How to Pick a Daycare Your Dog Will Actually Love

Choosing a boarding or daycare facility can be stressful – you want somewhere that’ll take care of your pup like you would. After 18 years in the dog world, I can tell you exactly what to look for (and what should send you running).

The Nose Test Never Lies

The second you walk in, take a deep breath. A good facility should smell clean – not like heavy chemicals masking something worse. If it smells like wet dog, urine, or just “off,” that’s your first red flag.

Fresh, clean air is possible even with dogs around. If you see dog hair tumbleweeds rolling across the floor or smell that unmistakable odor of old urine masked by heavy perfumes, keep looking. A truly clean facility doesn’t need to hide behind air fresheners.

Listen to What the Dogs Are Telling You

This one’s HUGE. Walk in and just… listen. Are all the dogs barking non-stop? That’s a facility full of stressed or frustrated dogs. Would an employee need to wear ear plugs to survive their shift? Not a good sign.

A quality daycare sounds relatively calm. Sure, you might hear one or two dogs barking (probably newcomers), but overall it should feel peaceful. Happy dogs don’t bark all day – they’re too busy playing, resting, or enjoying enrichment activities. If it sounds like chaos, it probably is chaos.

Look Beyond the Lobby

Ask to see the entire building. Don’t settle for a peek through a window or a quick lobby tour. You need to see where your dog will actually spend their time.

The party animals should not socialize with the senior citizens – it’s a recipe for fights, stress, and potential injuries. Look for separate play areas for different energy levels, training areas for mental stimulation, and quiet zones for dogs who need breaks. The best facilities also offer adventure day upgrades like hikes or field trips, plus individual enrichment options for dogs who need special attention.

The Vibe Check

How do the staff interact with the dogs? Are they engaged and affectionate, or just going through the motions? Watch for genuine connections. Dogs should approach staff members willingly, and staff should know dogs by name. They should notice subtle behavior changes and be actively engaged, not just standing around supervising.

Two Critical Questions to Ask

1. What’s your staff-to-dog ratio?

The best facilities run 8-12 dogs per employee. Over 15? Run! How does one person ensure 15+ dogs are all interacting safely for hours at a time? Not possible in my experience. This question can give you a strong hint to their priorities.

2. How do you handle dogs who get anxious?

There should be a detailed system in place. Good answers include trying different kennel sizes (many anxious dogs prefer smaller, cozier spaces), moving dogs to quieter rooms or near employee desks, and specific training exercises for building confidence. 

Trust Your Gut

Your instinct is usually right. If something feels off, it probably is. Your dog deserves better than just being “warehoused” while you’re away. They deserve a place where they’re engaged, cared for, and come home tired but happy.

The difference between a mediocre facility and a great one is obvious once you know what to look for. Take the time to visit, ask questions, and observe. Your dog is counting on you to make the right choice.

Want to see what a quality facility actually looks like? Schedule a tour anytime – any good daycare should be happy to show you around and answer all your questions. If they’re not, that tells you everything you need to know.