What Pet Parents Should Know about Dog Daycare
Introduction
If you’ve ever searched “dog daycare near me,” you know just how many options pop up. But how do you know which one is right for your pup? As more pet parents look for safe, engaging environments for their dogs during the workday, dog daycare has become one of the fastest-growing services in the pet care industry. Not all facilities are created equal, though — and choosing the right one can make a huge difference in your dog’s safety, happiness, and behavior.
Let’s dive into what matters most when evaluating dog daycare facilities and how to choose one you and your dog will love.
1. Why Dog Daycare Can Be Great for Your Dog
Dog daycare provides more than just supervision — it offers socialization, exercise, mental stimulation, and a structured environment. Here are just a few benefits:
- Burns off excess energy
- Reduces separation anxiety
- Encourages healthy social behavior
- Prevents destructive habits at home
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), social interaction with other dogs and people is crucial to a dog’s behavioral health.
2. Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not every dog daycare facility follows best practices. Watch out for these red flags:
- No required temperament tests for new dogs
- Lack of supervision in playgroups
- Dirty or cluttered play areas
- No separation between temperaments
- No visibility into playrooms or dog interactions
A reputable facility should be transparent about their operations and happy to show you around.
3. What to Look For in a Quality Dog Daycare
Here’s what to prioritize when choosing a facility:
Temperament Testing
A proper evaluation ensures your dog is a good fit for group play and keeps everyone safe. At Collars Dog Resort (Waldo, KC) and Collars Dog Resort Olathe, all dogs must pass a temperament assessment before being accepted into playgroups.
Trained, Attentive Staff
Staff should be knowledgeable about dog behavior, pet CPR, and emergency response. Our team members are trained to spot subtle cues of discomfort, overstimulation, or escalating play.
All-Day Play With Flexibility
Unlike many other facilities, we don’t enforce mandatory nap times. If your dog enjoys playing all day, we let them! But if they need a break — especially puppies or seniors — we provide optional lunchtime rest upon request or staff recommendation.
Cleanliness and Transparency
We design our facilities with glass walls looking into the daycare rooms and webcams in our daycare rooms. You can check in on your dog throughout the day to see how much fun they’re having.
4. What If My Dog Isn’t Ready for Group Play?
Some dogs aren’t quite suited for daycare — and that’s okay! At Collars Dog Resort Waldo, we offer a DayStay option for pups who prefer solo time. These dogs receive individual attention, exercise, potty breaks, and enrichment sessions from our trained team in private runs, without the stress of group play.
This is especially ideal for:
- Dogs recovering from injury
- Older dogs who prefer peace and quiet
- Dogs in training or those building confidence
5. Should I Choose a Package or Membership?
We offer flexible options, including:
- A-la-carte full or half-day daycare
- Prepaid packages for cost savings
- Monthly memberships that can be tailored to your scheduling needs
You can explore all options for Waldo and Olathe locations to find the best fit for your schedule and budget.
Final Thoughts
Dog daycare can transform your dog’s day — and your peace of mind — when done right. Whether you’re working long hours, running errands, or just want your dog to burn some energy, make sure the facility you choose values transparency, safety, and care as much as you do.
Ready to see what premium daycare looks like? Schedule a temperament test at our Waldo or Olathe locations today!