Doggie Day Care

While most of us would love to take our pets with us 24/7, sometimes that just doesn't work out. Many are faced with the dilemma and guilt of what to do to keep our pets safe and entertained while we're unable to be with them. One of the largest growing solutions to this problem is Doggie Day Care. Most major cities, of which Los Angeles is one, have numerous daycare options from pet sitters, dog walkers to the full-on doggie daycare experience. If you're one of the many Angelinos who suffer from the guilt of leaving your dog alone for countless hours each day, this may be the solution for you. 

Bill Foundation has long been a supporter of Doggie Day Care. In fact, we make use of such facilities as our preferred method of boarding. A doggie day care offers so much more than just a place to "park" your dog while you're away. 

Many of them offer all sorts of "extras" such as training, grooming and of course, pick-up/drop-off service.  Many have a boutique where you can purchase something special for your pal and even let them pick it out! Most importantly it is a time for the all important "socialization" with other dogs – something that many single-dog homes lack. It offers a chance for unlimited safe play, professional observation and if necessary, medical care. 

When we have a dog who requires timed medication, but who has left the veterinary facility, doggie day care assures our rescues these dogs will receive their medication at the prescribed time. 

Bill Foundation has been in partnership with several doggie day cares that not only care for our rescues but promote all around dog health and well-being. On the west side, is the beyond fabulous Chateau Marmutt who has been working with Bill Foundation since the beginning. As you can see from these great photos, pet parents have nothing to worry about when leaving their furry kids at Chateau! Another fabu facility in the valley just opened, Doggie Star, where many BF rescues are spending their days (and nights) while waiting for their forever homes. All offer a wide variety of services. Check out their websites!

Doggie Daycare not for you? Another great option is the dog walker/sitter. With this option, your dog remains in your home and the "fun" comes to them. For many households with multiple dogs or with older dogs, perhaps the familiarity of home is the better option. A dog walker/sitter will usually charge by the visit which often includes playtime, feeding and a general check-in. This is particularly useful if your dog requires routine medication but is too sick to go to Daycare but well enough to be home. Several of our fosters have taken advantage of this option while caring for a recovering rescue.  These professional animal caregivers not only help with the practical but the fun as well. Most often used for dog walks or hikes or exercise, your dog may be very excited to see them arrive as they know fun is in the air. Many of these pet sitters offer overnight care and will often sleep at your home offering both companionship for your dog and security for your home since the dog can remain at home to keep an eye on things. This is a great option for the business traveler.

On our website at this link you can find several facilities and pet sitter/walkers that Bill Foundation would recommend both in the valley and on the west side who have experience dealing with rescued dogs and cats. 

For those of you unfortunate enough to be out of the area for our recommendations, DogFancy Magazine recommends these screening criteria:

• Does the daycare have a certified trainer on staff
• What is the daycare's training-behavior management philosophy?
• What is the caregiver to dog ratio?
• Does the staff have a dogfight protocol in place?
• What steps are taken in the event of a veterinary emergency?
• Is the place clean and relatively odor-free?
• Do indoor facilities have good ventilation?
• Does the Daycare have adequate fencing and secure areas between access doors?
• Are dogs screened by a trainer before acceptance?
• Does the daycare require vaccinations, negative fecal tests, flea treatments?
• Do staff members receive continuing education and training?
• Are the dogs supervised at all times?
• What dog-related experience does the daycare owner have?

Daycare can be a wonderful experience for dogs and a relief to tired owners. Give it a try and see if it works for you and your canine pal.