs.

In some cases, we may allow unaltered dogs to remain unaltered until 9 months old, as long as they're not demonstrating signs of hormone-related behaviors like excessive mounting or aggression.

Please Note

Before you start, there are a few things you should know. Requirements and rules to play are crucial, so make sure you understand them.

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If you're planning to apply, be prepared to provide some personal information. The application process will ask for details about you and your experience.

If you're unsure about your pet's health or temperament, it's essential to review the Health and Temperament Agreement. This document will outline the terms and conditions you need to agree to.

In case of an emergency, it's crucial to have a plan in place. The Emergency Medical Care Release form will guide you through the process.

To ensure your pet receives the best care, a Veterinary Form will be required. This form will provide essential information about your pet's medical history and needs.

Here are the key documents you'll need to review before proceeding:

  • Requirements and Rules to Play
  • Application
  • Health and Temperament Agreement
  • Emergency Medical Care Release
  • Veterinary Form

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is best for dog daycare?

Dogs can safely attend daycare at 16 weeks old, after completing their vaccinations. However, the ideal age may vary depending on breed, size, temperament, and health

Edmond Gibson

Lead Writer

Edmond Gibson is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in the human-animal bond, Edmond has honed his expertise in writing about pets and their well-being. His articles have appeared in various online publications, covering topics such as dog ear surgery and other veterinary-related issues.