Doggie Day Care
Do you work long hours and hate leaving your pup cooped up in the house all day? Not sure what time you’ll be getting home but pretty certain that Fido’s probably had his legs crossed for the last hour? Are you going shopping for the day and now thinking you’d like to stay out longer to have a nice dinner and see a new movie? Does your dog like to socialize with other dogs? Does your dog needs lots of attention and exercise? Does your dog need to increase its socialization skills?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, Doggie Day Care may be just what you’re looking for! Here at Fresh Air Dogs, Doggie Day Care is also referred to as Play Care since the dogs spend a good part of the day having fun, playing with each other, going on Pack Walks in the woods, etc.
Is your dog more of a loner and not really into being in a pack environment? Would your dog rather spend time with humans than other dogs?
Fresh Air Dogs can accommodate all kinds of personalities. We don’t put dogs in any situations where they might feel uncomfortable. If they prefer to be on their own, that’s okay with us. We have plenty of room and can cater to lots of individual needs.
Has your dog just had surgery and you don’t want to leave him home alone all day?
We’d be happy to have your pup here where our watchful eyes can make sure he’s doing okay, not pulling out stitches, etc.
We work nights and don’t know what to do with the dog?
Doggie Night Care would be perfect for you. Just drop your pup off late in the day, preferably just before 6pm; he can play with the other dogs in the evening and enjoy a sleepover on their own bed or one of ours. Just come by in the morning, after 6am, and pick him up. Dinner and breakfast can be served here or at your home, whichever you prefer.
How often do dogs come to Doggie Day Care?
It varies depending on the owner and the dog. Some dogs come just one or two days a week, usually the same day(s) each week; some come every weekday, some are just here on the weekends. In some cases where a dog may not have much experience being away from home, they may visit once or twice a week for several weeks in preparation for a week or longer stay. This usually helps the dog feel much more comfortable being in a new setting that they are used to and give the owners peace of mind as well.
How do I go about signing my dog up for Doggie Day Care?
The first thing you need to do is contact us for a “Meet & Greet.” If your dog(s) are up-to-date on their immunizations and flea free, we will schedule a time for you to bring the dogs for a tour and determine if this would be a good fit for your dog(s). We will get the paperwork handled, answer any questions and if all is well, your dog(s) can stay that day for their trial Day Care Day or we can schedule a date in the future.
What if I’m going to be away overnight, can my dog’s trial Day Care Day also be an overnight stay?
The general answer is NO, a full Day Care Day is required in most cases before we will commit to having your dog spend the night. In some rare cases, we will allow it, but don’t count on it. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so the sooner you schedule your “Meet & Greet” and first Day Care Day, the surer you’ll be that your dog will have an overnight spot at Fresh Air Dogs.
How many dogs come to Doggie Day Care?
That varies every day and every week. No matter how many dogs are here at any one time, they are always separated by temperament. The happy go lucky dogs that are never phased by anything are usually together and those that have interesting little quirks are kept in an area better suited for them.
What do you do when you have really little dogs and large dogs at the same time?
Safety and security are top priority here! If smaller dogs are intimidated by large dogs, they will have their own space and not mix with the larger dogs. We have found that many of the little dogs that have visited us really like being around all kinds of other dogs; it’s usually the temperament of the dogs that determines who they play with more than their size or weight. That said, I always keep a watchful eye when all the dogs are playing together to make sure all is well. Max the big Yellow Lab puppy, and Ringo, the tiny Yorkie just love playing together; Precious, the St. Bernard, and Foxy, the little Pom were fast friends at Fresh Air Dogs.
I heard you go on Pack Walks with the dogs, how does that work?
The dogs love leaving the fenced in areas and being free! Dogs that are not reliable off a leash are always walked on a leash. Dogs that are well behaved are allowed to romp in the woods off leash as long as they respond well to my commands. No dogs are allowed to be off leash without the owner’s permission first.
What if I’m running late when I’m dropping the dog off or in a hurry at pick-up time?
That’s easy! Just a quick call on your cell when you’re a mile or two away and I’ll be waiting at the end of the driveway so you can Stop, Drop and Go! Same thing at pick up time, just give me a buzz and I’ll have Fido all set to go. Several of my clients always call to say they’re on the way to get their dog; this way I can get Fido out for one last pee before his trip home. Works great!
FMI on Doggie Day Care, click A Dog’s Daily Life.
Fresh Air Dogs – Your dog’s favorite place to learn, play and stay!