How to Get ready for Your Canine's First Day at Dog Daycare
Sending your pet to day care provides enrichment, exercise, and psychological stimulation. But it can additionally be a stressful experience for the both of you.


It is very important to stay tranquil and positive at drop-off time, as pet dogs can pick up on your feelings. Practice short splittings up in the house to aid your canine feel a lot more comfy with leaving you.

1. Schedule a Meet & Greet
The meet and greet is an essential primary step to developing a trusting relationship with animal treatment carriers. This meeting is typically performed in a calmness, neutral releasing from disturbances.

Brimhall explains that "It's always best to leave your canine and leave immediately." This is crucial for your dog to link dropping them off with something positive happening!

2. Bring Your Dog's Favorite Toys
Bringing your canine's preferred toys to day care is an excellent means to reduce them right into the brand-new setting. It additionally allows them to play with something familiar, which can make the experience more satisfying for them.

If your canine has a special plaything or blanket that scents like home, bring it along. These convenience products can act as a calming tool throughout demanding times.

3. Bring Your Pet's Normal Food
If your pet calls for drug, make certain to load it. Lots of family pet day care and boarding facilities are experienced with providing medications.

Providing your dog with their regular food can aid stay clear of any kind of indigestion or other issues from altering their diet. This is especially important for boarding pets. Additionally, bear in mind to pack a preferred bed or blanket that scents like home!

4. Bring a Leash
A leash can come in handy for your dog's first day of doggie daycare. They may need to be crated during their initial introductions and a leash can help keep them safe until they feel more comfortable.

It's also important to familiarize your dog with the facility and the team who work there before their first stay. This helps both you and your pup to better understand what is expected of them.

5. Pack a Day Bag
If your dog takes medication or supplements, pack an adequate supply for their stay and clearly label them. Also include a schedule and instructions on how to administer them, so the facility can follow your dog's regimen.

Bringing comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket with your scent can help reduce stress and anxiety for both you and your pet. Lastly, don't forget your dog's leash and collar.

6. Keep Your Emotions Positive
Dogs pick up on their owner's emotions, so if you are anxious about dropping off your dog, they will be too. Try to keep your goodbyes short and happy.

Many daycare facilities offer a complimentary visit or trial day to help dogs become familiar with the facility. This may make the first day go more smoothly.

7. Bring Your Dog's Vaccinations
If your dog is new to daycare, getting them caught up on their vaccinations will be an essential first step. Most reputable facilities require all dogs to be current on rabies, distemper/parvovirus, and bordetella (aka kennel cough).

Keeping your dog up to date with these preventative vaccines helps ensure that infectious diseases are not spread between other pups in the facility.

8. Plan a Short Walk or Playtime Before Daycare
Sending best dog daycare near me your dog to daycare for the first time can be exciting and nerve-wracking. A reputable facility will keep you in the loop on how your pup is adjusting and will treat their health and safety with seriousness.

Make sure to plan a short walk or playtime before daycare so your dog has a chance to burn off excess energy. A calm and relaxed dog will have a easier time adjusting to their new environment.

9. Keep Your Dog's Schedule Consistent
Keeping your dog's schedule consistent helps them adapt to daycare and understand that this is a normal part of their routine. If possible, feed your pup at the same times each day and keep a consistent exercise schedule.

Keeping your emotions calm and confident during drop off will help your dog feel comfortable in their new environment. Be sure to say a quick, happy goodbye to avoid separation anxiety.

10. Keep Communication Open
A good daycare will keep communication open with pet parents throughout their dog's stay. This means giving them updates and asking how their pup is adjusting to the new environment.

A short walk or playtime before daycare helps your dog burn off energy and get used to the new environment. A quick and confident drop off also helps prevent separation anxiety.