Warning Signs of a Bad Dog Daycare Experience

If you notice your dog is acting anxious or stressed after a day at daycare, it's likely a bad sign. This behavior can be a clear indication that something is amiss.

A dirty or unsanitary environment is a major red flag, as it can lead to the spread of diseases and parasites.

Your dog's happiness and comfort should be the top priority, and if you notice they're not getting the attention they need, it's time to reevaluate the daycare.

Some dog daycares may have a high staff-to-dog ratio, which can lead to inadequate supervision and care.

A dirty or unsanitary environment is a clear sign of a bad dog daycare.

If you notice a strong smell of urine or feces, it's likely a sign of inadequate cleaning or overcrowding.

A daycare with a high staff turnover rate may not provide consistent care for your dog.

If the staff seems disinterested or unengaged with the dogs, it's a red flag.

Some daycares may not provide adequate supervision, leading to fights or escapes.

A daycare that doesn't have a clear policy for handling emergencies is a major concern.

If the daycare doesn't provide regular updates or photos of your dog's activities, it's a sign of a lack of transparency.

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Reputable dog boarding kennels require vaccination records to protect your dog and the rest of their furry guests. If a kennel does not request your dog's vaccination records, you should eliminate them from consideration!

Safety should be an absolute top priority at every boarding facility, and that includes having staff with safety certifications. Ask about the staff's CPR and Pet First Aid certifications to ensure they're prepared for any emergency.

A lack of supervision and safety measures is a major red flag. Look for holes in fences, chemicals dogs could reach, and aggressive dogs that could pose a threat to your pet.

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A dirty facility is unacceptable for your fur baby. Bad odors, dirt, poo and fur messes, murky drinking water, and uncleaned kennels are all red flags.

At a reputable facility, you can expect hospital-grade cleaning products that are safe for both humans and animals, with FDA approval to kill all diseases. These facilities will also have a chemical mixing station to ensure their chemicals are diluted at the safest ratio.

Private grooming suites should be cleaned daily, and all walls and doors should be wiped down, with floors mopped regularly. Indoor and outdoor play yards should be power washed nightly with dog-safe chemicals.

Tubs and grooming stations should be cleaned between each use, and the facility should be fogged to sanitize any dust or dirt in the air. Stainless steel bowls should be sanitized, and air filters should be changed weekly to ensure clean air flow.

Look out for signs of uncleanliness, such as kennels that smell bad or water that looks cloudy, because they could indicate poor hygiene.

Safety should be an absolute top priority at every boarding facility. Some kennels try to cut corners, which is a major red flag.

Lack of safety measures can be a real concern, including chemicals dogs could reach, holes in fences, aggressive dogs, and a lack of supervision. This is not a place you want to leave your furry friend.

Reputable dog boarding kennels require vaccination records to protect your dog and the rest of their furry guests. If a kennel doesn't request your dog's vaccination records, eliminate them from consideration.

Ask about the staff's safety certifications and emergency procedures. You want to know that the boarding facility is prepared for anything, including worst-case scenarios.

Hounds Lounge, for example, requires vaccination records and has a plan in place for natural disasters like Arkansas tornadoes. This level of preparation gives pet owners peace of mind.

A well-run boarding facility should also have staff who are CPR and Pet First Aid certified, like Hounds Lounge. This shows they're committed to your dog's safety and well-being.

Inadequate staffing is a safety concern that can have serious consequences for dogs in care. A staff-to-dog ratio that's too low can lead to under-attention, which is a warning sign of inadequate staffing.

Uninterested or overworked staff are often a result of inadequate staffing, and this can be detrimental to a dog's well-being.

Poor communication is a major red flag when it comes to dog daycare facilities. It's not acceptable for a facility to ignore your calls or emails.

You want to know that your dog is happy and healthy while you're away, and a good facility will keep you in the loop. They should send reminders about upcoming reservations, contact you with questions or concerns, and keep you updated on your dog's stay.

Some facilities even post photos and updates on social media so you can see your dog having fun with their furriends. This level of transparency is reassuring and shows that the facility values your peace of mind.

If a facility doesn't answer your questions or keep you informed about your dog's condition, something is wrong. You deserve to know what's going on, and a good facility will make sure you're kept up to date.

