What to Know & Expect from Pet Day Care Centres.

Our lives have become busier, we’re working longer hours, and it seems many of us have personified our pet dogs and cats more, perhaps to fill a void for those singles and couples without children. As a result, we find ourselves guilty leaving or fur babies home alone while at work. Fortunately, there is a solution that’s becoming more and more available, with centres offering casual daycare for pet cats and dogs.

This article will focus on what you can typically expect from pet day care centres, catering to dogs and cats, plus what you should know to prepare yourself and your pet, so the experience is as pleasurable and stress free as possible.

It’s worth noting that the following is a general guide because facilities and services will differ from centre to centre, but the basic principles of caring for your pet during the day discussed below remain the same.

Vaccinations are something you need to be able to show as being current, so if you have let your yearly vet visit lapse, visiting your local veterinarian for up-to-date vaccination treatments is a must. Similarly, it’s important to make sure your fur baby is flea and worm free, so make sure you have given them their monthly treatment to avoid costly measures pet day care centres will charge if they discover fleas and are forced to treat to protect other pets.

Younger pets in particular can suffer from separation anxiety, so to help with this handing over some favourite toys with your cat or dog will be most welcome.

Most centres will include food, but if you prefer, you can hand over well named container of food your pet is used too.

Dog Day Care

Doggy day care has become increasingly popular in recent years, with facilities found across many suburbs, across all states of Australia. In fact, for busy 2 income families working long hours, it’s become trendy, the place where all the cool dogs go during the day to hang out and play with their friends.

Dog day care centres come in all shapes and sizes, but typically include an outdoor area they can run around and play with other pooches of similar size and breed, as well as smaller inside areas they can socialise in a calmer environment. There’s one on one time for pats and loving rubs, plus private space for food, water and a snooze on comfortable, daily washed bedding.

Many doggy day care centres have trained staff that can spend time on basic manners and behaviour skills useful when amongst other canines and people, and for those pet parents suffering separation anxiety, you can log-in to a Wi-Fi site and watch your fur baby during the day on dog-cam.

Before you enrol your dog, it’s a good idea to check out what the requirements are and what will be available for your dog. Not all dog day care centres will be a perfect fit, which is why it’s important for the wellbeing of your fur baby that you select one that is going to offer what’s important to you the most. Large and working dog breeds need exercise, so not having large spaces to run around could be a deal breaker. Some small breeds can be timid, especially of new surroundings and other dogs, so you may want to know that their suite will be private and comfortable.

Cat Day Care

While not as popular as doggy day care, cats have not been forgotten when it comes to centres catering for our feline friends. Scratch poles, food, water and fresh bedding are all common features to make your kitty-cat feel like they’re in heaven.

Cat Day Care centres allow your feline to hang out with their friends, relaxing in their cat condo and getting loving rubs, while you’re away during the day.

Summary of Pet Day Care Across Australia

While some pet boarding centres do cater for one day care, they are primarily set up and priced for stays of 5 days and more.

For dogs whose owners work long hours, dog day care can significantly improve their quality of life and give them both the physical and intellectual stimulation they crave, plus valuable socialisation skills.

Although generally more independent than dogs, cats can be prone to mischief when left alone, locked up inside for hours on end. While they may not be as sociable with other felines, cats generally love some human connection, especially when it comes with treats and rubs, so if you’re going to be away for the whole day, cat day care could be the perfect solution for you both.

Pet directory have many pet day care centres listed across Australia you can check out the next time you’re going to be away all day and you’d like your pet to be well taken care of.

If you can recommend a great daycare centre you’ve had experience with, leave a comment below, or find their listing and leave a review to help others out.

Oliver (Senior Dog Reporter)

Hi to all my fellow canines, I’m Oliver, the Senior Dog News Reporter here at PetsBook.
I will endeavour to bring to dog owners’ informative and educational articles to help make the bond between you and them even stronger.