Bringing your pup to daycare for the first time can feel risky. You’re leaving your dog with strangers. You wonder if they’ll be safe. You worry about how they’ll act around other dogs. Will they get hurt? Will they be scared? Will they even have fun?
These feelings are normal. Every dog owner goes through them. But the right daycare can be great for your dog. It gives them exercise. It helps them socialize. It burns off energy so they’re calmer at home.
The key is knowing what to look for.
Tour the Facility First
Never sign up without seeing the space. Walk through the play areas. Look at the floors and fences. Check if there’s enough space for dogs to run. Make sure there are separate areas for different dog sizes. A tiny Chihuahua shouldn’t be playing with a Great Dane.
Clean spaces with good airflow matter. The floors should be easy to clean. There shouldn’t be standing water or waste anywhere. Check the fences for gaps or weak spots. Dogs are escape artists when they want to be.
Look at the toys and equipment. Are they clean? Are they safe? Worn-out toys can be choking hazards. The play equipment should be sturdy and well-maintained.
Ask about outdoor space if they have it. Some dogs do better with access to fresh air. Others are fine playing inside. Think about what your dog prefers.
Ask About the Staff
Find out how many people watch the dogs. A good ratio is about one staff member for every ten to fifteen dogs. Fewer dogs per person is even better. Too many dogs per person means problems can go unnoticed.
Ask about their training. Good daycares have staff who know dog body language. They should be able to spot problems before fights happen. They need to understand stress signals. A tucked tail, flattened ears, or stiff body means a dog is uncomfortable.
Ask what they do if a dog gets scared or too excited. How do they handle disagreements between dogs? What’s their process for breaking up rough play? You want staff who stay calm and know how to redirect behavior.
Find out about employee turnover. If staff members keep leaving, that’s a warning sign. Dogs do better with familiar faces. Consistency matters.
Ask if the same people work there every day or if it changes. Your dog will feel more comfortable seeing the same staff members each visit.
Watch the Dogs During Your Visit
The dogs there should look happy. Tails wagging. Playing without too much roughness. Some wrestling is normal. But you shouldn’t see dogs cowering in corners or acting aggressive.
If dogs look stressed or the room feels chaotic, that’s a red flag. Pay attention to how staff members interact with the dogs. Are they engaged? Are they watching carefully? Or are they on their phones?
Listen to the noise level. Some barking is expected. But constant barking or whining means dogs are stressed. A good daycare has a buzz of activity but not panic.
You can even tour places like the doggy daycare Fort Worth Hounds Town Fort Worth Western Hills location to see play zones in action. Seeing the space while dogs are playing gives you the real picture.
Watch how dogs interact at pickup time. Do they seem happy to see their owners? Or do they seem relieved to leave? Happy dogs often don’t want to go home. That’s a good sign.
Look at Your Dog After Their First Visit
A tired, happy pup is a good sign. Your dog might sleep more than usual. They might be thirsty or hungry. This is all normal after a day of play.
But watch for limping, excessive scratching, or seeming scared. Check their body for any marks or injuries. Look at their paws. Sometimes rough play can cause scrapes.
Some tiredness is normal. Fear or injuries are not. If your dog seems traumatized or hurt, something went wrong.
Pay attention to their behavior over the next few days. Are they excited when you mention daycare? Or do they hide when you get ready to go? Dogs tell us how they feel through their actions.
Some dogs need time to adjust. The first visit might be overwhelming. Give it a few tries before deciding if it’s right for your pup.
Ask About Their Policies
What vaccines do they require? Most good daycares require rabies, distemper, and bordetella at minimum. Some also require canine influenza vaccines. These requirements protect all the dogs there.
How do they handle emergencies? Do they have a vet on call? What’s their protocol if a dog gets injured? You need to know your dog will get quick care if something happens.
What’s their sick dog policy? They should not allow sick dogs to attend. This protects healthy dogs from getting ill. Ask what happens if your dog gets sick during the day.
Find out about their evaluation process. Most daycares do a trial day or assessment. This lets them see how your dog acts around others. It helps them place your dog in the right play group.
Ask about their daily schedule. When do dogs play? When do they rest? Dogs need downtime during the day. Constant play can be too stressful.
Trust Your Gut
You know your dog best. If something feels off during your tour, listen to that feeling. Maybe the staff seems rushed. Maybe the space feels cramped. Maybe you just get a bad vibe.
A good daycare will answer all your questions. They’ll let you visit without pressure. They’ll care about your dog’s specific needs. They won’t try to rush you into signing up.
They should ask you questions too. About your dog’s temperament. About their energy level. About any fears or triggers. This shows they want the right fit.
Don’t feel bad about being picky. This is your family member. You have every right to be choosy about who cares for them.
When picked carefully, daycare becomes a safe place for your dog and reward for you.