When touring a dog daycare, ask about the staff-to-dog ratio to ensure there are enough staff members to care for the dogs.

You should also ask about 24/7 on-site staff, as many facilities leave dogs unattended overnight. This is a major red flag.

A good sign is if the staff seems passionate and genuinely cares about the dogs.

A kennel should be staffed by dog lovers, not just anyone who thinks it's a job. The staff-to-dog ratio is crucial, so ask about it when touring a facility.

You want to ensure there are enough staff members to care for the dogs, so ask about the number of staff members on duty at any given time. A good rule of thumb is to look for facilities with a low staff-to-dog ratio.

Ask about 24/7 on-site staff to ensure your dog is safe and cared for at all hours. Leaving dogs unattended overnight is a major red flag.

A facility that's staffed 24/7, like Hounds Lounge, is a big plus. This means there's always a team member available to care for your dog, no matter what time of day or night.

Leaving your dog for the first time can cause anxiety for any pet parent. You're not alone in feeling this way.

It's normal to have a range of feelings, from anticipation of your trip to worrying about your dog's well-being. This is completely understandable.

Finding a reliable kennel for your dog is essential for their comfort, safety, and well-being whether you're leaving for a weekend or a longer trip.

If most of the reviews are bad, it's probably not going to live up to your expectations. This is a clear warning sign that the daycare may not be providing the best care for your furry friend.

A lack of transparency in their policies and procedures is another red flag. This can make it difficult to know what to expect and can lead to misunderstandings and frustration.

If you notice that most of the reviews are complaining about the same issues, such as unclean facilities or untrained staff, it's likely a sign of a larger problem.

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Lack of Amenities can be a major red flag when it comes to pet boarding facilities. Fresh water should be readily available, and kennels should be spacious with comfortable bedding.

Is the boarding space temperature-controlled? This is a crucial factor, especially for senior or sensitive dogs. Hounds Lounge, for example, offers temperature-controlled boarding spaces.

Dogs need regular playtime to stay happy and healthy. If a facility doesn't provide playtime, it's a sign of neglect. Hounds Lounge, on the other hand, provides playtime for its boarders.

Personal attention at night is also essential for dogs who get anxious or need reassurance. Some facilities, like Hounds Lounge, even offer complimentary turn-down service and personal attention at night.

If most of the reviews are bad, it's probably not going to live up to your expectations. Fellow pet owners' reviews can be a huge red flag if they're overwhelmingly negative.

You can trust fellow loving pet pawrents about their experiences with dog day care facilities. They'll give you the lowdown on what to expect.

Doing a quick Google search and reading reviews will save you a trip if the facility has a bad reputation. It's worth taking the time to read what others have written.

Ask friends, co-workers, and acquaintances about their experiences with dog day care facilities. While no two experiences are identical, it still helps to know what others have gone through.

Some dog boarding facilities will charge extra to administer medicine, which is just not right.

A good boarding facility will provide you with a menu or online landing page that breaks down pricing, so you can see exactly what you're getting.

You can view all of Hounds Lounge's pricing online, and they offer many amenities for an added fee, but some are free.

Their overnight guests enjoy free doggy daycare, which is a great perk.

They also happily administer medicine at no additional charge, which is a huge relief for pet owners.

Stays longer than 7 nights at Hounds Lounge even earn a complimentary exit bath, which is a nice touch.

When choosing a dog daycare, it's essential to consider the safety and well-being of your furry friend. A reputable daycare should have a secure entrance and exit system to prevent dogs from escaping.

Some dog daycares may prioritize profit over providing a safe environment, so it's crucial to research and read reviews from other pet owners. Look for daycares with a low staff-to-dog ratio to ensure each dog receives individual attention.

A good dog daycare should have a clean and well-maintained facility, with regular disinfection and sanitation protocols in place. This reduces the risk of disease transmission and creates a healthy environment for dogs.

Be wary of daycares with poor ventilation, as this can lead to the spread of airborne diseases. A well-ventilated facility helps keep dogs and staff healthy.

A reputable dog daycare will have a clear and concise policy regarding vaccination requirements and health checks. This ensures all dogs in the daycare are up-to-date on their shots and healthy enough to interact with others.

Some dog daycares may not provide adequate supervision, leading to stress and anxiety in dogs. Look for daycares with experienced staff who can provide individual attention and care to each dog.